Loading

Is Acura TL FWD or RWD?

The Acura TL is a front-wheel drive (FWD) luxury sedan. It was designed and manufactured by Honda's luxury division, Acura, and was produced from 1995 to 2014 across four generations. The Acura TL has always been a front-wheel drive vehicle, unlike some of its competitors in the luxury sedan market that offer rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options.


Front-Wheel Drive Configuration of the Acura TL


The Acura TL utilizes a front-wheel drive layout, where the engine and transmission are mounted in the front of the vehicle, and the power is delivered to the front wheels. This configuration offers several advantages, including:



  • Improved traction and handling in wet or slippery conditions, as the weight of the engine over the front wheels helps provide better grip.

  • More interior space, as the drivetrain components are packaged in the front of the vehicle, leaving more room for passengers and cargo in the cabin.

  • Generally lower manufacturing costs compared to rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems.


The front-wheel drive layout of the Acura TL has been a consistent feature across all four generations of the model, from the original 1995 TL to the final 2014 model year.


Comparison to Rear-Wheel Drive Luxury Sedans


While the Acura TL has always been a front-wheel drive vehicle, some of its competitors in the luxury sedan segment, such as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. These layouts can provide better weight distribution and improved driving dynamics, particularly at higher speeds and in performance-oriented driving situations.


However, the front-wheel drive setup of the Acura TL has been well-received by many buyers, who appreciate the car's comfortable ride, good fuel efficiency, and practical interior space. The TL has consistently been one of Acura's best-selling models, demonstrating that a front-wheel drive layout can still be a viable and appealing choice in the luxury sedan market.

Which Acura car is AWD?


Acura Models with SH-AWD®
Acura TLX AWD. Acura RDX AWD. Acura MDX AWD. Acura ZDX AWD.



How do I know if I have FWD or RWD?


You can simply lie down on the ground and look underneath your vehicle. If there is a long, pole-like shaft (drive shaft) running from the back of the engine area to the rear wheels, you have a rear wheel drive vehicle. If there is no drive shaft running the length of the vehicle, you have a front wheel drive car.



Do I have FWD or RWD?


If the engine is transverse-mounted (that is, mounted sideways), with the belts facing one side of the car, your car is most likely a front-wheel drive car. If the engine is mounted longitudinally (front to back), with the belts facing the front grille, your car is most likely a rear-wheel drive car.



Is the Acura TL FWD or RWD?


The base TL was front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 hp (210 kW) and 254 lb⋅ft (344 N⋅m) of torque, an increase of 22 hp (16 kW) and 21 lb⋅ft (28 N⋅m) over the previous 3.2-liter V6.



Is the 2008 Acura TL Type S FWD or RWD?


Front wheel drive



Is there any RWD Acura?


Engineered with a low center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution, the ZDX A-Spec® with RWD provides 358-HP * and a 313-mile EPA range rating * for a driving experience that defies expectations.



Is the 2007 Acura TL FWD or RWD?


Front wheel drive



Is my car FWD or RWD?


You can simply lie down on the ground and look underneath your vehicle. If there is a long, pole-like shaft (drive shaft) running from the back of the engine area to the rear wheels, you have a rear wheel drive vehicle. If there is no drive shaft running the length of the vehicle, you have a front wheel drive car.



Is the 2013 Acura TL FWD or RWD?


Front wheel drive



Is the 2008 Acura TL good or bad?


2008 Acura TL Review
Fast, fun, comfortable and convenient, the TL is arguably the category's most well-rounded entry and almost certainly its best value.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.