2010 Acura TL
by Jim Prueter -06/2010

Redesigned TL is better but not a standout in its class

(This review was written in April 2009 about the 2009 Acura TL. Although little of substance has changed, it has been updated to include what’s new for 2010)

My first impression upon seeing the all-new TL from Honda’s luxury brand was, “What were they thinking?” While its profile is downright handsome, views from both the front and rear immediately let you know it’s like no other car on the road. You’ll stand out in a way you didn’t intend.

The front mimics the face found on all Acura vehicles, only the TL has a more exaggerated “goofy grin” look.

A trip around to the back suggests that a once good-looking vehicle backed into a cinder-block wall. How could a sibling of Acura’s attractive flagship, the RL, end up looking like this?

It’s hard to imagine that potential buyers will be drawn to the TL for its looks. Smart Acura sales consultants would do well to get their customers behind the wheel, where the TL is a very comfortable and enjoyable place to be.

It’s been a year since we first tested the newly designed TL and still haven’t warmed up to its bizarre proportions.

But where the TL really scores big is in both its interior and driving dynamics. We’ve never considered Acura to really be Honda’s luxury brand, the way Lexus is to Toyota and Infiniti is to Nissan, yet the TL’s interior gets very close.

The dual cockpit design features exceptionally comfortable front bucket seats with enough adjustment for drivers of all sizes to find a perfect setting. We did find the memory seat adjustment to be one of the most annoying features of any vehicle we’ve tested. Every time I entered the vehicle, I would watch the driver’s power seat undo my seat adjustment by automatically sliding forward and rising to a previous, unwanted setting. As an exceptionally tall driver, I would have to reach down and power the seat all the way back before I could even get into the car. After several trips to the owner’s manual and following step-by-step directions, I could still not change the default setting.

The leather seats are perforated, heated but not cooled. Rear seat legroom is a much-needed full inch larger than the previous TL but the middle seat slot is narrow and raised, making it nearly impossible for a third adult to ride comfortably.

The dual hooded dash is soft touch, with gauges and navigation screen deep-set to keep sun glare away. We’ve always appreciated the simplicity of Honda navigation systems, which are useful and easy to program.

All materials are excellent quality, fit and finish superb. But we don’t like the busy dash that’s loaded with too much high-tech imagery, resulting in a cluttered look. Too many buttons unnecessarily overcomplicate what should be simple to use vehicle operations.

Our TL was loaded with technology, including Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, voice-activated navigation system, rear backup camera, a 10-speaker ELS surround sound audio system, MP3/auxillary input jack, USB audio interface, XM Satellite radio including AcuraLink communication system with real-time traffic and weather, and keyless entry system with smart entry and push-button ignition.

For 2010 the TL is offered in two models: base ($35,105) and the SH-AWD ($38,655). A technology package can be added to either model, as well as high performance tires and 18-inch wheels. A 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V-6 powers both models and is the only engine available.

Both versions use the same five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode capabilities; a six-speed manual transmission is new for 2010. Most vehicles in this class use a six-speed automatic, which luxury vehicle buyers expect for improved fuel mileage and acceleration.

For 2010, we tested SH-AWD (SH for super handling) with the new six-speed manual shifter which, like most Honda and Acura products, comes fully loaded including navigation, power moonroof/one-touch up and down windows/locks/mirrors/seats (10-way driver/8-way passenger) and manual tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Our tester had an MSRP of $44,195 with no options and included shipping and handling. Options are listed as accessories and are dealer installed.

The Technology Package includes Acura’s 10-speaker ELS surround sound system with hard-drive media storage, navigation system, an upgraded climate control that is linked to the navigation so it can tell the position of the sun relative to the direction you are traveling, while a dash sensor measures the sun’s intensity so it can automatically adjust climate settings.

The SH-AWD drive system is unlike any other all-wheel drive system. When cornering or going too fast into a tight curve, the vehicle’s system takes over, putting more power to the outside rear wheel while cutting power to the inside rear wheel. This additional torque helps with the steering to help keep the rear of the car from trying to get to the front. Of course it can’t prevent driver’s stupidity behind the wheel, but it does entice you to test its capabilities, especially on twisting roads. The AWD isn’t meant for off-road use, but to provide improved handling and traction on slippery snow-covered or wet roads.

The TL’s ride is more performance oriented and might be too firm for those expecting more luxury. The handling is taut and poised. Road noise is pronounced in the otherwise quiet cabin.

Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags, side-curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking system, active front head restraints and LATCH system for child seats.

Both the 2009 and 2010 TL earned the highest possible 5 star government crash test rating. It also earned the highest possible rating, Good, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall the TL is enjoyable to drive, and significantly refined and improved over the previous model. Performance is noticeably improved especially with the addition of all-wheel drive. The interior is well crafted but the exterior design is polarizing at best. But it still isn’t a standout in its class, with competitive vehicles like Infiniti G37, Audi A4 and others besting it.