2009 Acura TL

Vehicle Overview
Completely overhauled for 2009, Acura's best-selling sports sedan now comes with a new 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is newly available with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. The model also receives an exterior redesign and an interior face-lift, as well as voice activation for many features.

New for 2009
New engine options with more horsepower, all-wheel drive, new exterior design, new cabin and available voice-activated integration for navigation system.


Exterior
The TL sedan's exterior is drastically redesigned for 2009. It remains wide and aggressive, but a pronounced "beak" juts out from under Acura's shield grill. The TL is 195.3 inches long and has a 109.3-inch wheelbase, making it larger than its predecessor, as well as larger than competitors like the Infiniti G (187 inches) and the Lexus ES (191 inches).

• Unusual front and rear styling
• 17-inch alloy wheels standard; 18- or 19-inch wheels available
• Projector low-beam and halogen high-beam headlights
• Front fog lamps
• In-glass radio antenna
• Dual exhaust finishers

Interior
The TL's interior receives a face-lift for 2009, making it slightly more upscale, though just as reserved, as the previous generation's. Every TL model comes with an eight-disc CD changer, iPod and USB connectivity, and an auxiliary input jack. A Technology Package provides interior upgrades like keyless access, voice activation for the navigation system, an 8-inch full-color navigation display and a premium audio system.

The TL's trunk has 12.5 cubic feet of storage space, which is less than the Infiniti G and Lexus ES. The TL seats five.

Standard interior features include:

• Leather-trimmed interior
• 10-way power driver's seat, including power lumbar support
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front seats
• Steering-wheel buttons that operate audio, cruise-control and voice-recognition functions

Under the Hood
There's a choice of two engines, both of which work with a five-speed automatic transmission.

• New 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with 254 pounds-feet of torque
• 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 275 pounds-feet of torque (TL SH-AWD)
• EPA-estimated mileage of 18/26 mpg city/highway in base TL, 17/24 in SH-AWD

Safety
Standard safety features include:

• Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability system
• Three-point seat belts in all positions
• Active head restraints for front seats