The fourth-generation Acura TL marked a bold departure from its predecessors. Landing in showrooms in September 2008, this executive sedan packed fresh styling and muscular powertrains into a package that aimed to challenge European luxury brands head-on.
Behind its controversial shield grille lay legitimate performance credentials. While some balked at its angular design language, the TL’s mechanical prowess and cutting-edge features established it as more than just another pretty face in the premium segment.
Breaking Performance Barriers
The TL’s dual personality revealed itself the moment you pressed the start button. At its heart beat a choice of two potent V6 engines – a 3.5-liter unit producing 280 horsepower in base trim, or a more muscular 3.7-liter variant churning out 305 horses in top spec. Either engine delivered smooth, linear power that made highway passing effortless.
Handling proved equally impressive, with a well-sorted suspension that found the sweet spot between comfort and control. The electric power steering offered decent feedback, though some drivers wished for more road feel at higher speeds.
“After three years and 45,000 miles in my 2009 TL SH-AWD, I’m still impressed by how it handles everything I throw at it. The V6 has plenty of punch, and the all-wheel drive system makes it feel planted in any weather.” – Michael Chen, TL owner
The available 6-speed manual transmission transformed the driving experience, offering crisp shifts and well-spaced ratios. The more common 5-speed automatic proved competent if unremarkable, though its Grade Logic Control helped maintain optimal gearing on hills and curves.
Luxury Meets Technology
Step inside the TL’s cabin and you’re greeted by an environment that skillfully balanced luxury with functionality. The following elements stood out:
- premium leather surfaces with excellent fit and finish;
- logically arranged controls with minimal button clutter;
- supportive front seats with multiple power adjustments;
- generous rear legroom that exceeded many competitors;
- impressive sound insulation that kept road noise at bay.
The technology package brought additional refinements, including a punchy ELS audio system and one of the era’s more intuitive navigation interfaces. While the center stack looked busy at first glance, the learning curve proved surprisingly gentle.
Daily Living with the TL
The TL proved its worth as a daily driver through thoughtful design choices. Storage spaces were abundant and well-placed, while the 13.1 cubic foot trunk swallowed luggage with ease. Visibility remained good despite thick A-pillars, aided by well-placed mirrors and an available rearview camera.
“Coming from a BMW 5-series, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the TL has been incredibly reliable while delivering 90% of the driving enjoyment at a much lower cost of ownership.” – Sarah Rodriguez, TL enthusiast
Fuel economy varied significantly based on driving style and engine choice. The 3.5-liter model returned reasonable figures for its class, while the more powerful 3.7-liter demanded premium fuel and delivered somewhat thirstier performance.
Climate controls maintained consistent cabin temperatures, though the dual-zone system occasionally required manual adjustment to keep both front occupants happy. The heated seats worked quickly in cold weather, making winter commutes more bearable.
Safety and Reliability
Acura packed the TL with advanced safety features for its time. Beyond the expected airbags and stability control, available technologies included:
- adaptive cruise control for highway driving;
- collision mitigation braking system;
- blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert;
- high-intensity discharge headlights with auto-leveling.
These systems worked together seamlessly, providing peace of mind without feeling intrusive. The TL’s solid build quality inspired confidence, backed by Acura’s reputation for reliability.
The Road Ahead
Looking back, the fourth-generation TL represents an interesting moment in Acura’s history. While its bold styling may have polarized opinions, the underlying engineering excellence created a compelling luxury sport sedan that still holds appeal today.
Strong build quality and proven mechanicals mean well-maintained examples can provide years of enjoyable service. The TL’s blend of performance, comfort, and technology created a distinctive alternative to European rivals.
Pros & Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Powerful and smooth V6 engines with excellent reliability | Controversial exterior styling may not appeal to everyone |
| High-quality interior materials and solid build construction | Five-speed automatic transmission feels dated compared to rivals |
| Comprehensive safety features and strong crash test ratings | Fuel economy lags behind some competitors, especially with 3.7L engine |
| Excellent value proposition in the used luxury market | Front-wheel drive architecture limits performance potential |
| Spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five adults | Somewhat busy center stack design with multiple buttons |
| Strong technology features for its era | Premium fuel requirement increases operating costs |
| Proven long-term reliability with proper maintenance | Tight trunk opening can make loading larger items challenging |
The fourth-generation Acura TL stands as a compelling choice for buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and reliability. While it may not match the brand cachet of European competitors, its combination of strong engineering, comprehensive features, and proven durability makes it an intelligent choice in the used luxury market.