Even if the 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT wasn’t a competent vehicle, it would still warrant appreciation for occupying a niche market: the only upscale midsize sedan in North America offering both all-wheel drive (AWD) and a manual transmission. In a market increasingly dominated by automatics and front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive configurations, Acura carved out a special space. Even luxury giants like BMW no longer offer this specific combination, limiting their 5-Series to either AWD or manual, but not together. For those seeking all-weather capability and ample space for passengers without sacrificing driver engagement, the Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT stands alone. But does its uniqueness translate to overall excellence? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review.
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT Front View – A rare combination of all-wheel drive and manual transmission in a midsize luxury sedan, reviewed by cardiagnosticnearme.com
The design evolution of the Acura TL is a tale of two eras. The 2004-2008 models were widely praised for their aesthetically pleasing design. They struck a perfect balance with athletic proportions, angular yet refined lines, and an overall size that resonated with many. It was a design that aged gracefully. However, with the subsequent generation of the Honda Accord growing in size, the Acura TL, sharing its platform, also expanded. Simultaneously, Honda seemed to react to criticisms of understated design by adopting a bolder approach. This resulted in the 2009 TL, a vehicle characterized by bulkier sides, sharp angles, and a prominent chrome grille that drew considerable criticism for its polarizing appearance. For the 2012 model year, Acura attempted to soften the design. The sharp edges were rounded, and the grille was made more conventional, resulting in a more subdued exterior. While perhaps less likely to evoke strong emotions, this revised design aimed for a more mainstream appeal, allowing it to blend into traffic without standing out, for better or worse.
The interior of the 2012 Acura TL received subtle refinements rather than a complete overhaul. The cabin maintains a modern, high-tech ambiance with materials that approach premium quality, comparable to brands like Buick and Lincoln. Ergonomics remain a strong point, with logically placed and easily accessible secondary controls. A central knob, positioned conveniently ahead of the gear shifter, manages many functions. Its proximity to the shifter, however, might lead to accidental nudges, as the reviewer noted experiencing when reaching for third gear. While the instrument panel isn’t as low-profile as classic Hondas, visibility is still commendable by modern standards. The A-pillars are relatively thin, and both the windshield angle and instrument panel depth are moderate, providing a good forward view. Rear visibility is somewhat compromised due to the high rear deck and sloping roofline, a common trait in contemporary sedans. To mitigate this, the navigation system includes a rearview camera to assist with reversing maneuvers.
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT Interior – Premium cabin with ergonomic design and user-friendly controls, image for Acura TL review
The front seats in the Acura TL are designed with a focus on providing genuine lateral support for a wider range of body types, unlike some manufacturers who seem to cater exclusively to larger physiques. The side bolsters are thoughtfully shaped and positioned to hold the average adult securely during cornering. Despite this supportive design, the seats are generously padded and comfortable for longer journeys. However, individuals with a very upright posture might find the headrests protrude too far forward, potentially causing discomfort. Rear passenger space is generous, with ample legroom and sufficient headroom for adults up to approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall. Minor drawbacks in the rear include limited foot space under the front seats and a slightly low seat cushion. The trunk capacity, at 12.5 cubic feet, is somewhat small, especially considering the vehicle’s overall exterior dimensions. Furthermore, typical of many Asian luxury sedans of this era, the rear seats do not fold down to expand cargo space. Storage compartments like the glove box and center console are also on the smaller side.
Honda’s engine technology in the early 2010s, while reliable, wasn’t at the cutting edge of innovation, lacking features like turbocharging and direct injection that were becoming increasingly prevalent in competitor engines. While some manufacturers, even traditionally pushrod-engine proponents like GM, had embraced dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) designs, Honda continued to utilize a more complex single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain configuration. Despite this, the 3.7-liter V6 engine in the Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT delivers a respectable 305 horsepower. More importantly, it provides strong and immediate throttle response and an appealing engine note that becomes more engaging as the revs climb towards the 6,700 rpm redline. Even without forced induction, the TL can achieve a zero-to-sixty mph sprint in under six seconds, a commendable figure for its class. While competitors from GM, Ford, and Hyundai might employ more contemporary engine technologies, and Infiniti’s V6 might offer more outright power, the Acura’s engine is praised for its superior sound and overall driving feel. Conversely, when cruising at highway speeds, the engine noise becomes remarkably subdued, allowing for a relaxed cabin environment. Fuel economy is also reasonable for a 3,889-pound all-wheel-drive vehicle, with real-world suburban driving yielding figures in the low twenties mpg range (EPA rated at 17 city/25 highway).
Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT Engine Bay – 3.7L V6 engine offering strong performance and a pleasing engine note, image for automotive review
Honda’s expertise in manual transmissions remains undeniable. Despite some softening of the Acura TL’s overall character in this generation, the six-speed manual transmission retains the hallmarks of Honda’s engineering prowess. It features short, precise throws with a positive engagement into each gear, offering a direct, mechanical feel akin to operating a rifle bolt. It’s evident that even while catering to a broader market, Honda’s engineers prioritized the quality of the manual transmission. The gear ratios are well-chosen, with a short first gear and progressively smaller drops between subsequent gears, optimizing both acceleration and cruising efficiency. Instead of simply offering a manual transmission as a token gesture, Acura clearly invested effort in making it a genuinely rewarding component of the driving experience.
