Although priced like a premium compact, the Acura TL offers mid-size space along with advanced technology features and distinctive looks. The latest model year saw a minor stylistic refresh along with welcome updates to the vehicle's features, a new automatic transmission and improved fuel economy.
The most noticeable alteration to the latest TL is that Acura toned down the controversial “beak” of the outgoing model, a pointed and overgrown chrome grille piece that did the car no favors. The grille is now more harmoniously integrated into the overall design of the car, which features crisp lines and an athletic stance. Inside, the TL boasts a roomy cabin with high-quality materials, although the button-laden dashboard can be slightly confusing to some.
VTEC Powertrains
The new TL comes in two varieties: a base front-wheel drive car with a 3.5-liter V6 and an up-level all-wheel drive model with a more powerful 3.7-liter V6. Both engines employ Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) technology, which increases high-rpm horsepower through enhanced airflow by opening the intake valves deeper and longer when the engine speed reaches a designated rpm.
The FWD TL makes 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque from its 3.5-liter six-cylinder and returns fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. A new six-speed transmission replaces the old five-speed unit and is the gearbox available.
The upscale TL sends its 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of twist to all four wheels via Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which monitors data such as lateral G-forces and steering angle and sends extra power to the front or rear wheels as needed, resulting in more agile and predictable responses. The six-speed automatic comes standard, while enthusiasts can opt for a traditional six-speed manual that features the intuitive clutch action and silken shifting action that have characterized Honda and Acura stick shifts for decades.
Fuel economy with the AWD model is rated at 18/26 mpg for the automatic and 17/25 mpg with the manual transmission.
Trim Level Breakdown
As with other Honda and Acura models, the TL offers the choice of several trim levels in place of a-la-carte options to give buyers the level features they want. These trim levels are largely identical for both FWD and AWD TL models and include a base trim, TL with Technology Package and TL with Advance Package.
The base TL includes leather-trimmed sport seats, an eight-speaker Dolby Pro Logic II sound system, XM radio, a USB interface with iPod integration, Bluetooth hands free smartphone connectivity and 17-inch alloy wheels. The AWD TL base model gets 18-inch wheels and slightly meatier tires.
Stepping up to the TL with Technology Package adds perforated Milano leather, a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates, a rearview parking camera, an ELS sound system with HDD, GPS-linked, solar sensing climate control, a keyless access system with push-button start and more.
To those features, the TL with Advance Package adds six-stage heated and ventilated, a blind spot information system as well as 18-inch and 19-inch wheels for the FWD and AWD models, respectively.
Occupant Safety
The TL is outfitted with dual front, side and side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, electronic brake force distribution and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Key Competition
While the TL is close in size to luxury cars like the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, it is priced against smaller sedans like the Infiniti G37 and Cadillac CTS.