Acura TL SH-AWD Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The 2009 Acura TL represents the fourth generation of Acura's much-loved and highly successful premium sport sedan. Based on the current "XL-sized" Honda Accord, the TL is a big car, no two ways about it. But that's about where the similarities end, as the controversially styled TL is the antithesis of the conservative Accord.

The good news about the TL's objectionable exterior design is that when you're inside you can't see it. And what you can see looks fantastic, with the interior of the TL as good-looking as the exterior isn't. Everything you see and touch looks and feels very high-quality.

From the thump of the door as you pull it shut to the action of the push-starter button, to the howling of the VTEC-optimized intake and exhaust note when you bury the throttle, everything about the TL SH-AWD experience speaks to Acura's "precision and technology" corporate theme.

The design of the cabin - while a bit busy with buttons, curves and textures - pulls off the high-tech look quite well. In fact, the interior of the TL makes the cabins of some of its competitors look very much dated. Beyond styling, few of those competitors can stand comparison with the TL in terms of interior content. When equipped with the Technology Package, the newest Acura is a tech-geek's dream come true. It has everything from the obligatory hi-fi system and bluetooth compatibility to advanced technologies like satellite-linked navigation system, doppler radar maps, real-time three-day weather forecasts and much, much... seriously... much more.

Passenger comfort doesn't take a back seat to technology and conveniences. The rear seat is a comfortable place for two with plenty of room in all dimensions. Up front, the seats are better still, with premium perforated leather that looks and feels great, and supportive bolstering that keeps you in place when you feel like exploring the sportscar-like grip afforded by the SH-AWD system.

When that frolicsome mood strikes, you'll be grateful for the excellent, thick steering wheel that is connected to one of the best electric power-steering systems on the market. Where some similar systems offer artificial weighting in an attempt to simulate "feel," the system in the SH-AWD TL really does seem to have the weight and feel balance figured out better than most.

The five-speed automatic transmission shows great attention to user interface as well, with paddles mounted to the back of the steering wheel and a simple, compact center console shifter that looks good and works well.

Slightly less user-friendly is the central knob controlling the Acura's Multi-Information Display. It's not baffling like the early versions of BMW's i-Drive, but neither is it as intuitive as Audi's similar MMI system. If you don't have time to read through the thick owner's manual, there's a cheat-sheet that will get you through most of its functions.

Jam-packed with bleeding-edge technology in both cockpit and drivetrain, the 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD is the embodiment of the Japanese company's single word tag line: Advance.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Acura TL SH-AWD

Performance
- Acceleration: Slightly behind the competition due to its weight - Type-S should cure that pronto
- Handling: Aptly named Super Handling AWD system gives the TL serious sport sedan moves - among the very best in class
- Braking: Another benefit of AWD is stability under braking - good pedal feel as well

Design
- Exterior: If it was any uglier, Acura wouldn't claim it as its own - let's hope that Keen Edge Dynamic has taken its last breath... please!
- Interior: As good looking as the exterior isn't, and although a bit busy, very much class appropriate - materials and craftsmanship are first rate

Utility
- Comfort: A slightly harsh ride is the only negative mark on the TL's occupant comfort scorecard
- Space: Based on the BIG Honda Accord, there's more space inside the newest TL than ever

Safety
- Dynamics: Endowed with all the dynamics of an ultra-sophisticated all-wheel drive system - good steering as well
- Technology: Honda/Acura don't mess around on this front, with the TL packing all of Honda's considerable safety know-how

Value
- Price: It's a lot of money - right in line with the category leaders - but it's also a lot of car with TONS of technology
- Mileage: Mechanical drag and the weight of the all-wheel drive system conspire to hurt the TL's mileage numbers

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you can manage to get in without looking at it, you'll be stoked! Otherwise...
- Fun to spank: If you're brave enough to defeat the stability control system, it can be a lot of fun

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3950 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.8 @ 97 mph
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $38,505
Competitors: Infiniti G37x AWD, Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, BMW 335i xDrive