Acura RL vs Kia Spectra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2009 Kia Spectra
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2009 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $13,550 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 14 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 138 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft (best) | 136 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft (best) | 12.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 2,701 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in | 6.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 177.2 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 68.3 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 57.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | Kia Spectra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $13,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | LX $14,550 MSRP |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | EX $15,550 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | EX $16,550 MSRP |
| 5 | — | SX $16,450 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SX $17,450 MSRP |
Acura RL vs Kia Spectra FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2009 Kia Spectra on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2009 Kia Spectra starts lower at $13,550.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,550).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).