more about this model
Pros Refined and powerful V6, manual transmission works well and adds quickness, impressive handling, superb front seats, roomy backseat, strong brakes.
Cons Controversial styling, numb steering, marginal ride quality.
The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD with the Technology Package and the new six-speed manual transmission brings some familiar adages to mind. "Don't judge a book by its cover." "Beauty is more than skin deep." You get the idea. From behind the wheel, this TL is a revelation, a world-class performance sedan that Acura somehow derived from the plebeian Honda Accord. It also boasts plenty of technology and room for four full-size adults. But the question is: Will those heartwarming adages still be convincing when $44,000 of your hard-earned money is on the line?
We'll hold open the possibility, because we've certainly met people who like the way the TL looks. Some find the pointy grille refreshingly different; others favor the unusual metallic V-shaped insert below the trunk. If you're a fan of the styling, the TL SH-AWD 6MT definitely belongs at the top of your shopping list. After all, its performance is competitive with that of the BMW 535i xDrive, which runs $10,000-$15,000 more when comparably equipped. And the TL SH-AWD is bigger and more comfortable than the marginally better-performing but pricier Audi S4.
Though more conservatively styled, the above-mentioned BMW and Audi are the only truly comparable luxury performance sedans with manual transmissions and the year-round versatility of all-wheel drive. Even if you're not high on the TL's brave design language, you might still want to give this car a chance. As one of the best-driving luxury performance sedans under $60,000, the 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT is proof that beauty is more than skin deep.
Performance The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD is powered by a 3.7-liter SOHC V6 rated at 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Our test car had the new six-speed manual transmission, with EPA fuel economy estimates of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
At the test track, our TL SH-AWD sped to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, a remarkable 1.1 seconds quicker than the identically powered automatic-transmission version we tested last year. The quarter-mile flew by in 13.9 seconds at 100.1 mph — pretty serious speed for a six-cylinder luxury sedan, particularly one with an engine as refined as this smooth 3.7-liter mill. Brake testing returned repeated fade-free stops from 60 mph in a commendably short 110 feet.
In our handling tests, the TL was aided greatly by its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (hence "SH-AWD"), a sophisticated system that mitigates understeer in hard cornering by apportioning power to the outside wheels. Our track driver did complain about a lack of feel from the electric power steering, an impression seconded by those of us who drove the car in the canyons. Still, the Acura averaged 68.5 mph in the slalom, an impressive speed for a large sedan, and it circled the skid pad at a sports-carlike 0.92g.
Real-world driving backs these gaudy numbers up convincingly. Unlike the tepid automatic version, the TL SH-AWD 6MT feels genuinely fast in a straight line, with the endearing manual shifter and light, short-throw clutch serving as willing companions. On twisty roads, the SH-AWD system does a stellar job of keeping the TL's handling neutral — if you notice understeer, you probably did something wrong.
The only real demerit here concerns the car's sheer bulk, an inevitable encumbrance given those Accord roots. Whereas the S4 and 535i xDrive shrink around you in tight corners, the TL SH-AWD never feels smaller than the sizable car it is. The Acura's brakes are always strong, though, and the steering is quite responsive despite its numbness. This is a genuine sport sedan — no doubt about it.
Comfort Unlike its German rivals, the 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD lets some impact harshness filter through over bumps and ruts, and it generally has a less substantial feel at speed. Still, it rides notably better than the Accord on which it's based, and road noise is appropriately hushed. The front seats are among the best chairs in the business — brilliantly comfortable and supportive. The thick-rimmed, ergonomically contoured steering wheel fits hands perfectly, and the armrests are nicely padded.
The backseat is another high point. This is where the TL's imposing dimensions pay their most obvious dividends. Two 6-footers fit easily behind similarly lanky front-seat occupants, and they'll also appreciate the comfortable shape of the rear outboard seats. The S4 has less backseat space, and even the 535i xDrive would be hard-pressed to match the Acura in this regard.
