Acura TL

Name: 2009 Acura TL
Brand: Acura

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This revised version of the Acura TL is a nice car, with responsive handling, a slick powertrain, and commendable fuel economy. But when compared with the previous TL, the redesign is not as impressive. Vague steering saps the fun out of its handling and the trunk opening is small.

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Acura TL

vs. Similar Cars

Cadillac CTS

Lexus ES

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2009 Acura TL

$5,775 - $7,025

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Acura RL

$4,800 - $5,650

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Audi A6

$3,050 - $5,550

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Audi S4

$7,500

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 BMW 5 Series

$5,350 - $6,000

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 BMW 6 Series

$6,975 - $8,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Buick LaCrosse

$4,275 - $4,750

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Cadillac CTS

$4,625 - $17,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Infiniti M

$5,150 - $5,600

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Jaguar XF

$3,100 - $3,550

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lexus ES

$7,025

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lexus GS

$6,450 - $7,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lincoln MKS

$5,225 - $5,425

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Lincoln MKZ

$3,650 - $4,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$6,600 - $9,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$4,200 - $10,475

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volvo S80

$3,675 - $4,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

3.5-liter V6 (280 hp)
3.7-liter V6 (305 hp)

5-speed automatic

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Model History

2009-2014

2009 Redesign Year

Good at almost everything, the 2004-2008 TL proved to be a tough act to follow and the second-generation TL fell short of the task. Although a fine car overall, it didn't stand out. The cabin is well finished, but road noise intrudes and the dash is cluttered with buttons. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear is cramped. Our tested FWD, 3.5-liter V6 returned 24 mpg overall with the six-speed automatic. While it has taut handling and a compliant, if somewhat firm ride, we found the steering vague and lacking feedback. AWD was available with the 3.7-liter V6.

2004-2008

2004 Redesign Year

Considerably improved for its third generation, the well-rounded TL has a great blend of comfort, convenience, and sportiness. Motivation comes from a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V6 that returns 23 mpg on premium fuel. While not quite rivaling the BMW 3 Series for sportiness, communicative and quick steering and well-contained body lean makes the TL enjoyable to drive. Steady and well-controlled, the ride provides good isolation from bumps and the cabin is quiet inside. Controls are simple to use, including the optional touchscreen navigation system. Precise attention to detail distinguishes the well-finished interior. Front seats are supportive and the rear seats are roomy. Minor gripes include a large turning circle and a rear seatback that doesn't fold to expand trunk space. Comprehensive standard equipment includes leather, a sunroof, and stability control.

1999-2003

1999 Redesign Year

Think of the second-generation TL as a fancier version of the Honda Accord V6. Highlights include a spacious and well-finished interior and commendable outward visibility. Both the base 225-hp V6 and the Type-S 260-hp V6 are smooth and refined, providing strong acceleration. Fuel economy is impressive, but premium fuel is needed. Handling is competent but the car falls short of being agile; at least it is more fun to drive than the competing Infiniti I35 and Lexus ES. The suspension delivers decent isolation from road bumps, although it can become somewhat jittery on the highway. Road noise is more apparent in the cabin than it should be for a luxury sedan. Inside is plenty of technology, including an easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Watch for problems with the five-speed automatic in later models.