The 2009 Acura TL luxury sedan grows this year, in both size and power, knocking it nearly out of its entry-level position and close to the full-size Acura RL. As the competition increases in the luxury sedan segment, automakers must strive harder to distinguish their brands. For 2009, the Acura TL gets an overall redesign, with a stiffer, more rigid body, new front and rear fascias, and larger dimensions. Adding 2 inches in width, 6 inches in length, and 1.4 inches in wheelbase, the TL increases cabin volume by 1 cubic foot, giving most of that extra space to rear legroom. The added size barely increases its overall weight, however, thanks to the use of lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel.

The 2009 TL comes in front-wheel-drive Base and SH-AWD trims. The latter stands for Super Handling AWD, a first for the TL, and replaces the outgoing Type-S performance trim. The AWD system not only automatically splits torque between front and rear wheels, but also delivers up to 100% of torque to the outer edges of the rear wheels, for optimal cornering and road grip capabilities. To that end, the SH-AWD also comes with larger new 18-inch wheels, larger dual-piston Brembo brakes, and stronger shocks.

Powering the Base trim, a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine raises horsepower by 22 for a total of 280 hp (the same as the old Type-S), with 0-60 times of 6.8 seconds. The SH-AWD gets the most powerful Acura engine available – a 3.7-liter V6 from the RL that delivers 305 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, as well as 0-60 times of 5.3 seconds. Equipped with variable valve timing on both the intake and dual exhaust valves, fuel economy averages a respectable 17/24 mpg. A slightly revised 5-speed Sequential Shift automatic remains the only transmission, though steering-wheel paddle shifters are available. Acura hints at a manual for 2010. The TL's most noticeable improvement is the lack of annoying torque steer, an oft-heard complaint in past years that Acura virtually eliminated this year.

On the inside, the 2009 TL gets a high-end dual-pod cockpit design up front, with the instrument panel housing an LCD screen and all-in-one controller that can be ignored if the driver prefers more convenient individual buttons. Base models feature a 6-CD changer with satellite radio, Bluetooth, a new iPod jack with USB port, power front seats with memory, a sunroof, and heated leather seats. The SH-AWD adds bolstered seats and both heating and cooling for the front seats. The 2009 TL fulfills every tech-head's dream with its optional Tech Package. Among its offerings are an upgraded hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a 10-speaker surround-sound system that rips CDs automatically to the 13-gig hard drive, and keyless push-button start.

Remaining a safe and solid sedan, the 2009 TL lands five stars in all categories of the NHTSA crash tests, fully equipped with four-wheel ABS, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction and stability control. Early reviews highlight the impressively quiet ride, smooth-shifting automatic, minimal body roll, and outstanding AWD road grip and cornering. The quality cabin materials put it on a par with the Mercedes E Class and BMW 5 Series, with intuitive controls and a clearly legible navigation screen. On the downside, some feel the new V6 engines still feel underpowered, thanks to the TL's growth. Other complaints mention vague steering, the lack of a manual transmission, and the need for premium gas.