Acura RL vs Lincoln Continental
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2020 Lincoln Continental
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | Base |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2020 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $46,305 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $12,940 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,571 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $21,402 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 6 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 17 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 18 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 305 hp (best) |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.7 L | 3.7 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs (best) | 4,224 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 117.9 in (best) |
| Length | 195.7 in | 201.4 in (best) |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | — |
| Height | 57.2 in | 58.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lincoln ContinentalBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | 2 (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 | Lincoln Continental |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $46,305 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | Base $48,305 MSRP |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | Reserve $59,870 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | Reserve $61,870 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Black Label $70,205 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Black Label $75,470 MSRP |
Live inventory
Lincoln Continental6 for sale
See all
Used2017 Lincoln Continental
Reserve
Ingot Silver•Ebony79,853 mi$19,990Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
Certified2020 Lincoln Continental
Standard
Silver Radiance•Ebony111,081 mi$14,995Lincoln of Bloomington
Bloomington, MN
Used2017 Lincoln Continental
Select
Burgundy•Cappuccino53,789 mi$18,147Economy Auto Outlet
Massillon, OH
Used2017 Lincoln Continental
Select
Ruby Red•cappuccino105,628 mi$14,548Fred Anderson Buick GMC of GREER
Greer, SC
Used2018 Lincoln Continental
Select
White Platinum Clearcoat Metallic•cappuccino69,908 mi$21,402Carl Hogan Toyota
Columbus, MS
Certified2017 Lincoln Continental
Reserve
Magnetic Gray Metallic•ebony140,129 mi$12,940Leith Lincoln
Raleigh, NC
Acura RL vs Lincoln Continental FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2020 Lincoln Continental 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 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2020 Lincoln Continental starts lower at $46,305. Live Lincoln Continental listings start at $12,940.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- The 2020 Lincoln Continental leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (46,305).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- The 2020 Lincoln Continental leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- The 2020 Lincoln Continental leads on horsepower in this comparison (400).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2012 Acura RL vs 2020 Lincoln Continental?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Lincoln Continental (5/5 NHTSA overall).