Hello all! Newbie here. 2008 Accord owner, I've been researching the TL for some time now and have been on the fence trying to decide between a '12 Maxima SV w/premium pkg or '12 TL Tech. I have found many folks aren't fond of the Max because of the CVT and an apparent engine knocking in the '09+models. I've pretty much decided against the Max, just based on what i've read, and leaning more towards the TL. We all know Acura/Honda reliability is top notch. So my question to all you TL owners' is are they worth the extra $$ to upgrade from the Accord. Thanks

If it is the AWD TL, the answer is a definite YES.

That was actually my next question lol. Whether or not most people prefer the Fwd or Sh-awd. Thank you Edward'TLS

I did several months of research before purchasing a TL SH-AWD A spec (CDN model). My previous car was 2004 Accord EX-L. Honestly, TL SH-AWD is an awesome car. I bought mine 2 weeks ago. I highly recommend you to go with a TL SH AWD Tech pack. I test drove G37X, IS 250 AWD and TL AWD. After months, I just went with TL and I am very happy here.

Good luck!

here the link of my car: https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2009-2014-123/official-owner-2010-tl-sh-awd-spec-915791/

The awd would def be my preference, I leave in 4 seasons country and I commute 30min to work. I was kinda concerned about gas mileage but I sacrificing a few mpg's for the TL is worth it.

I agree with Tony and iactup79.

Go TL. I just purchased a 2014 SH-AWD A-Spec (also Canada). I did months of research as my other vehicle is a 2012 Wrangler and has been nothing but trouble since day 1.

I tested the Maxima (as well as Q50, BMW 328i, IS350, Avalon) and although it felt fast the CVT isn't very responsive and I found it kind of boring. The TL-AWD launches quickly and has great power at all speeds.

The TL reliability is top notch and is rated very high in Consumer reports. Also, I came across an article online that provided information about engine failure rates. Honda/Acura was rated number 1 for least number of failures at i think near 1 in 350. To compare, Audi/VW was bad, i think 1 in 27 and BMW wasn't much better.

Thanks for sharing Tony Pac!

Gidds91 the TL is indeed looking better and better.

Did you consider a CPO Infiniti G35/37? Similar and has AWD too.

I had done some research on the Infiniti, and then the TL keeps drawing me back in, I've seriously gone back and forth for over a year between the maxima, tl and a new accord. The Infiniti is nice but I think it's a little smaller inside compared to the TL.

The SH-AWD is not just a bad-weather AWD version of the FWD car. SH-AWD, as I'm sure you know, is a torque-vectoring system that sends power to the right rear and left rear wheels as needed for sport handling and is VERY effective during hard driving. The suspension is also beefed up for sportier handling, along with a larger 3.7L engine. Not to mention the bigger 18" and 19" wheels.

In my opinion, the FWD 4G TL is not nearly as distinguished, and you lose out on one of the major unique features of owning a TL. Not that there's anything wrong with the FWD, but understand that you have a lot more competitors in the market (Accord, Camry, ES350, ...).

Also, I've always thought that the non-Tech 17" wheels in the FWD model look a bit tiny in the large body of the 4G. The FWD Advance wheels are the same as the SH-AWD Tech wheels, which I enjoy a lot more.

I was in the same boat as you choosing between a maxima and TL. The price for the AWD TL and a top of the line Maxima is almost the same, but the Acura has so many more features with the tech package. It seriously kills the Maxima. The interior design, the features, and we get paddle shifters . I thought the Maxima looked better, but the quality of the TL just kills the Maxima's interior. Everyone has a Max here as well which helped make my decision on the TL too. Good luck.

The TL with all it's features definitely make it more appealing, I too like the look of the Maxima, but the Acura is definitely getting all of my attention now and with the SH-Awd option how could one resist

Go with a 2014 Accord, it has more features than the 4G and has most of the same options RLX.

^for shits and giggles, why did you choose the TL instead of an Accord?

^^^^^

Yeh, I also want to know the reasoning behind Brock79 who bought a 4G TL instead of an Accord, but telling the OP otherwise.

I previously owned 10' maxima sport. Absolutely hated the CvT. went to 09tl shawd. Loved it.. Just went to 13 tl manual. Somehow even better!! TL all the way!!!

Having both the TL SH-AWD & a 2014 Honda Accord, go for the TL if you want a sport luxury experience... interior space is less than in the Accord, but you can't go wrong with the TL. There probably is some deals to be had on the 2014 TL since the TLX has come out, so check them both out and see what fits you best.

Another vote for the Sh-awd TL, it is awesome and lots of fun, you won't regret spending a little more for AWD.

OP, If you come on a TL lover's Acurazine forum and ask your question, of course you're going to get pro-TL answers. However, the people praising the AWD version over the FWD are correct, imho.

I too was shopping for an upgrade out of a 2008 Honda Accord LX. I test drove the FWD TL Tech Pkg and I was dissapointed because it felt JUST LIKE my Accord. I was going to save my money and keep the Accord until... by chance... the dealership had a SH-AWD on the lot. After I test drove it I was absolutely floored at the difference in the driving dynamics and the overall feel of the AWD car. I urge you to do the same: 1) drive over to a dealership in your Accord 2) test drive a FWD 4G TL then 3) test drive a SH-AWD TL. Your worries over MPG will be lost my friend.

I am a very unbiased fun of Acura. I was looking for luxury car for the past few months. I was considering Audi, BMW, MB, Infiniti, Acura and Lexus. At the end Acura was the best one among all in terms of price, size, features and reliability. Again, buy what you need and if you want a reliable, fast and tech car - go for acura.