Acura’s midsize sport sedan, the TL is an amalgam of performance and luxury, with a bias toward driving exhilaration over decadent comfort. This is evident in the vehicle’s firm ride characteristics and its insatiable appetite for corners.
2012 redesign subtle but significant
The new design cues and shaved lines for 2012 may not jump out upon first glance but after comparing the 2012 TL to the 2011, a sleeker, cleaner appearance becomes evident. The amendments up front include shortening the overhang and reworking the grille, headlights and fog lights.
At the rear, the 2012 TL receives a revised bumper and slimmer metallic trim on the trunk lid. The exterior modifications improve the aerodynamics of the TL, making this redesign functional in addition to visual.
Nothing noteworthy changes within the TL, where the cabin continues to surround its occupants with a plethora of instruments and buttons that come together in an attractive, tightly constructed cockpit-style setting.
Cabin provides fit and function
The TL cabin has always resonated with a sense of purpose. From its front seats, which hold occupants snugly in place, to its contoured steering wheel and accompanying shift paddles, the setup is oriented toward performance.
Yes, it takes time to become familiar with all of the switchgear, but overall the layout is straightforward and easily grasped, if a little busy. My tester spoiled me with heated/cooled front seats and a premium audio system among many other premium appointments.
Along with plenty of room in the front for long-legged people, the TL provides a comfortable, generous back seat and a large trunk. Regrettably, the rear seat of my tester didn’t fold down to extend trunk capacity into the vehicle’s cabin.
I find this limitation annoying. I tend to haul around my road bike fairly often, and fitting it into a trunk absent a fold-down rear seat generally requires me to drop the front and rear wheels of the bike.
Despite this cargo shortcoming, the TL is highly rewarding once in motion.
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| Acura’s midsize sport sedan, the TL is an amalgam of performance and luxury. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
2012 redesign subtle but significant
The new design cues and shaved lines for 2012 may not jump out upon first glance but after comparing the 2012 TL to the 2011, a sleeker, cleaner appearance becomes evident. The amendments up front include shortening the overhang and reworking the grille, headlights and fog lights.
At the rear, the 2012 TL receives a revised bumper and slimmer metallic trim on the trunk lid. The exterior modifications improve the aerodynamics of the TL, making this redesign functional in addition to visual.
Nothing noteworthy changes within the TL, where the cabin continues to surround its occupants with a plethora of instruments and buttons that come together in an attractive, tightly constructed cockpit-style setting.
Cabin provides fit and function
The TL cabin has always resonated with a sense of purpose. From its front seats, which hold occupants snugly in place, to its contoured steering wheel and accompanying shift paddles, the setup is oriented toward performance.
Yes, it takes time to become familiar with all of the switchgear, but overall the layout is straightforward and easily grasped, if a little busy. My tester spoiled me with heated/cooled front seats and a premium audio system among many other premium appointments.
Along with plenty of room in the front for long-legged people, the TL provides a comfortable, generous back seat and a large trunk. Regrettably, the rear seat of my tester didn’t fold down to extend trunk capacity into the vehicle’s cabin.
I find this limitation annoying. I tend to haul around my road bike fairly often, and fitting it into a trunk absent a fold-down rear seat generally requires me to drop the front and rear wheels of the bike.
Despite this cargo shortcoming, the TL is highly rewarding once in motion.
 |
| Along with plenty of room in the front for long-legged people, the TL provides a comfortable, generous back seat. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |