2012 Acura TL: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2012 Acura TL

The 2012 Acura TL received a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. Its headline changes were cleaner front and rear styling and a new 6-speed automatic transmission on automatic models.

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About the 2012 Acura TL

4th generation TL (2009-2014), mid-cycle refresh year

Acura positioned the TL as a performance luxury sedan that blended strong V6 power, everyday comfort, and a long standard-equipment list. It was meant to be a driver-focused alternative to European midsize luxury sedans, with a roomy cabin, strong technology story, and—on SH-AWD models—a standout all-wheel-drive system that sharpened cornering as well as bad-weather traction. In plain terms, the TL’s pitch was sporty feel without giving up comfort and daily usability.

The front-wheel-drive TL is the comfort-focused version, with a 280-hp V6, heated leather-trimmed front seats, xenon headlights, a moonroof, and premium audio. The more athletic SH-AWD has a 305-hp V6, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
A new 6-speed automatic replaced the previous 5-speed automatic on automatic models, improving fuel economy. The 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter V6 engines carried over.
Styling
Acura reshaped the grille and revised the bumpers, lights, rear design, interior trim, and instrument cluster.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring joined the equipment in the Advance Package; there was no new lineup-wide safety suite.
Tech
Bluetooth phone and audio functions and the USB connection were refined. The navigation system also received package-specific hardware and software improvements.
Structural
Additional sealing and sound insulation reduced high-frequency cabin noise without changing the underlying platform or chassis.

2012 Acura TL specs and features by trim

2012 Acura TLBase0 in stock
2012 Acura TLSH-AWD3 in stock
EngineV6, VTEC, 3.5 LiterV6, VTEC, 3.7 Liter
TransmissionAuto, 6-Spd w/OD & SptSftAuto, 6-Spd w/OD & SptSft
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGas
MPG City20 mpg18 mpg
MPG Highway29 mpg26 mpg
Horsepower280 hp305 hp
Torque254 lb-ft273 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo13.1 cu-ft12.5 cu-ft
Rear Legroom36.2 in36.2 in
Seats55
Doors44
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Hill Start Assist
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2013 Acura TL compares

The 2013 Acura TL was mostly a carryover after its 2012 refresh. The main change was a new midyear Special Edition based on the front-wheel-drive TL.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Acura TL a full redesign?

No. The 2012 TL is a mid-cycle update of the fourth-generation model, with revised styling, equipment refinements, and a new automatic transmission rather than an all-new platform.

What transmission changed in the 2012 Acura TL?

Automatic 2012 TL models use a 6-speed automatic that replaced the previous 5-speed. The extra gear helped improve fuel economy.

Did the 2012 Acura TL get better fuel economy?

Yes. Fuel economy improved on automatic models, helped by the move from a 5-speed to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Was the Acura TL SH-AWD trim added for 2012?

Yes. The 2012 lineup added the SH-AWD trim, which pairs a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes.

Did the 2012 Acura TL add blind-spot monitoring?

Yes, but only as part of the Advance Package. Blind-spot monitoring was not standard across the full 2012 TL lineup.