Function The TL SH-AWD's primary gauges are clear and feature Acura's trademark "floating" needles. The center stack has too many similar-looking buttons, though owners will, of course, acclimate to this with time. A multifunction control knob comes in handy for programming the Technology package's navigation system or checking real-time weather forecasts, and deftly manages the iPod interface, which our music fans lauded for its ease of use. The premium Panasonic/ELS stereo, also part of the Technology package, delivers crisp and clean sound.
In our real-world usability tests, we found that while the TL's 12.5-cubic-foot trunk can accommodate two sets of golf clubs plus a standard suitcase, it's disappointingly small given that this is hardly a small car. A rear-facing child seat fits just fine in the commodious backseat, however.
Design/Fit and Finish We've said enough about the TL SH-AWD's exterior styling; beauty is in the eye of the buyer, as always. Inside, the TL's dual-cowl dashboard design is sleek but not particularly memorable, awash as it is in dark colors and odd silver plastic trim with a black dot matrix overlay.
Materials quality is average for this segment, including the expected soft-touch dash covering. Build quality on our test car was exemplary — there were no squeaks or rattles, and everything in the cabin seemed to be put together exceptionally well.
Who should consider this vehicle The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT is an excellent option for driving enthusiasts who want an all-weather luxury performance sedan. The manual shifter naturally limits its appeal, but buyers who opt for this configuration will be rewarded with a spacious four-door with refined world-class performance.
Others To Consider
Audi S4, BMW 535i xDrive, Cadillac CTS Performance, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purpose of evaluation.
What's a good price on a used 2010 Acura TL ?
Save up to $300 on one of 29 used 2010 Acura TLs for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $6900 as of Apr 22, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 61 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2010 Acura TL trim styles:
The used 2010 Acura TL Technology Package is priced around $9797 with average odometer reading of 101366 miles.
The used 2010 Acura TL Base is priced around $12775 with average odometer reading of 81417 miles.
The used 2010 Acura TL Technology Package and 18 Inch Wheels is priced around $14480 with average odometer reading of 80386 miles.
The used 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD w/Technology Package is priced around $12893 with average odometer reading of 110638 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2010 Acura TL?
Available Acura TL 2010 Submodel Types: Sedan, Type-S, 3.2 Type-S
Available Acura TL 2010 Trims: 3.2, SH-AWD w/Technology Package, Base, Type-S, 3.2 Type-S, Technology Package, SH-AWD w/Advance Package, Advance Package, Technology Package and 18 Inch Wheels, 2.5, Special Edition, SH-AWD
Exterior Colors: Nighthawk Black Pearl, Bellanova White Pearl, Silver Moon, Graphite Luster Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl, White Diamond Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Desert Mist Metallic, Mayan Bronze Metallic, Naples Gold Metallic, Redondo Red Pearl, Abyss Blue Pearl, Basque Red Pearl II, Carbon Bronze Pearl, Eternal Blue Pearl, Forged Silver Metallic, Grigio Metallic, Palladium Metallic, Basque Red Pearl, Black Currant Pearl Metallic, Borealis Blue Pearl, Dark Emerald Pearl, Firepepper Red Pearl, Kinetic Blue Pearl, Laguna Green Metallic, Moroccan Red Pearl, Noble Green Metallic, White Diamond
Interior Colors: Ebony premium leather, Ebony, Parchment, Parchment premium leather, Taupe leather, Graystone premium leather, Ebony leather, Umber Tan premium leather, Taupe/Ebony leather, Ebony/Silver leather, Graystone leather, Parchment leather, Taupe premium leather, Camel, Camel leather, Ebony w/Contrast Stitching leather, Quartz leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Upgraded Headlights, Back-up camera, Bluetooth, Navigation, AWD/4WD, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cooled Seats
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 5 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended), regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive, all wheel drive
Used 2010 Acura TL Overview
The used 2010 Acura TL is offered in the following submodels: Sedan. Available styles include Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A), 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A), and Technology Package and 18 Inch Wheels 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A). Pre-owned TL models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2010 TL comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed shiftable automatic.
