What type of car is an Acura TL?
In brief, the Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sedan produced by Honda's Acura division. It was offered roughly from 1999 to 2014, and its successor in Acura’s lineup is the TLX, introduced for the 2015 model year.
More detail: The TL name is commonly understood to denote Touring Luxury, reflecting its aim to balance comfortable daily use with a touch of sportiness. Across three generations, the TL evolved from a solid front-wheel-drive luxury sedan to a modern, higher-performance model with available all-wheel drive in its later years. It served as a core model in Acura’s lineup before being replaced by the TLX.
Classification and market positioning
The TL is best described as a mid-size luxury sedan. It sits in the same segment as rivals like the Lexus ES, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4 (in various years), offering upscale interiors, reasonably advanced technology for its era, and V6 power with a focus on everyday usability and comfort.
Generations and key variants (1999–2014)
The Acura TL's model years span three generations, each bringing styling updates, new features, and performance options. The first generation established the platform with a 3.2-liter V6; the second refined the design and tech; the third introduced more modern styling and higher-tech features, including SH-AWD in later years. Below is a quick-generation overview.
- First generation (1999–2003): introduction of the 3.2-liter V6 and the base TL, with a performance-oriented Type-S variant available in later years; primarily front-wheel drive.
- Second generation (2004–2008): refreshed styling and interior improvements; maintained front-wheel-drive layout with ongoing refinement and the continued availability of the Type-S variant.
- Third generation (2009–2014): updated exterior and interior design, modern tech features, and the availability of SH-AWD all-wheel drive; culminated in the TL being replaced by the TLX in 2015.
Note: The TL’s powertrains evolved across generations, with higher-performance variants offering more horsepower and sport-oriented tuning while remaining a consumer-friendly luxury sedan overall.
Notable characteristics
Important attributes that defined the TL across its run include a V6 engine lineup, upscale interior and equipment, and a progression from standard front-wheel drive to an available SH-AWD system in later years. The Type-S variants offered sport-focused performance and more aggressive chassis tuning, appealing to enthusiasts within the luxury segment.
- V6 power: The TL used a V6 engine across its life, with horsepower increasing in the higher-performance Type-S versions.
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive was standard in early generations, with SH-AWD all-wheel drive available in the later third generation.
- Interior and features: Plush interiors, heated seats, premium audio, navigation, and other tech upgrades were offered in higher trims.
- Performance variants: Type-S models provided sportier suspension and more power, catering to buyers seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
These features contributed to the TL’s reputation as a balanced, refined sedan that could serve as a comfortable daily driver with occasional performance credentials.
Current status and successor
Production of the TL ended after the 2014 model year. Acura replaced it with the TLX, introduced for the 2015 model year, which combined elements of the TL with Acura’s broader sporty-luxury sedan strategy.
Summary
The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sedan from Honda’s Acura division, spanning 1999–2014. It offered V6 power, upscale interiors, and, in later years, SH-AWD all-wheel drive. It was succeeded by the TLX in 2015, continuing Acura’s tradition of blending comfort with performance in a refined sedan package.
Is the Acura TL considered a sports car?
The 2.5 TL was positioned as the sporty model, with the 3.2 TL focusing more upon a luxurious ride.
Is the Acura TL a Honda Accord?
No, the Acura TL is not the same as a Honda Accord, but they share a platform. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda, and the TL was a luxury sedan that was built on the same platform as the Accord, meaning they shared many underlying components. The TL was essentially a more upscale, higher-performance version of the Accord.
- Shared platform: For some generations, the Acura TL was built on the same platform as the Honda Accord, with the third-generation TL (released in 2003) being directly derived from the seventh-generation US-market Accord.
- Luxury division: Acura is the luxury division of Honda, so Acura models are designed to be more premium and feature-rich than their Honda counterparts.
- Performance and features: The TL typically featured more powerful engines and a more luxurious interior than the standard Accord. For example, the 2007 TL Type-S had a more powerful engine than the V6 Accord of the same year.
- Successor: The Acura TL was eventually replaced by the Acura TLX, which is also based on the Accord platform.
What kind of car is an Acura TL?
| Acura TL | |
|---|---|
| Class | Mid-size luxury car (D) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Acura Vigor |
Why was Acura TL discontinued?
Despite its dramatic look and decent performance, the second-generation TLX and torch-carrier for the TL lineage saw continued sales declines. Figures provided by Acura show that the TL's annual sales peaked in 2005 at 78,218 before falling off steeply through 2014, the year it was replaced by the TLX.
