Introduction
Positioned one tier below the new Acura RLX flagship sedan, the Acura TL continues to be one of the company's best-selling models, thanks in part to several updates that debuted on the 2012 model. The 2013 TL, available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions, has been carried over unchanged.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Acura TL is categorized as a midsize sedan by the EPA and features standard automatic xenon HID headlights, front fog lights, heated turn signal mirrors that automatically tilt down when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, a power tilt/slide moonroof, and dual exhaust tips. Front-wheel-drive TLs are fitted with 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloy wheels; all-wheel-drive models are upgraded with standard 18-inch or available 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as brake cooling ducts in the front bumper for better braking performance.
Interior Features
Offering 5-passenger seating, the 2013 Acura TL sedan is equipped with standard leather upholstery, heated front sport seats with 10-way adjustment for the driver and 8-way adjustment for the passenger, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with controls for the audio and voice-recognition systems, and Bluetooth connectivity. Also included is an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, 276-watt sound system with a USB port, and 2-position memory for the driver.
All-wheel-drive TL models add standard contrast stitching and extra front-seat bolstering.
Optional Features
An Advance package is available on all 2013 TL models and includes a blind-spot monitoring system, alloy wheels, and ventilated front seats. Acura also offers a Technology package for the TL featuring push-button start, rearview camera, perforated leather upholstery, 440-watt surround-sound system, and a navigation system with an 8-inch display and real-time traffic and weather information.
Under the Hood
In FWD guise, the 2013 TL is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard. All-wheel-drive TL models are fitted with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that delivers 305 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to the 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox with hill-start assist. Every 2013 Acura TL features a fully independent suspension, though AWD variants use lighter front and rear stabilizer bars.
Acura warranties the 2013 TL's powertrain for 6 years/70,000 miles, while all other components fall under a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Acura TL are:
- TL FWD with 3.5-liter V-6 engine: 20/29/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- TL AWD with 3.7-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission: 18/26/21 mpg
- TL AWD with 3.7-liter V-6 engine and manual transmission: 17/25/20 mpg
Safety
The 2013 Acura TL sedan is equipped with 6 air bags, traction control, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and front active head restraints.
In government crash tests, the 2013 Acura TL received an overall rating of 4 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the TL received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset crash protection; the TL also received a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the Institute.
