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2010 Acura TL

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Overview

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2010 Acura TL Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Last year's redesign gave the rather stoic Acura TL a fresh look that included substantially more attitude than its predecessor. Gone is the attractive yet sedate styling of previous TLs, replaced by a bolder sedan wearing a love-it-or-hate-it grille borrowed from other recent Acura models. In addition to six more inches of body length, the latest TL also features more powerful engine choices, an available sport-tuned SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) variant, and a Technology Package that can blow out eardrums as easily as it guides drivers away from stressful traffic congestion. Though not as engaging as competitors such as the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37, the Acura TL continues to impress with its reasonable price, quality feel and all-around abilities.

You'll Like This Car If...

The daring TL continues to be a bargain when compared to pricier models from BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and others. There's a bit more room for rear passengers, and the larger engine and all-wheel-drive make the new SH-AWD version very entertaining on twisty roads, as well as supremely confident on slick surfaces.

You May Not Like This Car If...

From a performance driving perspective, the 2010 TL doesn't offer as much pure fun as some of its competitors despite the addition of Acura's sophisticated SH-AWD system.

What's New for 2010

In a nod to enthusiast drivers, Acura offers a new six-speed manual transmission on all-wheel-drive models only. Manual models also receive retuned front coils and dampeners, stiffer engine and transmission mounts, unique electric power steering tuning, and heavy-duty front differential, CV joints and driveshafts.

Driving the TL

Driving Impressions With two powerful engine choices, the 2010 Acura TL is poised to stake its claim in the affordable performance sedan segment. The SH-AWD model's 305-horsepower V6 – the most powerful...

engine ever offered by Acura – delivers smooth acceleration, and the five-speed automatic transmission promises quick, nearly seamless shifts, regardless of whether the gearbox is set to regular drive mode or being manipulated with the paddle shifters. Competitors offer more torque for better response when the traffic light turns green, but the TL's available all-wheel-drive system helps level the playing field. The SH-AWD can push more power to the outside rear wheel in a corner, transforming the TL into a fun family sedan on winding back roads. On the flip side, the SH-AWD version carries with it a ride that's stiffer than that of the base TL.

Favorite Features

SH-AWD
All-wheel-drive capability has been available on other Acura models for years, and now it's available on the popular TL. Dubbed SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), the system improves handling in inclement weather while also enhancing cornering ability on dry pavement, and is available only with the TL's 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6.

Technology Package
Even in standard guise, the 2010 Acura TL is well-equipped, but the Technology Package ups the game with its DVD-Audio system and 440-watts of surround sound. At the heart of the package is AcuraLink, a satellite system that provides real-time weather and traffic information with a convenient rerouting feature.

2010 Acura TL Details

Interior

Those already impressed by previous TL interior treatments just might become ecstatic with the 2010 model. There's more rear leg room than ever before, and SH-AWD versions feature deeply-bolstered seats and a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The driver's seat in the base TL could use a bit more support for long drives, but there's no need for improvement when it comes to the cabin's quality materials. The Technology Package, with its real-time traffic and weather information, is a handy if pricey addition for busy urban-dwelling commuters. Oddly, Acura still does not provide the passenger with any form of adjustable lumbar support (the driver gets a power-operated unit), a strange omission at this price point.

Exterior

Fresh from a complete redesigned in 2009, the 2010 Acura TL is longer, wider and taller than the previous models and offers a much bolder appearance. Most notable is the large grille, and body panels featuring accentuated contours and curves setting it far apart from most other sedans in this category. Base TL models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels; the TL SH-AWD rolls on 18- or 19-inch alloys, and it has cooling ducts on the front bumper, four tailpipes instead of two and unique badges that say, not surprisingly, SH-AWD.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Unlike many of its competitors, the 2010 Acura TL comes with most of today's must-have features as standard equipment. Those include HID headlights, power moonroof, 276-watt sound system with auxiliary and USB input jacks, hands-free telephone interface, power/heated front seats and mirrors, and leather upholstery. SH-AWD models add sport seats with more robust bolsters and contrast stitching and all TLs protect occupants with six airbags and Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, technology designed to dissipate crash energy.

Optional Equipment

For 2010, the TL lineup is available with one major option, the Technology Package. In exchange for roughly $3,700, buyers will enjoy a 440-watt Acura/ELS surround sound system with DVD-Audio and a 12.7-gigabyte hard drive, keyless ignition, and a rearview camera. More impressive is the voice-activated navigation system, complete with an eight-inch high-resolution screen, real-time traffic information and rerouting guidance, and weather reports including Doppler-style radar maps just like you'd see during the six o'clock news. Go with the TL SH-AWD for a sport-tuned chassis, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the TL's 17s), and available high-performance tires.

Under the Hood

With a 3.5-liter V6 now under its hood, the base 2010 Acura TL is nearly as powerful as the 2008 TL Type-S. For those not satisfied with that kind of performance, the TL SH-AWD delivers a new 3.7-liter V6 as well as sport-tuned steering, brakes, and suspension systems. There are now two transmissions offered – a five-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode and paddle shifters, or a new close-ratio six-speed manual with Hill Start Assist. Fuel economy figures are comparable with the TL's primary competitors.

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
254 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26

3.7-liter V6
305 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
273 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (automatic), 17/25 (manual)

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2010 Acura TL Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7

Out of 5

Based on 89 Ratings for the 2009 - 2012 Acura TL models.

Review this car

Value

4.7/5

Quality

4.7/5
Reliability

4.9/5

Performance

4.8/5
Comfort

4.8/5

Styling

4.6/5

Best car I have ever owned.

By Ike (NJ) on Sunday, January 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Fun to drive with all the bells and whistles."

Cons: "A bigger trunk would be nice"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has it all and can compete with higher end cars at a more reasonable price. The SH/AWD with the tech package gives you everything you would want in a car that is extremely fun to drive with all the bells and whistles. I've had the car for almost 3 years and have not had a single thing wrong with it except a bad battery (replaced on the spot) but do watch use of the battery when the engine is not running as there is a lot of electronics that can drain it easily. I feel like I am in total control driving this car in any road condition but of course it is most fun on dry roads but handles extremley well in all conditions. I can't wait to drive this car every day !!!"

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Awesome vehicle, I love to drive it.

By BDad (NE) on Friday, January 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is smooth, powerful, quiet and sure-footed. The sound system is the best I've ever heard. The interior is fantastic with soft leather and seats that fit just right."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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