The 2012 Acura TL does well in the arena of midsize upscale cars. It is perfect for daily driving as well as sportier weekend activities. It is competent when it comes to the interior too.
The cabin is spacious and generous in standard features that car shoppers like. It seems that Acura knows it very well that they have put most things that you are looking for.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $35,705.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70L) | MPG: 20 city / 29 hwy |
| Length: 194 in. (492.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.5 cm) |
| Height: 57.2 in. (145.2 cm) | Width: 74 in. (188 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3726 lbs (1690 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.9 in. (15.1 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.5L V6 SOHC, VTEC® | Compression Ratio: 11.2: 1 |
| Horsepower: 280 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 254 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Option:TL SH-AWD AT | MSRP: $39,255; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:TL SH-AWD MT | MSRP: $42,985; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
Engine
The base 2012 Acura TL comes with a V6 3.5 liter engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 254 lbs/ft of torque. The Acura TL SH-AWD trim is equipped with a V6 3.7 liter engine that brings 305 horsepower and 273 lbs/ft of torque. These engines are available in two transmissions.
First, which is standard in the base and SH-AWD trims, is the 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Second, which is available for the SH-AWD 6MT models, is the 6-speed manual transmission.
Performance
Without a doubt, any of the engine options deliver adequate power. And you will be happy to discover that the power generated by the V6 is complemented by its excellent handling. The balance is obvious, especially during turns and through curves. However, the power steering seems to provide more assistance than necessary, making you feel that something is absent. Nonetheless, its brakes are strong, greatly contributing to the sporty feel of the TL.
Exterior
The front layout for the Acura TL looks sharp because of its narrow headlights and narrow front grille. You will neither see many lines nor profound curves. Acura seem to deviate from the trend of having organic shapes and nature inspired flowing lines of today’s sporty sedans. Everything looks smooth and sleek, giving us the impression that the TL wants to keep its sporty performance a secret until you start revving the engine.
Interior
The interior of the Acura TL is practical but never devoid of luxury. It is obvious that Acura put a lot of thought into it because the legroom and the headroom for all the seats are adequate for full grown adults. Taller drivers and passengers have no complaints about it. The seats do not only provide a high-quality feel, they also provide excellent lumbar support. Driving the new Acura TL is very comfortable.
Safety
The new Acura TL received “good” scores in all the tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Therefore, the IIHS labeled it as a “Top Safety Pick.” The Acura TL comes with the standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, air bags, brake assist, head restraints and electronic brake distribution.
Reliability
The Acura TL comes with a 4-year standard warranty, a powertrain warranty that lasts for six years and a 5-year exterior rust warranty. It also has 24 hour roadside assistance, travel and emergency services as part of their Total Luxury Care. They also have the unique 15-year seatbelt warranty.
Pros
The 2012 TL gives great value for upscale midsize cars. It has a fresh styling for its interior that is made of quality materials. The cabin is spacious and comfortable; it has user-friendly high tech features and superior sound system (optional). It has capable engines, good handling and most of all, it is a Top Safety Pick of the IIHS.
Cons
It runs on premium gas. It may deter car shoppers but EPA estimated that the new Acura TL is more fuel efficient than other cars in its class.
If you are looking for a capable, stylish, fuel efficient and comfortable upscale midsize sedan, the 2012 Acura TL is definitely a better choice.
Competition
Tight competition can be expected from the likes of the Infiniti G37 (MSRP $36,900; 19 city / 27 hwy), the Lexus ES350 (MSRP $36,725; 19 city / 28 hwy), and the BMW 335i (MSRP $42,400; 20 city / 30 hwy) which is the highest priced among the four vehicles.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“Passenger comfort and functionality are delights in the 2012 Acura TL, as is refinement; but the cluttered instrument panel could irk some.”Car Connection
“The 2012 Acura TL undergoes a substantial freshening with revised styling, a new transmission, and new features. ”Consumer Guide
“The freshened 2012 TL is a pleasant car, but no longer excels in this class. Its slick 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic form a strong powertrain that returns a good 24 mpg overall. We found the handling taut and the ride compliant, but the vague steering is short on feedback.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Acura TL upgrade is a little show, a little go. Underneath the exterior changes the TL sports a new six-speed automatic transmission that delivers more miles per gallon.”KBB
“Abundant user-friendly high-tech features; spacious cabin; smart all-wheel-drive system; superb optional sound system; solid construction.”Edmunds
