2009 Acura TL

Electric power steering is new. The SH-AWD system transfers torque fore/aft and side-to-side: up to 90 percent to the front, or 70 percent to the rear. By driving the outside wheel in a turn, SH-AWD reduces understeer.


Dimensions haven't changed much. Shoulder space has grown by 20 mm in front, 25 in the rear. Track width is greater. The base sedan weighs only 85 pounds more than its predecessor, but the SH-AWD edition clocks an additional 262 pounds.


Two audio systems are offered: standard 276-watt eight-speaker or, in the optional Technology Package, 440-watt ELS Surround Sound with DVD Audio. Acura's available navigation system includes new Highway Lane Guidance, new Fuzzy Logic address searching, and 126 built-in scenic drives. The 8-inch screen has four times the resolution of its predecessor, making it one of the easiest to read.

Driving Impression

Driving a base model and an SH-AWD sedan back-to-back produces distinctly different experiences. The SH-AWD has a solid and secure but rather heavy overall feel, lacking the lighter-footed nimbleness of Acura's smaller TSX. Acceleration is as vigorous as promised, though it doesn't necessarily feel all that quick, and the prominent exhaust sound might not please everyone. The transmission takes a moment to downshift. Gear changes are clearly noticeable, though prompt.


Delivering a satisfying ride on smooth surface, the SH-AWD reacts with some harshness to serious bumps. At cruising speed, it's very quiet. SH-AWD models have a contoured steering wheel grip.