2009 Acura TL Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$34,955 to $43,235

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(27 reviews)
2009 Acura TL Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Acura TL

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User rating:
by Eddie S
Feb 17, 2023
Tech Package is phenomenal, leather seats, navigation, and backup camera. Nice, smooth, and fast rids. Theres so much to love about this model, 09-14.Feb 17, 2023
by Doug F
Nov 25, 2022
Nice car very fast.You get your money worth in AcuraNov 25, 2022
by India C
Sep 30, 2022
Very nice vehicle. Love the features and the color. Sep 30, 2022

2009 Acura TL Pricing

Original MSRP
$34,955 to $43,235
Price range
$7,576 to $8,023
Average price on CG
$8,010
YoY price change
$7,964 to $8,010

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

See all trims (4)