Acceleration

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.4

Strong, though best above 3500 rpm; test car with manual transmission did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph. Manual has silky, short-throw shift action, though clutch engagement sometimes abrupt. Automatic transmission downshifts smoothly, promptly for good throttle response.

Fuel Economy

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Test manual-transmission TLs averaged 17.7-23.3 mpg depending on driving conditions. Test automatic averaged 23.0. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	6	5	7

Stable, controlled, but tauter than comfort-minded rivals such as Lexus ES 330. Manual-transmission models' performance-tuned suspension gives even firmer ride, especially with the performance tires. Notably rigid body structure.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Nicely weighted, linear steering. Liberal use of throttle from low speed triggers torque-steer wander, especially exiting tight turns. TL feels agile, well-controlled, but cornering prowess not equal to best rear-drive competitors. Strong, confident stopping power further enhanced by manual's Brembo brakes.

Quietness

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
8	8	7	6.7

Wind rush modest. Tire roar intrudes, especially with performance tread. Subdued-but-sporty engine note.

Controls

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
9	8	8	6.7

Clear gauges, well-marked controls. Cutting-edge DVD-Audio sounds terrific. HandsFreeLink easy to use. Navigation system doesn't absorb primary audio/climate functions, but does complicate some audio adjustments, takes time to master, and demands frequent manipulation of brightness level as light conditions change. Near-luxury benchmark for solid assembly, high-quality materials, and standard amenities such as leather upholstery and heated power front seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.2

Comfortable seats with good lateral support for spirited driving, though some testers say they're firmer than necessary. Sufficient space for 6-footers, but cockpitlike design makes for cozy feel.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	5.6

Tight head room for taller riders. Seat cushion unsubstantial, oddly shaped, lacks thigh support. Leg room gets tight as front seats move more than halfway back. Easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
3	3	3	4

Smallish trunk, but usefully shaped. Low liftover, but constricted opening. Lid hinges intrude, though covered to prevent cargo damage. Rear seatback doesn't fold, has small center ski pass-through. Modest in-cabin storage.

Value within Class

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
10	9	9	5.8

TL strikes an impressive balance between sport and luxury, with manual-transmission versions adding an extra dose of athleticism. Toss in Acura's traditional levels of refinement, features, and reliability at hard-to-beat prices, and the TL stands tall as a near-luxury pacesetter.

Total Score

Base, auto.	Base w/nav. sys., man.	Base w/nav. sys. and perf. tires, man.	Class Average
67	64	62	60.8

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		71