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The 2009 Acura TL represents the fourth generation of the luxury sedan that debuted as a 1996 model. This iteration is larger (6.2 in. longer, 1.8 in. wider, with 1.3 in. more rear legroom), and features the “Power Plenum” grille. It has a more powerful engine, and new technology features are available. The base TL features front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on the Acura TL SH-AWD model.
The TL’s all-wheel drive system sends 90% of engine power to the front wheels, while cruising; however, upon acceleration the system shifts more torque to the rear wheels—in some cases up to 70%. Engine power to the rear wheels can be pushed to the left or right side as much as 100%.
The TL SH-AWD has slightly firmer suspension and more steering feedback than the base model, according to the automaker, and features quad exhaust pipes and larger air ducts. The TL rides on 245/50R17 tires, while the TL SH-AWD has 245/45R18 tires with optional 245/40ZR19 summer performance tires. Both feature electric power steering and a revised five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Both models offer an optional Technology Package, which includes premium Milano leather seats, keyless start, an updated navigation system, and the Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers, 440 watts of power, and an internal hard drive with 13 GB of storage dedicated for audio.
The TL has a 3.5-liter, 280-hp V6 engine that produces 254 lb.-ft. of torque, which is an improvement of 22 hp and 21 ft.-lbs. over the previous year’s 3.2-liter engine. The TL SH-AWD uses a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 306 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated gas mileage is 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway for the TL, and 17 and 24 mpg for the TL SH-AWD. Both earned five stars in both frontal and side-impact government tests and a “Good” score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal offset and side-impact crashes.
When introduced, the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD base price was $38,505.
The TL’s all-wheel drive system sends 90% of engine power to the front wheels, while cruising; however, upon acceleration the system shifts more torque to the rear wheels—in some cases up to 70%. Engine power to the rear wheels can be pushed to the left or right side as much as 100%.
The TL SH-AWD has slightly firmer suspension and more steering feedback than the base model, according to the automaker, and features quad exhaust pipes and larger air ducts. The TL rides on 245/50R17 tires, while the TL SH-AWD has 245/45R18 tires with optional 245/40ZR19 summer performance tires. Both feature electric power steering and a revised five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Both models offer an optional Technology Package, which includes premium Milano leather seats, keyless start, an updated navigation system, and the Acura/ELS audio system with 10 speakers, 440 watts of power, and an internal hard drive with 13 GB of storage dedicated for audio.
The TL has a 3.5-liter, 280-hp V6 engine that produces 254 lb.-ft. of torque, which is an improvement of 22 hp and 21 ft.-lbs. over the previous year’s 3.2-liter engine. The TL SH-AWD uses a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 306 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA-estimated gas mileage is 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway for the TL, and 17 and 24 mpg for the TL SH-AWD. Both earned five stars in both frontal and side-impact government tests and a “Good” score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal offset and side-impact crashes.
When introduced, the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD base price was $38,505.








