Photos: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD
Acura updates its cabin tech substantially with the new TL, while splitting the model into a base TL model and the more powerful TL SH-AWD. We test the latter and find out that, while Acura makes a good car, it still doesn't achieve the luxury afforded by its competitors.
2009 Acura TL SH-AWD
Acura updated the TL for 2009, changing the exterior styling, tuning the engine, and upgrading the cabin electronics. The company also offers a whole new version, the TL SH-AWD, fitted with a bigger engine and all-wheel-drive.
Styling
The grille shows further accentuation of the controversial Acura beak, while a stronger belt line encircles the car. The hood fits cap-like over the front of the car, with seams inboard of the fenders.
Powerful engine
The TL SH-AWD gets this new 3.7-liter V-6, which makes 305 horsepower. Acura advertises it as the company's most powerful engine in a production car.
With seating for five, the TL SH-AWD makes a comfortable commuter and family car. But it also has sporting aspirations, with a suspension more sport-tuned than the standard TL.
SH-AWD
Acura models are built on front-wheel-drive platforms, but the sporty, SUV, and high-end cars get all-wheel-drive. With this TL, the SH-AWD stands for super handling all wheel drive.
Dual tips
The TL SH-AWD gets a dual exhaust system, each fitted with dual tips, although the latter is just for show.
Trunk space
Trunk space isn't huge, but roomy enough for most needs. It would be tough to fit the luggage of four people for any trip more than a week.
Non-luxury interior
The interior of the TL SH-AWD is very nice, but it doesn't stand out as a luxury cabin. The materials are all soft plastic, brushed metal, and leather.
Buttonitis
The steering wheel, although cleaned up from earlier versions, is still studded with too many buttons. The controls between the spokes don't look well-integrated.
Tachometer
With the tach tipping over 5,000rpm, the engine makes an impressive growl.
Automatic transmission
Although better than on previous Acuras, this five-speed automatic is a weak spot in the car's performance credentials. For the 2010 model, a six-speed manual will be available.
Acura refined the center knob a bit, using bigger buttons devoted to the navigation system. An audio button sits above it, but the cell phone display can only be brought up by a button on the steering wheel.
Traffic reporting
Acura has long integrated traffic with its navigation system, but this version works better, offering dynamic routing around incidents.
Weather reports
Weather is a new feature in the TL's cabin tech. You can look at forecasts for regions around the country, or this Doppler map for rainfall.
Bluetooth cell phone integration
The phone system imports phone books, a new feature from past versions. The system also can stream music from a cell phone with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
iPod integration
iPod integration is a new feature with the TL, connected through a USB port in the console. That USB port also works with USB thumb drives.
XM satellite radio
XM satellite radio is an essential part of this cabin tech package, as it is the means by which traffic and weather information are transmitted to the car.
CD ripping
You can store music on the car's hard drive, ripping it from a standard CD.
ELS audio
The car uses Acura's ELS audio system, which produces good surround sound through 10 speakers in the car.
Audio quality
Although there is a subwoofer, this system sounds best with acoustic music, as the bass isn't particularly strong.
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