Used 2014 Acura TL

The 2014 TL is Acura’s entry in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, where it competes with vehicles such as the BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, Audi A6 and Cadillac CTS. Compared to most of its rivals, the TL has a much lower starting price but more polarizing exterior design. Acura enthusiasts have grown to either like the TL’s skin or see the beauty beneath it, where lies a strong V6 engine and an available all-wheel-drive system that offers excellent grip. The Acura TL has a strong reliability record and a good dose of performance with its premium ride quality, but with no rear-drive model in the lineup, driving purists my overlook the Acura in favor of a BMW, Infiniti or Cadillac.

The Acura TL marries the size of a BMW 5 Series with the lower price of the new Infiniti Q50 Sedan, but isn’t as performance-oriented as either. A front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout and synthetic steering feel make the TL neither as engaging for errands around town nor as capable at its limits on twisty byways as its rear-drive rivals. On the other hand, the Acura TL feels much livelier than the soft-tuned Lexus ES, so drivers desiring a happy medium may just find it here. Those seeking the most thrills in their TL should opt for one with SH-AWD in its name. That alphabet soup is short for Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, and the system is just that. With power divided among all four wheels, SH-AWD Acura TL models boost confidence while cornering and in inclement weather. Those models are also blessed with a more powerful V6 engine and sportier suspension.

The 2014 Acura TL’s 5-passenger cabin is luxuriously sporty. The heated front seats are comfortable and well-padded, and SH-AWD models feature more aggressive side bolsters to keep you in place. Even at its appealing price point, a leather interior is standard. Less appealing is the TL’s center stack, crowded with buttons for climate control, audio, and navigation functions. Rear-seat legroom is adequate, and trunk cargo space is on the small side at just over 13 cubic feet in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 12.5 for SH-AWD versions. The rear seats don’t fold for additional cargo hauling, but a center pass-through space can accommodate items such as skis.

If you haven’t looked closely at an Acura TL in a couple of years, you may be relieved to know that its front and rear have been tamed, thanks to modifications implemented for the 2012 model year. Even with the tweaks, the Acura stands out with its beak-like grille, wide cutouts in the front bumper housing, and sharply snubbed rear end. Like other potentially controversial designs, we’ll leave it to your eyes to judge the TL’s outer appeal. On the non-subjective front, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are fitted on base models, with higher trims equipped with 18- or 19-inch versions.

6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The Acura TL’s 6-speed transmission is a major contributor to the car’s good fuel economy. More gears also equal more fun as the transmission is able to keep the engine in its sweet spot during spirited driving. As a bonus, the revised gearing results in lower engine rpm while cruising, resulting in lower cabin noise.

BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM
We like all the features that come with the Advance Package, but if we had to choose one thing, it would be the blind-spot information system. These indicators tell the driver if there is a car in the blind spot, which is a handy reassurance when changing lanes.

The 2014 Acura TL comes well equipped right out of the box. Spend the least on a base model, and you’ll get a leather interior, power front seats with 2-stage heating, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, xenon headlights and 8-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with Bluetooth streaming. All-wheel-drive models add a higher-power engine and larger wheels. Models with the Technology package add a 10-speaker premium sound system with hard drive, navigation, keyless access, rearview camera and a GPS-linked climate-control system. The top-line Advance Package further stuffs the TL with ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring.

With eight trims available, most options for the 2014 Acura TL are bundled into a particular level. That leaves most traditional options relegated to interior and exterior accessories. Among the former are "wood-grain-look" shift knob and trunk drawer, while the latter include underbody spoilers, special 18- or 19-inch wheels and backup sensors. A remote engine start system is also available.

Two V6 engines are available for the 2014 Acura TL. Front-wheel-drive models use a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter, while all-wheel-drive versions employ a 305-horsepower 3.7-liter. Most buyers will opt for Acura’s smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission that is eager to kick down and also features paddle shifters for those rare times you want to imitate Mario Andretti. The most engaging (but least fuel-efficient) TL is the 6-speed manual-transmission model, only available on AWD models. The 2014 Acura TL returns up to 29 mpg, respectable given its power. All models require premium-grade gasoline.

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
254 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg

3.7-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 mpg (manual), 18/26 mpg (automatic)