2012 Acura TL

The 2012 Acura TL gets revised front-end styling, a six-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel efficiency, an upgraded navigation system and a quieter freeway ride. And as the current generation of the Acura TL has shown, the inverse can be true as well – questionable styling can hurt the success of an otherwise well-regarded luxury sport sedan.

Three years ago, Acura’s redesigned TL generated many a raised eyebrow and upturned nose, due chiefly to the car’s grille, which resembled a metallic beak. A shame, as the car behind it was a solid performer that offered a spacious cabin, features galore and excellent build quality.

The 2012 Acura TL benefits from a midcycle refresh that tones down the proboscis. This year also sees a replacement of the previous five-speed automatic transmission with a new six-speed automatic that can also match revs on downshifts. The six-speed gearbox will help improve fuel efficiency, as will friction-reducing measures for the base 3.5-liter V6 engine. Acura estimates the 3.5 will come in at 29 mpg highway — an impressive 3 mpg improvement over last year’s 3.5. Other updates include an updated navigation system (it now has a 60GB hard drive, more maps and crisper graphics) and improved sound insulation that is claimed to provide a quieter cabin at freeway speeds. Lastly, the Advance package now includes ventilated seats and a blind spot warning system.

The 2012 TL is once again available in two distinct flavors. Those looking for a refined ride, a spacious cabin and a full helping of the latest bells and whistles will be well served by the base model TL, a strong competitor to the likes of the Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis and Lexus ES 350. Driving enthusiasts should find the more powerful (305 horsepower versus 280), sharper-handling TL SH-AWD appealing. Blessed with an athletic chassis and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (hence SH-AWD) system, this roomy sport sedan can hang with smaller rivals such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS 350 on a challenging, curvy road.

In short, Acura took an already competent car and made it better. And this year’s more conservatively styled front end certainly doesn’t hurt, either. We’ll know more about the 2012 Acura TL as we get closer to the car’s on-sale date in early spring 2012.