2013 Acura TL

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 everything that comes 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.

We find the 2013 Acura TL's interior luxuriously sporty. Platinum-plated trim pieces on the dash, center console and doorsills are a nice touch, but what we like most are the excellent sport front seats. In addition to being heated, the front seats are now ventilated (Advance Package only), and the overall interior noise level has been reduced by 2.7 decibels thanks to an increased amount of body sealing points.

The Acura TL's unique appearance includes a beak-like grille surround with a large chrome plate on the upper portion. Other features of note include darkened headlights, narrow side turn signals and recessed fog lights. Out back the TL's bumper includes a relocated license-plate frame that sits higher, making way for a rear diffuser.

Engine choices available for the 2013 Acura TL include a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter or a 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. A Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic is available on both trims, but the 6-speed manual transmission is exclusive to the SH-AWD trim level. The 6-speed automatic features a "double-kick-down" feature that lets the driver downshift twice (from 5th to 3rd gear, for example) to aid performance in spirited driving situations. The 6-speed automatic also improves the city/highway fuel economy of the 3.5-liter versions by 2-3 miles per gallon, respectively. When matched with the 3.7-liter engine the new transmission ups fuel economy by 1 mpg city and highway.

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)

The 2013 Acura TL has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting right around $37,000 for the base trim, while the SH-AWD trim level starts at about $40,500. Adding the Technology Package to either trim costs about $3,800, and adding the Advance Package means about $2,200 more. A fully loaded TL tops right around $46,500, which is thousands less than a loaded BMW 5 Series and Infiniti M, but on par with a similarly equipped Lexus ES. Check the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com to see what others are paying for the Acura TL in your area. As for resale value, we expect the Acura TL to hold residuals on par with its competitors from BMW, Lexus and Infiniti.

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