
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Value-minded sedan shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a little practicality in the name of style will find a lot to like in the 2012 Volkswagen CC. |
MSRP From | |||||
$35,705 | $32,500 | $35,915 | $34,800 | $32,420 | $28,515 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 14 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 Automatic 2WD | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 3.0L RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD | 4-Door Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S | 4-Door Sedan Manual 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 |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2012 Acura TL vs. 2012 Audi A4 | 2012 Acura TL vs. 2012 Cadillac CTS | 2012 Acura TL vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C Class | 2012 Acura TL vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Acura TL vs. 2012 Volkswagen CC |