Acura TL

Name: 2012 Acura TL
Brand: Acura

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The TL is a nice upscale sedan but no longer stood out from the crowd. For the 2012 model year, styling was slightly tweaked and the automatic transmission got another gear to a six-speed, boosting fuel economy by one mpg to 24. As always, it had a great drivetrain, sound ride, and a nicely-finished interior with supportive front seats. Handling was sound, but compromised by vague steering. A tight rear seat and a tiny trunk opening were letdowns in this typically commodious class.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Acura TL

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

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2009

2010

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2012

2013

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2016

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2019

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2021

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2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2012 Acura TL

$7,700 - $8,875

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Acura RL

$6,725 - $7,975

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A6

$3,700 - $7,125

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi A7

$7,575 - $9,050

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Audi S4

$9,825 - $9,975

EPA MPG NA

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 5 Series

$6,375 - $8,000

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 BMW 6 Series

$8,025 - $10,675

EPA MPG NA

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Buick LaCrosse

$6,250 - $6,600

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Cadillac CTS

$4,350 - $22,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Fisker Karma

$ NA

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2012 Infiniti M

$5,400 - $8,025

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Jaguar XF

$4,275 - $6,175

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Lexus ES

$10,000

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2012 Lexus GS

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Lincoln MKS

$6,425 - $7,125

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2012 Lincoln MKZ

$4,725 - $6,200

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$8,600 - $14,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$6,300 - $13,675

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volvo S80

$5,325 - $6,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2012 Volvo XC70

$6,000 - $8,175

EPA MPG NA

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

3.5-liter V6 (280 hp)
3.7-liter V6 (305 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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Model History

2009-2014

2009 Redesign Year

Good at almost everything, the 2004-2008 TL proved to be a tough act to follow and the second-generation TL fell short of the task. Although a fine car overall, it didn't stand out. The cabin is well finished, but road noise intrudes and the dash is cluttered with buttons. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear is cramped. Our tested FWD, 3.5-liter V6 returned 24 mpg overall with the six-speed automatic. While it has taut handling and a compliant, if somewhat firm ride, we found the steering vague and lacking feedback. AWD was available with the 3.7-liter V6.

2004-2008

2004 Redesign Year

Considerably improved for its third generation, the well-rounded TL has a great blend of comfort, convenience, and sportiness. Motivation comes from a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V6 that returns 23 mpg on premium fuel. While not quite rivaling the BMW 3 Series for sportiness, communicative and quick steering and well-contained body lean makes the TL enjoyable to drive. Steady and well-controlled, the ride provides good isolation from bumps and the cabin is quiet inside. Controls are simple to use, including the optional touchscreen navigation system. Precise attention to detail distinguishes the well-finished interior. Front seats are supportive and the rear seats are roomy. Minor gripes include a large turning circle and a rear seatback that doesn't fold to expand trunk space. Comprehensive standard equipment includes leather, a sunroof, and stability control.

1999-2003

1999 Redesign Year

Think of the second-generation TL as a fancier version of the Honda Accord V6. Highlights include a spacious and well-finished interior and commendable outward visibility. Both the base 225-hp V6 and the Type-S 260-hp V6 are smooth and refined, providing strong acceleration. Fuel economy is impressive, but premium fuel is needed. Handling is competent but the car falls short of being agile; at least it is more fun to drive than the competing Infiniti I35 and Lexus ES. The suspension delivers decent isolation from road bumps, although it can become somewhat jittery on the highway. Road noise is more apparent in the cabin than it should be for a luxury sedan. Inside is plenty of technology, including an easy-to-use touchscreen navigation system. Watch for problems with the five-speed automatic in later models.