Optional all-wheel drive; impressive acceleration and performance; proven reliability
Mediocre fuel economy from both V6 engine choices; front-wheel-drivemodels suffer from understeer when pushed too hard in the curves; snug rear seating
The 2014 Acura TL carries over unchanged
We're not convinced the standard 3.5-liter, front-wheel-driveTLis worth the sticker price. Instead we recommend that shoppers interested in the TLgo full-boreand buy the SH-AWD-equippedTL. It's an extra $4,000 but well worth the money considering its performance and handling advantages.
The 2014 AcuraTLcomes in three trims: TL, TLSpecial Edition and TLSH-AWD. The TLand TLSH-AWDcan be equipped with two packages, the Technology and Advanced Package, while the AWD models can also be ordered with a manual transmission.
The TL($36,925) comes well-equipped and includes a power moonroof, HID headlights, 8-way power driver's seat with 2-way power lumbar support, 8-way power passenger seats, steering-wheel-mountedpaddle shifters, heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt down feature, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed seating, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel, an 8-speaker 276-watt audio system with 6-disc CD changer and Bluetooth audio, USB port connectivity and Bluetooth cellphone connectivity.
The TL Special Edition($38,425) adds distinctive 18-in alloy wheels, color-keyedrear spoiler and Special Edition badging.
The Technology Package ($40,655) adds AcuraELS440-watt audio upgrade, AcuraLinktelematics, voice-activatednavigation with 8-in LCD view screen, GPS-linked solar-sensingclimate control, keylessaccess with push-buttonstart and premium perforated Milanoleather seating. Adding theAdvanced Package ($42,855) brings heated and ventilated front seats, a blind spot monitoring system and 18-in alloy wheels.
The TLSH-AWD ($40,475) gets a larger 3.7-liter engine, sport seats and 18-in wheels, while theTLSH-AWDwith 6-speed manual ($44,205)adds a manual transmission and the Technology Package.
The TLSH-AWDwith Technology Package ($44,205) adds an automatic transmission and the Technology Package, while theTLSH-AWDw/ Advanced Package ($46,405) adds all the SH-AWD features plus the Technology and Advanced Packages.
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto 2WD | $36,030 / $33,827 | 6 Cylinder | 280 | 20 / 29 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto 2WD Advance | $41,960 / $39,315 | 6 Cylinder | 280 | 20 / 29 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto 2WD Special Edition | $37,530 / $35,216 | 6 Cylinder | 280 | 20 / 29 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto 2WD Tech | $39,760 / $37,279 | 6 Cylinder | 280 | 20 / 29 | 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto SH-AWD | $39,580 / $37,113 | 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto SH-AWD Advance | $45,510 / $42,601 | 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Auto SH-AWD Tech | $43,310 / $40,565 | 6 Cylinder | 305 | 18 / 26 | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| TL 4dr Sdn Man SH-AWD Tech | $43,310 / $40,565 | 6 Cylinder | 305 | N/A | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
For 2014, the TLfeatures six airbags and active head restraints for both the driver and front passenger. And like most of the Acuralineup, the TL is built with Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure technology.
In tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the TLscored four out of five stars if the frontal and side-impactcrash tests, and five stars in the rollover test. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards the 2014 AcuraTLits highest rating of Good in allits tests, and ranks the TL a Top Safety Pick.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
Cadillac CTS--Starting at over $45,000, the CTS is Cadillac's answer to the BMW3 Series. Larger and more powerful than the TL, the CTS can get expensive as options are added.
BMW 3 Series--As the gold standard of the midsize luxury sports sedan, the 3 Series is a force to be reckoned with. With a 240 hp 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, the basic 3 Series is easily overshadowed by the base-levelTL.
Audi A4--The base model A4 is a fun vehicle but in no way matches the TL's performance. Also, customers may be disappointed with the A4's continuously variable transmission, which is less responsive under hard acceleration.