2009 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
User reviews for 2009 Acura TL
Write a review2009 Acura TL Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front Spoiler: body color · Grille color: chrome · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Profile: 40 · Type: summer performance · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 276 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front Spoiler: body color · Grille color: chrome · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 31 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Profile: 40 · Type: summer performance · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.31
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front Spoiler: body color · Grille color: chrome · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 30 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 40 · Type: summer performance · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 440 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.1 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: leather · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Front Spoiler: body color · Grille color: chrome · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: AcuraLink
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 31 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Diameter: 19 · Profile: 40 · Type: summer performance · Width: 245
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse
