Used 2014 Acura TL for sale 

The Acura TL is available in five different trims that feature two engine options and a common transmission setup. The standard trims of the Acura TL fall in a price range that extends from $36,030 to $41,960 for its base and top-of-the-line variant, respectively. Additionally, the TL is also available in two additional trims, which are the use of Technology and Advance Package with the SH-AWD trim. It also features an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

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Though the SH-AWD trim of the Acura may lack some necessary features, we recommend buying it for its higher power and torque output and an all-wheel-drivetrain which bestows upon the car a more refined ride quality. It also includes some advanced specifications like leather seats, heated front seats, and climate control.

The Acura TL is available with two engine options, each of which is strong and reliable in its performance. The base engine available as standard with all trims except the SH-AWD is a 3.5L V6 unit that is capable of producing 280 hp of power and 254 lb.-ft of torque. The more powerful engine available with the SH-AWD and its optional package trims is a 3.7L V6 engine that is good for 305 horses of power and 273 lb.-ft of torque.

As standard, the Acura TL is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and is available with a front-wheel-drivetrain. As the name suggests, the SH-AWD trim is the only all-wheel-drive variant on offer. It also provides as optional a 6-speed manual transmission with the SH-AWD Technology Package. A base engine-powered Acura TL can make a sprint to the 60 MPH mark in 6.4 seconds.

In comparison, it is difficult to declare a certain winner in the segment. While all three cars have a similar engine and transmission setup, the Nissan Maxima is the only car that makes use of a continuously variable transmission. In the acceleration test, the Honda Accord takes 6.3 seconds to the 60 MPH mark, making it the quickest car in the segment, while the Nissan Maxima clocks similar timing as the Acura TL.

The 2014 iteration of the Acura TL vaunts economical fuel figures. It manages 20 MPG in the bustling streets of New York and 29 MPG on the highway. Combined, it is capable of averaging a mileage of 23 miles per gallon of fuel. While it may not be the best in the segment, it is decent as per segment standards. Its fuel tank has a total capacity of 18.5 gallons and can cover a total distance of 370 and 536.5 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In comparison, the Honda Accord is the most efficient car on the block, managing a combined mileage of 25 MPG, while the Maxima remains a notch below at 22 mpg. However, the Nissan does feature the largest fuel tank of 20-gallons, which gives it an edge over its competitors. Just like performance figures, in terms of range as well, all three cars cover almost equal distance.

The Acura TL’s cabin is luxury redefined. It features leather seats from the base variant, which allows the cabin to look opulent and plush. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a delight to hold and has aplomb response timings. The central console that houses the transmission handle is made up of good quality materials and also packs ample space. The control layout for the infotainment and air conditioning system features a large number of buttons and rotary knobs that add usability and practicality to the cabin.

The seats on offer with Acura TL are splendid and accord maximum level of comfort. The ride quality with the front-wheel-drive variants may not be the best in the segment but is seemingly well. However, it is the driveability of the all-wheel-drive variants that is the show stopper. But the Acura’s consistency does break down because of its miserable cargo capacity of 13.1 cubic feet.

The seating capacity of five passengers is the segment standard. While the front seat occupants have maximum space in the Nissan Maxima, it comes at the cost of rear-seat comfort. It is the Honda Accord that has an equal amount of comfort for all passengers. While cargo capacity is lower in the segment itself, both contemporaries manage higher trunk volumes. The Honda Accord’s trunk of 15.5 cubic feet is the largest in the segment, while the Nissan Maxima is marginally behind with 14.2 cubic feet. Some salient interior features include:

•         Cruise Control
•         Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
•         Dual Zone Climate Control
•         Cargo Net
•         Interior Air Filtration
•         Leather Upholstery

How intuitive is the 2014 Acura TL’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system on the Acura TL is heavily equipped from its base variant. The display screen that the system boasts of sits centrally on top of the dashboard. It is striking in its graphics and is well pixelated.

It comes connected to a Bluetooth system, CD changer, and an eight-speaker sound system. With the Technology and Advance Package, the display screens double up to be used with the rearview camera. Other salient infotainment system specifications are:

•         Satellite Radio
•         Hard Disk Drive (available with Technology and Advance Package only)
•         HD Radio
•         AM/FM Stereo
•         Auxiliary Audio Input
•         10-Speaker ELS Sound System (available with Technology and Advance Package only)

The Acura TL may be strong in its performance, but it loses in the process because of its idiosyncratic designs. The TL looks animated upfront, and while the rear-end is better designed, it feels like a lost cause. In a segment that has opted for categorized aggressive styling, the Acura TL hangs between innocent and fierce design elements. The front with the Acura badging, though distinct, lacks a sense of imposition in it. However, what is likable is the use of chrome embellishments that give it a rather upmarket stance.

The Acura TL is 3,756 lbs in its curb weight, making it the heaviest car in the segment. It is also the longest car in the segment with a total length of 194 inches, yet sports the shortest wheelbase of 104.3 inches. It is also the widest car in the segment and measures 74 inches. The Acura TL stands at a total height of 57.2 inches and has a clearance from the ground of 6.1 inches.

In comparison, the Honda Accord is the lightest vehicle in the segment weighing 3,559 lbs, while the Nissan Maxima is marginally heavier weighing 3,570 lbs. The Maxima also sports the longest wheelbase of 109.3 inches in the segment. While ground clearance for both cars is not known, the height of all cars differs by decimals. Some standout exterior features include:

•         18/20-inch all-season tires
•         Sun/moonroof
•         Rear Spoiler (except on base variant)
•         Fog Lamps  
•         All Season Tires

The Acura TL is not the most highly-rated vehicle in the segment, scoring 4-stars in the crash-tests conducted by the NHTSA. The Acura TL makes use of a standard 4-wheel disc brake system that bestows upon the vehicle a halting distance of 122 ft, which is exceptionally well for a car of its size and structure.

As standard, it comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags, brake assist, and traction control. With the top-rack Advance Package, Acura also adds a blind-spot monitor to the set of features. However, something that could irk buyers in the segment is the non-standardization of a rearview camera. Some other standout safety specifications include:

•       Electronic Stability Control
•       Child Safety Locks
•       Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
•       Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
•       Engine Immobilizer
•       Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

The Acura TL is one of the most sought-after and coveted offerings in the segment, which asserts its dominance in the segment with its hi-tech infotainment and safety systems, two potent engine units, and multiple trim options. In addition, it boasts of a luxurious sedan-like aura by virtue of its unparalleled comfort and the quality of materials used on the inside. However, what pulls it down is its restricted cargo space and exterior designing which fails to keep up with the modernity in the segment. But if you prioritize comfort and can forego looks, the Acura TL has been tailor-made for you.