Acura ->ke10 unveiled the fourth-generation TL->ke1831 in 2008, and four years later, it decided to update its look. Unfortunately, Acura didn't manage to obtain the sleek looks that the TL's competitors have featured as of late, putting it slightly behind the eight ball in terms of buyers that want the latest and greatest looks. And despite Acura calling it a performance-oriented sport sedan, the TL is anything, but "sporty."

The TL has the advantage of offering a pretty big list of standard features on both the exterior and the interior. This is an absolute must, considering the TL essentiall falls on its face in every other category: it's not too attractive, has too much plastic inside the cabin and front-wheel isn't too sporty.

For the 2014 model year, the TL is offered in two versions -- base and SH-AWD -- with prices starting from $36,030 and $39,580, respectively. Acura is also offering two additional packages: Technology Package and Advance Package that add $3,730 and $5,930, respectively. A Special Edition package was also added for the 2014 model year.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Acura TL.

acura-tl

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: acura-tl
Pros
Cons

2014 Acura TL

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Acura TL
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 280 @ 6200
  • Torque: 254 @ 5000
  • Transmission: 6-speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the Acura TL will continue to offer the same exterior look revealed by the 2012 refresh. It features aggressive wheel arches, the usual Acura signature grille that offers is a powerful and distinctive presence, but still does not make it the luxury sedan Acura wants it to be.

The 2014 TL offers a nice array of standard features, including: stainless-steel body trim, power moonroof, xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights and LED taillights.

2014 Acura TL - Standard Exterior features:

- Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) front headlights with auto on/off feature and daytime running lights

- Front bumper integrated halogen fog lights

- LED illumination for: side mirror-integrated directional signals, side marker lights, brake lights and center high mount stop light

- Power moonroof with tilt, auto-open/close, auto-reverse and key-off operation

- Heated outside mirrors with Reverse gear tilt-down function and integrated directional signals

- Dual outlet exhaust finishers

- 17x8-inch 7-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Turanza EL400 P245/50R17 M+S tires (TL)

- Front bumper mounted air ducts for front disc brake cooling

Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase, in (mm).

109.3 (2775)

Length, in (mm)

194.0 (4928)

Width, in (mm)

74.0 (1880)

Front track, in (mm)

63.2 (1606)

Rear track, in (mm)

63.8 (1620)

Height in (mm)

57.2 (1452)


Interior

Just like with any other model in its class, the 2014 TL features an interior designed to offer the driver the best experience behind the wheel. The cockpit features a "dual person" design, so both the driver and front passenger can enjoy their personal space. The model uses lots of high-quality plastics and pseudo-creases, which are a little below this class of vehicles. These things look great on a top-level Chevy Cruze, but just seem cheap on a model pegged as a luxury sedan.

2014 Acura TL - Standard Interior Features:

- Sport seats with leather-trimmed interior

- 10-way adjustable power-actuated driver seat (8-way adjustable seat with 2-way adjustable lumbar support)

- 8-way adjustable power-actuated front passenger seat

- Heated front seats

- 2-position memory function (presets for driver seat, side mirrors, radio presets, climate control settings, MID)

- Front center console with adjustable armrest, dual-level storage and coin holders

Technology Package Adds:

-Acura/ELS Surround 440-watt Premium Audio System with 10-speakers, DVD-Audio, CD, DTS, AM/FM tuner, XM Radio with Note function music reminder, Bluetooth Audio, Song By Voice, speed-sensitive volume control (SVC), and 15 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) music storage

-AcuraLink Satellite Communication System

-Acura Navigation System with 60 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD), Voice Recognition and rearview camera

-8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display

-AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting

-AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with weather radar image maps, 1- and 3-day forecasts, and specific area weather

-GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, dual-mode adaptive climate control system with humidity control system and air filtration

-Perforated full-grain Premium Milano leather seating surfaces

-Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and pushbutton ignition)

Advance Package Adds:

-Heated and ventilated front seats

-Blind Spot Indicator (BSI)

-18x8-inch 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 P245/45R18 tires (TL)

-19x8-inch split 5-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle RS-A 245/40R19 tires (TL SH-AWD)

Dimensions:

EPA Passenger Volume, cu ft

98.2

Cargo Volume (SAE net), cu ft

13.1: TL
12.5: TL SH-AWD

Headroom, in (mm)

38.4 (976): Front
36.7 (932): Rear

Legroom, in (mm)

42.5 (1080): Front
36.2 (920): Rear

Hiproom, in (mm)

55.7 (1415): Front
54.8 (1392): Rear

Shoulder room, in (mm)

58.2 (1477): Front
56.2 (1428): Rear


Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Acura TL has a choice of two engines. The base model makes use of a 3.5-liter, V-6 that delivers 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. The SH-AWD model makes use of a 3.7-liter, V-6 that produces 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.Both engines hook to a sequential SportShift six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The SH-AWD has the option of a six-speed manual.

Though Acura did not reveal the official sprint times, independent research pegs the base model with a 6.5-second sprint to 60 mph, while the SH-AWD model hits 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

In base version, the 2014 TL delivers a fuel economy of 20 mpg on city driving and 29 mpg on the highway, the SH-AWD version it goes down to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Model

2014 Acura TL

2014 Acura TL SH-AWD

Displacement, liters

3.5

3.7

Engine type

Aluminum-alloy V-6

Aluminum-alloy V-6

Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)

280 @ 6200: TL

305 @ 6300: TL SH-AWD

Torque, lb-ft @ rpm (SAE net)

254 @ 5000: TL

273 @ 5000: TL SH-AWD

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings2 (city / highway / combined)

20 / 29 / 23

18 / 26 / 21: TL SH-AWD AT
17 / 25 / 20: TL SH-AWD MT


Prices

TL

$36,030

TL Special Edition

$37,530

TL SH-AWD

$39,580

TL with Technology Package

$39,760

TL with Advance Package

$41,960

TL SH-AWD with Technology Package

$43,310

TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Technology Package

$43,310

TL SH-AWD with Advance Package

$45,540


Accessories:

Woodgrain-Look Steering Wheel

$513

Woodgrain-Look Shift Knob

$151

Cargo Hook

$24

Trunk Tray

$110

Rear Seat Covers

$251

Leather Shift Knob

$123

All-Season Floor Mats

$131

Cargo Net

$41

Trunk Drawer

$196

First Aid Kit

$30

Front Underbody Spoiler

$425

Rear Underbody Spoiler

$425

Car Cover

$277

Body Side Molding

$217

19-in Chrome-Look Alloy Wheels

$2,360

18-in Chrome-Look Alloy Wheels

$2,260

19-in Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels

$2,360

Door Edge Film

$43

Side Underbody Spoiler

$463

Decklid Spoiler

$425

Splash Guard Set

$165

Door Edge Guards

$87

Back-Up Sensors

$524

Remote Engine Start System

$528

Engine Block Heater

$80


Competition

Infiniti Q50

Of course that when it comes to competition, the 2014 Acura TL is far behind. Acura needs some serious improvements in every aspect, especially if it wants the TL to remain a player n its market.

One of the toughest competitors for the TL is the recently launched Infiniti Q50. The model is powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

The Q50 is priced from $36,700.

Lexus ES350

The ES350 is another car that worth your attention. It is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine with Dual VVT-i combined with a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). This system delivers a total of 268 horsepower.

The ES350 is priced from $36,370.

Conclusion

The Acura TL is very much outmatched in its market, especially when you have alternatives like the new Infiniti Q50. In order to keep the TL alive, Acura needs to start revising it on the inside and outside -- the aging body and crummy plastics are just not fit for a luxury sedan.