2012 Acura TL vs. Its Competition

2012 Acura TL 4-door Sedan 2WD Advance Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Feb 17, 2012

Starting at $35,605 for a very well-equipped base model with front-wheel drive, the 2012 Acura TL costs somewhat more than similarly equipped Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, or even Audi A4 models.

And it's truly a step up from those models, closer to the E-Class, 5-Series, and A6.

Yet unlike most of those sport sedans, the Acura TL remains a front- or all-wheel-drive sedan.

In recent years Audi has gone to lengths to move mass on its vehicles rearward and craft its vehicles into more traditional sport sedans.

Another top rival--but for a different type of shopper--is the Cadillac CTS; its well-sorted, rear-wheel-drive chassis, great powertrains, and sumptuous interior all appeal to traditionalists and those who want seriously good handling.

Another slightly off-the-radar pick might be the Nissan Maxima; Nissan calls the latest Maxima a four-door sports car, but it’s really more like the TL, with a V-6, front-wheel drive, and a nice ride and beautiful interior above all else.

VW’s CC sedan is also an attractive pick for style mavens; its base four-cylinder engine gets great mileage, too, but it’s not at all a sport sedan.

The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis sedan is another luxury value leader; although its interior is up to par with the TL in many respects, the comparable V-6 version won't get a nod from serious performance fans.

2012 Acura TL Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi A4 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Cadillac CTS Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Maxima Get FREE Price Quote	2011 Volkswagen CC Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 2012 Acura TL is a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with a host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan.	8.2 The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans.	8.4 It has a styling leg up, and the 2012 Cadillac CTS backs up its looks with good dynamics, good build quality and a competitive set of body styles and options.	8.2 With a new base four-cylinder engine, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes even more sense for value-conscious (yet image-conscious) luxury shoppers.	7.8 The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a great pick if you want a stylish, sporty, comfortable, and lavishly trimmed sedan; serious sport-sedan enthusiasts should look elsewhere, however.	8 The 2011 Volkswagen CC has performance that doesn't altogether match its sexy shape, and seating space is disappointing, but otherwise there's a lot to like.
MSRP From
$35,705	$32,500	$35,915	$34,800	$32,420	$28,200
Gas Mileage
17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Compact Cars	Mid-Size	Compact	Mid-Size	Compact
Style Name
4-Door Sedan Auto 2WD	4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Prestige	4-Door Sedan 3.0L RWD	4-Door Sedan C250 Sport RWD	4-Door Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S	4-Door Sedan Man Sport
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic	Continuously Variable Ratio	Manual	Automatic	Continuously Variable	Manual