Is the 2012 Acura TL FWD or RWD?
The 2012 Acura TL is offered primarily with front-wheel drive, with an optional SH-AWD all-wheel-drive variant on the TL SH-AWD; there is no rear-wheel-drive version in the 2012 TL lineup.
In 2012, Acura's TL lineup included a standard front-wheel-drive model and a higher-performance SH-AWD version that adds all-wheel drive and a torque-vectoring system for improved handling. There was no rear-wheel-drive configuration offered that year, so buyers seeking RWD would need to look at different models or years.
Drivetrain options for the 2012 TL
The following list outlines the drivetrain configurations that were available for the 2012 TL:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The standard drivetrain on the base TL models.
- SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive): An all-wheel-drive system offered on the TL SH-AWD variant, designed to improve traction and handling, especially in cornering and varying road conditions.
There was no rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version in the 2012 TL lineup; FWD and SH-AWD were the only drivetrain options offered.
Performance and handling implications
How SH-AWD differs from FWD
SH-AWD adds torque-vectoring and a rear-wheel bias under certain conditions to improve stability and cornering grip, particularly in rain or snow. In contrast, the FWD TL is lighter and generally more fuel-efficient, with predictable handling that suits everyday driving.
Engine and transmission context
Both the FWD and SH-AWD TL models shared the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and typical automatic transmission configuration for the year, with the main differences lying in the drivetrain layout and weight distribution that SH-AWD introduces.
Summary
The 2012 Acura TL lineup offered two drivetrain options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as the standard configuration and SH-AWD as the available all-wheel-drive variant. There was no rear-wheel-drive option for the 2012 model year.
