In a field dominated by rear-wheel drive vehicles, the Acura TL is front-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive system. In its favor is a strong reputation for reliability. The TL's styling, though, has proven polarizing—either you like it or you don't.
Aggressively priced and available with a plethora of high tech gadgets, including one of the best sound systems in the business, the TL is a great choice for value minded buyers.
What's New for 2014
There are no major changes this year— some minor color and trims changes are the only new offerings.
Choosing Your Acura TL
The TL comes well-equipped right out of the box. Even on the base model, you'll get a leather interior, power front seats with 2-stage heating, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, xenon headlights and 8-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with Bluetooth streaming.
The trim level you choose gives you one of two V6 engines and the option of all-wheel drive:
3.5
This front-wheel-drive model uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. All Acura TLs require premium-grade gasoline.3.5 Special Edition
The front-wheel drive Special Edition features distinctive 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-matched decklid spoiler and Special Edition badging.3.7
This all-wheel drive TL employs a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission is standard on most 3.7 models, but those who like to shift for themselves can have a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option with the Technology Package. Fuel economy for the 3.7 liter engine is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway—each figure drops by 1 mpg with the manual transmission.Whether you choose a 3.5 or 3.7, you can select one of two option packages:
- The Technology Package add a 10-speaker premium DVD Audio sound system with hard drive, navigation, keyless access, rearview camera and a GPS-linked climate-control system.
- The top-of-the-line Advance Package also includes ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring.
For buyers who prefer good value to a prestigious European nameplate, the TL offers a lot of bang for the buck. The all-wheel drive system is one of the best on the market, but very expensive—unless you need the traction, we'd suggest passing on it. Our pick of the lineup is a 3.5 with the Advance Package.