Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura TL lineup starts with the base trim, the core front-wheel-drive luxury sedan with strong V6 power, a quiet cabin, and everyday comfort features. The Special Edition keeps that formula but adds a sportier appearance and keyless entry and starting. SH-AWD is the performance branch, pairing a larger V6 with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for stronger acceleration and added grip.
The Base Model trim level, sold simply as base, is the straightforward TL: roomy, quiet, comfortable, and well equipped without extra appearance or performance hardware.
Best for: Drivers who want the TL’s core luxury and V6 power in its simplest front-wheel-drive form.
Highlights
The Special Editions trim level, represented by the Special Edition, gives the front-wheel-drive TL a sharper look and added everyday convenience.
Best for: Drivers who like the base TL’s comfort but want sportier styling and easier keyless entry and starting.
Highlights
Adds keyless entry and pushbutton ignition, 18-inch chrome-look wheels, a decklid spoiler, and contrast cabin stitching over the Base Model while retaining the 280-hp 3.5-liter V6.
1 in stock
The All-wheel Drive trim level, known as SH-AWD, is the athletic TL with added all-weather grip and a more performance-minded setup.
Best for: Drivers who prioritize stronger acceleration, confident wet- or winter-road traction, and a sportier feel.
Highlights
Moves beyond the front-wheel-drive Special Edition with a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and more performance-focused details.
4 in stock| Feature | Base Model | All-wheel Drive | Special Editions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | base10 in stock | SH-AWD4 in stock | Special Edition1 in stock |
| Core identity | Everyday luxury and comfort | Performance and added grip | Sportier style and convenience |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.7-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 305 hp | 280 hp |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| 2014 city/highway fuel economy | 20/29 mpg | 18/26 mpg | 20/29 mpg |
| Trunk space | 13.1 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft | 13.1 cu ft |
| Signature exterior details | Classic TL design | 18-inch wheels and brake-cooling ducts | Chrome-look wheels and spoiler |
The base TL is the straightforward front-wheel-drive version. Across the fourth generation, it centers on a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6, leather-trimmed heated front seats, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth.
The Special Edition is a later front-wheel-drive TL with a sportier appearance and added convenience. It keeps the 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 while adding keyless access, pushbutton start, 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and contrast stitching.
The SH-AWD is the performance-focused TL. Fourth-generation versions pair a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 with an all-wheel-drive system that can send power where it helps the car turn and grip, while retaining the TL’s leather-trimmed comfort.
SH-AWD identifies the TL with Acura’s performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system. It improves all-weather traction and can shift power between the rear wheels to help the car feel more responsive through turns.
In the later lineup, the Special Edition adds keyless access, pushbutton start, 18-inch chrome-look wheels, a body-colored rear spoiler, and contrast interior stitching. It keeps the base model’s 280-hp V6 and front-wheel drive.
The main differences are power and traction. The base TL has a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The SH-AWD uses a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6, all-wheel drive, sport seats, and performance-focused details.
The Special Edition is mainly a sport-look front-wheel-drive TL with the 280-hp V6, keyless access, and a spoiler. The SH-AWD is the mechanical performance upgrade, with a 305-hp V6 and all-wheel drive for stronger traction.
The base TL is the straightforward daily-driver pick. It already has the model’s quiet cabin, 280-hp V6, leather-trimmed heated front seats, moonroof, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and eight-speaker audio.
The SH-AWD is the better fit for slippery conditions because its all-wheel-drive system provides stronger all-weather traction. It also has hill-start assist and the more powerful 305-hp V6.
In the later lineup, the Special Edition fills that role. It stays front-wheel drive but adds 18-inch chrome-look wheels, a rear spoiler, and contrast stitching, along with keyless access and pushbutton start.
The SH-AWD has the strongest engine in the fourth-generation range: a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6. The base and later Special Edition models use a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6.
Yes, the base, Special Edition, and SH-AWD versions described in the later lineup all include leather-trimmed seating and a power moonroof. Heated front seats are also part of their core equipment.
The later Special Edition specifically adds keyless access and pushbutton start. Those convenience features are part of what separates it from the standard front-wheel-drive TL.
No, those are not defining Special Edition features. In the later lineup, the Special Edition focuses on keyless access, pushbutton start, 18-inch wheels, a spoiler, and contrast stitching; navigation-focused equipment belonged to separate package versions.