2013 Acura TL: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2013 Acura TL
4th generation TL (2009-2014), second year after the 2012 refresh and second-to-last model year.
Acura positioned the TL as a midsize luxury sport sedan that mixed strong V6 power, a roomy cabin, and easy-to-use technology with a more driver-focused feel than a typical comfort-first sedan. The brochure leans heavily on sharp styling, responsive handling, and a cabin designed to reduce distraction. Against rivals, the TL’s big differentiators were strong standard equipment, available SH-AWD, and a reputation for giving buyers a lot of performance and comfort without moving into a much pricier German sedan.
The base TL paired a 280-hp V6 with heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. The Special Edition was a better-equipped version of that front-wheel-drive sedan, while the 305-hp SH-AWD emphasized sharper handling with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
2013 Acura TL specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, VTEC, 3.7 Liter | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SportShift | Auto, 6-Spd SportShift | Auto, 6-Spd SportShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 305 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 254 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 254 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 12.5 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 36.2 in | 36.2 in | 36.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Start Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| 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 | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 Acura TL compared with the 2012 model?
The main change for 2013 was the midyear addition of the front-wheel-drive Special Edition. The rest of the TL lineup changed very little following the 2012 refresh.
What did the 2013 Acura TL Special Edition add?
The 2013 TL Special Edition added keyless access, pushbutton ignition, a body-colored decklid spoiler, and contrast stitching for its Ebony leather interior. It retained the front-wheel-drive TL’s 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2013 Acura TL get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2013 Acura TL carried over its main powertrains. Front-wheel-drive models used a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6, while the SH-AWD used a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 with all-wheel drive.
Was the 2013 Acura TL redesigned?
No, the 2013 Acura TL was not redesigned. It remained part of the fourth generation introduced for 2009 and followed the more substantial 2012 refresh.
Does the 2013 Acura TL Special Edition have all-wheel drive?
No, the 2013 TL Special Edition is front-wheel drive. The SH-AWD model is the 2013 TL version with all-wheel drive.