Is the Acura TL front or rear-wheel-drive?
The Acura TL is primarily front-wheel drive (FWD). Some late-model trims offered Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system, but there were no factory rear-wheel-drive configurations. This article breaks down how the drivetrain varied across generations and what buyers should expect.
Drive layout by generation
Across its production life, the TL’s drivetrain was predominantly FWD, with an AWD option appearing on certain trims in later years. The following overview outlines where AWD appeared, if at all, and where FWD remained standard.
- 1999–2003 TL: Front-wheel drive only (FWD).
- 2004–2008 TL: Front-wheel drive only (FWD); no factory AWD option on standard TL or Type-S during these years.
- 2009–2014 TL SH-AWD: All-wheel drive variants offered with Acura’s SH-AWD system on select trims, providing improved traction and handling.
Note: These ranges reflect typical factory configurations. When shopping, always verify the exact drivetrain from the vehicle’s VIN and original window sticker, since aftermarket modifications can occur.
Is there a rear-wheel-drive option?
No. The TL line has not been offered as a factory rear-wheel-drive model. If RWD is a strict requirement, prospective buyers would need to consider other models or platforms outside the TL lineage. SH-AWD versions, when present, distribute power to all wheels rather than to a single rear axle.
Why the drive layout matters
Drive layout influences handling, winter and wet-weather performance, fuel economy, and maintenance needs. The base TL’s FWD setup is typically cost-effective and space-efficient, while the SH-AWD variants provide enhanced traction and cornering capability at the expense of complexity and potential maintenance costs.
In summary, the Acura TL is built as front-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option on certain later trims; it is not a rear-wheel-drive sedan.
What wheel drive is the Acura TL?
Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura's all-wheel-drive system, which is called SH-AWD and shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional.
Is a 2005 Acura TL rear-wheel-drive?
September 1, 2004 — Torrance, Calif. In a 5-passenger sedan, the benefits of front-wheel drive include lighter and more compact engine and driveline packaging, enhanced fuel efficiency, and increased passenger spaciousness.
Is the 2012 Acura TL FWD or AWD?
front-wheel drive
The base model 2012 Acura TL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque.
Is Acura TL FWD or RWD?
The Acura TL is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, but some models also came with all-wheel drive (AWD) in the form of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). There are no traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions of the Acura TL.
Acura TL drivetrains
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The base model Acura TL is standard front-wheel drive.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): For improved performance, Acura offered an optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system on some models, particularly in higher trims.
Key differences
- FWD: Lighter and often quicker off the line, but can experience more torque steer (a pulling sensation in the steering wheel).
- AWD (SH-AWD): This system actively distributes torque to the wheels, including sending more power to the outside rear wheel during turns, which improves handling and traction.
