Overview

This midsize luxury sedan has undergone several improvements in recent model years, including a more powerful engine, a re-tuned suspension, an optional manual transmission, and an overall repositioning as a conservatively sporty choice. The 2011 TL carries over from the previous year.

The base model of the 2011 Acura TL features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, automatic Xenon headlights, power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. The TL SH-AWD trim steps up to 18-inch wheels (with 19-inch wheels optional), a more powerful engine, Acura's proprietary all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, upgraded brakes and seats, upgraded interior trim, and available two-tone interior. Both trims offer an optional Technology package, which adds a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, keyless ignition, and a 10-speaker sound system. The trunk provides just over 13 cubic feet of cargo space, according to the manufacturer.

The 2011 Acura TL's base power plant is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with front-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The TL SH-AWD trim employs a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine and an AWD system that allots varying power to front and rear wheels depending on the situation. With that drivetrain, a 6-speed manual transmission with hill-start assist is optional. The base engine delivers 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway; the larger engine returns 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Acura TL include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is optional. The 2011 Acura TL received the highest-possible "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal offset, rear-impact, and side-impact crash testing.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Acura TL was $35,305.