Before moving on to Acura's excellent entry-lux sedan, it is necessary to point out that it in this highly-competitive class, there is no single winner. The first-place car represents the most complete package, delivering a blend of all the good traits expected in this class (essentially a mix of luxury/comfort and driving fun), but not all consumers are necessarily looking for that. Thus, it could be said that the ten vehicles that elbowed their ways past sixteen of their competitors all achieved the equivalent of the first-place slot, though they either focused on or fell short in one specific area. Each one has definite advantages and disadvantages over all the others, and a case could be made that any one of them deserves to occupy this space. But the Acura TL stands out in a few specific areas (interior quality, ride comfort, refinement) without falling short in any serious other areas, which is what gives it the official win.

        The TL has a firm, though very comfortable and absorbent ride. Its ability to retain its comfort levels without simply softening the suspension pays off in the car's handling. It isn't as agile as some smaller rivals (including Acura's own TSX model), but has well-controlled body roll and quick, responsive, and well-weighted steering that provides good feedback. Acceleration is prompt, and comes without the accompanying torque steer found in some competing powerful front-wheel-drive cars here. The engine is smooth and quiet, and road noise is well-suppressed. Wind noise is audible at highway speeds, however. The TL returns typical-for-group fuel economy, impressive considering its power.

          Inside, the TL's front seats are firm, comfortable, and supportive, but lumpy. The rear is roomy enough, but the seat is too low and firm, and the cushion is too short. The interior features near-perfect construction and very high-quality materials. The gauges are clear, but could be larger, and the instruments are well-placed and easy to use, with the exception of some too-small audio controls. Driver sit very comfortably, and can see out notably well. Entry/exit is complicated in the front by the sharply-angled, rather low seats, and is difficult in the rear as well, thanks to a poorly-shaped door opening. The trunk is quite small, but nicely-shaped.

          The TL did very well in crash testing. It earned a Best Pick rating in its IIHS offset frontal crash test, and the second-highest rating of Good in the IIHS side crash test. NHTSA awarded it five stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in its frontal crash test, and four stars for the driver and five for the rear passenger.

        The TL has very little optional equipment, with all features coming standard except for a navigation system and some dealer-installed accessories. There are no glaring omissions from the equipment list, but aside from a Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, it has no rare or unique options either. Its price is about average for this group as well.

          Overall, the TL is not necessarily the best choice for everyone shopping in this class. But it is an excellent one, as it has the best combination of interior comfort, agility, interior quality, ride comfort, refinement, and features for the money in this group, so it should be able to satisfy most anyone looking for an entry-lux. But consumers with more specialized desires/needs still ought to look to the vehicles here that specialize in the area or areas that they are specifically seeking.

Pros:

-Ride Comfort

-Refinement

-Interior Quality

-Agility

-Acceleration

-Safety Ratings

Cons:

-Trunk Space

Overall:

The entry-lux that does it all.

Version Reviewed:

NA

Price of Version Reviewed:

$31,634

Powertrain:

3.2-liter V6