Samusfury

Hi Everyone, an avid Acura fan here,
Currently have a 2013 Acura MDX-Tech love it, bit thirsty though lol.
I am looking at moving into a TL for myself as my daily commuter. I commute approx 120km daily 85% highway. Have driven through some very bad snow on the highways over the last two winters, and would really like to move out of my RWD sports coupe into something a bit more mature, still sporty and with the possibility of all wheel drive. I am familiar with the SH-AWD through my MDX.
Currently in Canada the 2014 TL is offered as an A-SPEC, which includes the keyless access push button start, larger wheels 18" FWD/19" AWD, aero kit, colored stitching for interior and A-spec badging. Nav is not a requirement for me as we have that in my MDX. Stereo I found to actually be surprisingly pretty darn good in the base system so that again meets my needs. My question to all is do you feel the SH-AWD is worth the premium? Being an extra $4000. Since i am a heavy commuter I was concerned about fuel mileage so I took the awd model onto the highway and was surprised to see fuel numbers in the 7.5-8.5L/100Km range off the mileage indicator. If indeed that held true it would be adequate for my needs. Opinions on fuel mileage? Most reviews that I have read have said the AWD is the way to go. I drove the FWD first and thought it was also quite smooth, not overly powerful. Got into the SH-AWD felt the immediate change in grip (Also liked the meatier steering wheel)... also the power for only being 25more hp, was noticeably stronger... was this just me or have others felt the same? (have read some mixed opinions). I dont have too much trouble being reasonably light footed while on the highway so hoping I could sustain 8-9l/100km while driving. Any suggestions for me? Input.. ?

Thanks everyone!

Edward'TLS

Where in Canada are you located ?

Do you get lots of rain or snow ?

Pens Fan

SH-AWD is the only way to go-better grip and sportier ride. In Canada especially with your weather I would choose the AWD and a loght foot will certainly help your fuel economy.

Don1

I'm in Canada and as you know conditions vary considerably depending on location. In the GTA I have driven FWD TLs since 2001 and have had no problems with snow even with all season tires. Mileage will be better with the FWD and you also get a smoother ride.

Strippers4Me

Ohio here, TL Advance SH-AWD


I don't need the AWD very often and my TSX Sportwagon with snows goes just about as well in the snow as the AWD.


HOWEVER, when we want to go someplace and weather is moving in, we just take the TL (also w/snows) and NOTHING will stop us. We drove two hours back from Pittsburgh in an 1+ inch/hour storm with 3+ inches on the ground, mostly back roads that had not been plowed and I never felt out of control at all, passing SUV's on a two lane just made me smile the entire way home.


The AWD, sucks a bit of extra fuel but just as anything else if you need the AWD it is there for you.

echodigital

I currently on a 2009 SH-AWD in GTA and it's my only car. Personally, because this is a second car for you, I would get FWD with A-SPEC. You get the 18s and the kit which makes it look better than base FWD. Just get a good set of winters (17s) with the money you saved.

http://www.acura.ca/tl

The A-Spec is like the Special Edition in the US without Aero Kit.

http://www.acura.com/Pricing.aspx?mo...modelYear=2014

weather

samusfury....I too am in Canada and like others have said, you should get the AWD here in Canada. The SH-AWD will give you amazing handling in snow but even on dry roads as it makes the car much more fun to drive.

My 2012 SH-AWD averages between 8.9-10l per 100km with 60% highway and 40% city (not big city though...in NB). The difference between teh AWD and FWD in fuel efficiency is not significant enough....the cost of the SH-AWD is the bigger factor so I would say go for it. Really, is maybe 1l/100km worth missing out on the fun of the SH-AWD?

Go for the SH-AWD and you will thank us later

BTW...where abouts in Canada?

AlexG_6MT

iTrader: (1)

SH-AWD without a doubt if see see any amount of snow, you will not regret it and should see better resale in the future being in Canada.

Samusfury

Hi All I have in the GTA area, my commute is 85% highway/15% city. I'm hoping to hit 8-9L/100km at 110-120km/hr. I can be patient with my foot. I noticed such a difference going from the FWD to the SH-AWD when i test drove them both back to back, it was hard to believe, that 25hp more would make such a difference. I am going to go with the A-SPEC SH-AWD. How have you all found your SH-AWD in the winter? I appreciate all your feedback!!!

Edward'TLS

With AWD and winter tires, the TL is virtually invincible in the snow and ice, as long as the vehicle ground clearance will allow.

dcdriver

I test drove both the AWD vs the FWD models as well before going with the AWD version. I'm a bit surprised that the fuel economy on the SH-AWD TL is considerably below the FWD TL. I'd say that it is because of several reasons, including: one, there is a good amount of more weight on the SH-AWD model vs. the FWD; two, there is a 3.7L engine on the SH-AWD model vs. 3.5 on the FWD; three - the AWD can't be turned off.

If you do buy a SH-AWD car, I haven't seen many base models with it. They're mostly tech package or Advance cars.

LADHAR

i would wait for the TLX. Its just around the corner.

I am from alberta canada. In winter i average 15L/100km
in the city and 9-10 on pure highway. I last full tank just lasted me 360 km

You should also look for Lexus GS 350 awd 09-10 around $25000
better everything I drove that for 2 years before it got rear ended
not many around for sale

rafcio53

I have a 2010 TL SH-AWD with 17" winter tires on it. It handles great in the snow and ice. Never got stuck in the snow, not even last year when I had to dig to get to my car on the subway parking lot. The snow was even with the hood line! Just got in and pulled out no problem.

Quigaboo

Just my opinion but if you are keeping the MDX than get the FWD. On the days where the weather turns to crap you can always take that to work. I have an RX330 for that purpose. Although my next door neighbor has a 4th gen and has owned every gen of the TL (all FWD) and he drives it to work every day no matter what the weather. and he puts about 18k miles per year on his car.