2009 Acura TL Official Details & 24 High-Res Photos

While we’d like to see the fourth-generation TL in person to make our final assessment, we think that Acura’s designers overdid it in their attempt to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd. As a result, the new TL looks rather clunky and over detailed in some aspects. As for the interior, our initial thoughts are that it looks kind of “plasticy” and a bit too Honda-like for a mid-size luxury sedan.

In terms of dimensions, the new TL is larger than the outgoing model as it rides on a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and is longer (+6.0 inches) and wider (+1.8 inches) thus promising to offer improved interior space. Available in the U.S. from this fall, the 2009 Acura TL will be offered with a choice of two powertrains.

The entry-level 2009 TL is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 HP and 254 lb-ft of torque that sends power to the front wheels through Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. According to Acura, the FWD TL has projected EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The top-notch TL SH-AWD is equipped with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system while power comes from a beefier 3.7-liter V6 engine delivering 305 HP and 275 lb-ft of torque. Projected EPA fuel economy ratings for the TL SH-AWD are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Like the basic FWD version, the TL SH-AWD gets a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.