Acura TL: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura TL is a five-seat luxury sedan known for strong V6 power, a quiet and roomy cabin, and generous comfort features. Its SH-AWD version adds all-wheel drive and a more athletic feel.
The TL focused on useful luxury rather than flash, pairing leather-trimmed comfort and solid build quality with easy everyday driving. Its final generation became larger and roomier while keeping a strong V6 at the heart of the lineup. The SH-AWD model carried the performance side of the family, and the 2012 update made the whole car quieter, more efficient, and more refined.
Strengths
- Every TL in the 2014 lineup had V6 power, with ratings ranging from 280 hp in the front-wheel-drive model to 305 hp in the SH-AWD version.
- The cabin puts comfort first, with a quiet atmosphere, leather-trimmed seating, and useful standard features.
- The 2009 redesign added more rear-seat room, making the TL easier to use as an everyday five-seat sedan.
- The SH-AWD model adds all-wheel-drive grip and a more athletic personality without leaving the TL's comfort-focused character behind.
- The 2012 refresh reduced cabin noise and improved fuel economy while keeping the same basic formula.
Who it's for
The TL fits someone who wants a comfortable, well-equipped used luxury sedan without giving up strong power or everyday ease. The front-wheel-drive versions suit commuting and relaxed daily use, while the SH-AWD model makes more sense for drivers who want extra grip and a sportier character.
Acura TL lineup
The Base TL is the straightforward choice, with front-wheel drive, V6 power, and the model's core comfort and equipment. Pick the SH-AWD when all-wheel-drive grip and stronger performance matter more; a manual transmission was also offered on that version in some years. In the final two model years, the front-wheel-drive Special Edition added a sharper appearance and convenience touches without moving to the SH-AWD setup.
Acura TL generations
From 2009 to 2014, the TL spans 1 generation. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2009.
4th Generation (2009–2014)
The fourth-generation TL grew larger and roomier, with a new cabin, electric power steering, and V6 power. It also introduced the 305-hp SH-AWD performance model, while a 2012 refresh softened the styling and brought a 6-speed automatic.
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2014
A quiet final year for the TL, with the 2012 updates and existing lineup carried over.
2013Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive Special Edition joined the lineup midyear with keyless access, pushbutton start, a spoiler, and unique interior stitching.
2012Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a new 6-speed automatic, better fuel economy, less cabin noise, and updated Bluetooth and USB functions.
2011
The pre-refresh TL carried over with front-wheel-drive and SH-AWD versions.
2010
The SH-AWD model gained a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission; the rest of the lineup changed little.
2009New generation
Fully redesigned with a larger body, more rear-seat room, a new cabin, and new V6 engines. The SH-AWD model replaced the Type-S as the performance-focused TL.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Acura TL.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Acura TL a sedan or does it come in other body styles?
The Acura TL is a four-door sedan. The final 2009–2014 generation seats five and combines a roomy passenger cabin with 12.5 to 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space in the latest lineup.
Is the Acura TL a hybrid?
No. The Acura TL covered here uses gasoline V6 engines. The fourth-generation lineup paired a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive or a stronger 3.7-liter V6 with all-wheel drive.
Does the Acura TL have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
It came with both. Standard TL models use front-wheel drive, while SH-AWD versions use Acura’s all-wheel-drive system for stronger wet-weather traction and a more athletic feel.
Is the Acura TL more sporty or more comfort-focused?
It balances both, but everyday comfort is the main theme. The TL has a quiet, roomy cabin, leather-trimmed comfort, and strong V6 power. SH-AWD models add the more athletic personality.
Is the Acura TL a good fit for a family?
It can suit a small family that wants a comfortable sedan. It seats five, has 36.2 inches of rear legroom in the latest lineup, and emphasizes a roomy, quiet cabin rather than maximum cargo space.
What generation is the final Acura TL?
The final Acura TL is the fourth generation, built from 2009 through 2014. It arrived as a larger redesign with more rear-seat room, then received updated styling, a quieter cabin, and a newer automatic transmission for 2012.
Did the Acura TL come with a manual transmission?
Yes, but only in a narrow part of the lineup. A close-ratio six-speed manual joined the performance-focused SH-AWD model for 2010; the broader fourth-generation range used automatic transmissions.
Acura TL Reviews
What owners are saying about the Acura TL.