Acceleration

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7

Base and Type-S both strong, though best above 3500 rpm. Test base TL with automatic transmission did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity to time Type-S, but its power difference is most noticed at high rpm, where it feels marginally stronger than base TL. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly in base model, more aggressively in Type-S; downshifts in both suffer slight delay. Manual transmission has silky, short-throw shift action, but clutch engagement can be abrupt.

Fuel Economy

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4.6

Test automatic-transmission base model averaged 23.0 mpg. Type S with automatic transmission averaged 19.9 mpg. Acura recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	6.6

Notably rigid body structure. Base model stable, controlled, though suspension notably tauter than in comfort-minded rivals like Lexus ES 350. Type-S's handling-focused suspension gives even firmer ride.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	7.2

Base model agile and well-controlled, abetted by linear, nicely weighted steering. Type-S exhibits even sharper steering response, less cornering lean. In both, rapid acceleration at low speed triggers some torque steer, especially with manual transmission. Strong, confident stopping control, enhanced by Brembo brakes on Type-S.

Quietness

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
8	8	7	7	6.9

Wind and road noise modest, engine note sporty but subdued. Type-S has electronic noise-canceling feature that seems of some benefit mostly on coarse pavement.

Controls

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
8	7	7	7	6.8

Clear gauges, well-marked controls. Navigation system doesn't absorb primary audio/climate functions, but does complicate some adjustments, takes time to master, and often needs screen brightness changed to suit light conditions. Cabin near top of class for materials and assembly quality, and for standard amenities such as leather upholstery and heated power front seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.4

Seats afford good lateral support for spirited driving, though some testers say cushions are firmer than necessary and uncomfortably shaped. Sufficient space for six-footers, but cockpitlike design makes for cozy feel.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.4

Tight head room for taller riders. Seat cushion low to floor, oddly shaped, lacks thigh support. Leg room gets tight if front seats are well aft. Entry/exit requires negotiating narrow lower door frame.

Cargo Room

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.2

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

Value within Class

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
10	9	8	8	6.1

This Acura is an impressive blend of sport and luxury. Its only real dynamic flaw is the tendency toward torque steer, most notably in the manual-transmission Type-S. Still, the TL is a solid Best Buy, delivering high refinement, solid workmanship, and lots of features at hard-to-beat prices.

Total Score

Base	Base w/nav. sys.	Type-S, man.	Type-S, auto.	Class Average
66	64	62	62	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75