The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system in the Acura TL, while largely carried over from its debut in the 2005 Acura RL, continues to be a benchmark in the industry. Perhaps a less marketing-friendly name compared to Audi’s “quattro” has hindered its widespread recognition, but the engineering behind SH-AWD is genuinely innovative. Unlike many active rear differential systems that merely shift torque to the outside rear wheel, Acura’s SH-AWD goes a step further by actually overdriving the outside rear wheel, spinning it slightly faster than the other wheels during cornering. This creates a noticeable effect, especially when applying throttle through a curve. Similar to the best rear-wheel-drive cars, the Acura TL SH-AWD can be steered with the throttle, enhancing driver engagement and control. Despite the TL’s inherent front-heavy weight distribution (58/42), understeer is minimal to begin with, and virtually eliminated with even a touch of acceleration. Pushing harder, the chassis transitions gracefully into controllable oversteer, offering a dynamic driving experience rarely found in all-wheel-drive sedans.
Acura SH-AWD System Diagram – Illustrating the torque vectoring and overdriving capabilities of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system
However, the 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT also presents some compromises. Previous models were available with high-performance Michelin PS2 tires, but for 2012, these were replaced with Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires. Acura’s rationale was “significantly improved performance in snow and ice.” However, this change also resulted in considerably less dry pavement grip and a less responsive, “squishier” steering feel. Adding to the disappointment, the 19-inch wheels, previously associated with sportier handling, were now bundled exclusively with the Advance Package, which also mandated the new-for-2012 six-speed automatic transmission and included features like blind spot monitoring and cooled front seats. The manual transmission was now only offered with 18-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 touring tires. These tires, while comfortable and quiet, readily give way when pushed even moderately hard, undermining the capabilities of the sophisticated drivetrain. Aggressive corner exits result in noticeable and unsettling rear-end slides. The choice of a touring tire as the sole option for the manual transmission model was a questionable decision for a performance-oriented sedan.
This tire choice also hints at potential issues with the suspension tuning. While the suspension is firm and provides a somewhat busy ride, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin, it doesn’t translate to exceptional handling prowess when pushed to its limits. The reviewer noted that a 2010 model felt harsher, but attributed the perceived difference in the 2012 model to improved noise isolation. Despite the firm ride, the car doesn’t feel as composed or precise as class leaders, partly due to less-than-ideal body rigidity and noticeable body roll, particularly at the rear, during hard cornering. While the Acura TL SH-AWD initially feels responsive and agile, thanks to the quick steering and SH-AWD system, its weight and dimensions become apparent when driven aggressively.
Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT Cornering – Body roll and tire limitations affecting handling performance during spirited driving
The electric power steering system in the 2010 Acura TL lacked road feel but offered a weighting that was appropriate for its quickness. For the 2012 SH-AWD model, Acura further lightened the steering calibration, aiming for a “more relaxed on-center feel at normal road speeds—a steering feel that more closely matches that of the front-wheel-drive TL.” The result, in the reviewer’s opinion, is a steering system that feels “comatose.” A pronounced dead zone on-center, combined with the quick steering ratio, makes it overly sensitive to steering inputs, making it easy to apply too much steering angle unintentionally. Even off-center and at higher speeds, the steering lacks the firmer, more communicative feel of previous models. This change seems particularly incongruous for a model intended to appeal to driving enthusiasts who opt for a manual transmission.
The 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT carried a base price of $43,770. The manual transmission configuration mandated the inclusion of the Tech Package (navigation and ELS audio), while the Advance Package was not available. As highlighted earlier, the Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT faced virtually no direct competitors offering both all-wheel drive and a manual transmission in its segment. The closest alternative, the Audi S4, offered sharper handling but a more cramped interior. Equipped similarly to the TL SH-AWD Tech, the Audi S4 was significantly more expensive, listing for over $12,000 more. Adjusting for feature differences using car price comparison tools narrowed the price gap to approximately $11,000. For buyers less concerned with premium branding, the Subaru Legacy GT (at least in its 2011 iteration, with 2012 details yet to be announced at the time of the review) presented a more affordable option. The Legacy GT with navigation listed for $9,600 less than the Acura, and feature-adjusted, the difference remained around $6,800. The Legacy also offered a more spacious interior, though its interior materials and overall driving experience were considered a step down from the 2005-2009 generation models.
Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT Rear View – Sporty sedan design with SH-AWD badge indicating all-wheel drive capability, image for car enthusiast website
Despite the criticisms, the Acura TL SH-AWD remains a fundamentally good, even very good car. For buyers prioritizing all-wheel-drive traction, a midsize sedan form factor, and driver engagement, it represents a compelling choice. The manual transmission is a standout feature, offering superior driver involvement compared to automatics, and the TL’s unit is among the best available. The responsive engine and capable chassis further encourage spirited driving. However, the Acura TL SH-AWD fell short of being a truly great car. While the powertrain and drivetrain excelled, the steering and tire choices somewhat compromised its full potential. With the 2012 revisions, Acura aimed to address criticisms of the 2009-2011 models, but the implemented changes, particularly regarding steering and tires, seemed to move in a contradictory direction to the vehicle’s performance-oriented powertrain. While tires can be easily replaced, and potentially a dealer reflash could restore the 2010 steering software, these shortcomings raise questions about Acura’s target demographic for this unique model. To truly capitalize on the strengths of the SH-AWD and manual transmission combination, Acura should have paired it with more communicative steering and higher-grip, sharper-handling tires. By aligning the entire driving experience with the enthusiast-focused powertrain, the Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT could have reached its full potential as a truly exceptional sport sedan.
Vehicle, insurance, and one tank of gas were provided by Acura for this review.
Michael Karesh operates TrueDelta, an online source for automotive pricing and reliability data.
