2013 Acura TL Manual Review

The 2013 Acura TL is a premium sports sedan featuring a 3.7L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower, available with a 6-speed manual transmission, SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), premium audio system, leather interior, navigation, and advanced safety features. This review covers performance, features, driving experience, specifications, and overall value assessment of the manual transmission variant.

1. Performance Overview 2. Exterior Design 3. Interior Features 4. Technical Specifications 5. Driving Experience 6. Safety & Technology 7. Fuel Economy 8. Maintenance & Reliability 9. Pros & Cons 10. Competitor Comparison 11. Final Verdict

Performance Overview

The 2013 Acura TL with manual transmission delivers exceptional driving dynamics with its 3.7L V6 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox.

Component	Specification
Engine	3.7L V6 VTEC
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)
0-60 mph	5.6 seconds
Top Speed	Electronically limited to 130 mph

Exterior Design

Aggressive styling with jewel-eye LED headlights, bold grille, and aerodynamic profile.

Front fascia: Signature Acura grille with chrome accents
Lighting: LED headlights and taillights
Wheels: 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels
Dimensions: 194.0" length, 74.0" width, 56.7" height
Weight: 3,968 lbs

Design Note: The manual transmission model features unique badging and wheel options.

Interior Features

Premium cabin with advanced technology and comfort amenities.

Seating: Leather-trimmed sport seats with 10-way power adjustment
Audio: ELS Surround Sound System with 10 speakers
Climate: Dual-zone automatic climate control
Steering: Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Infotainment: 8-inch navigation display with voice recognition

Premium Feature: Real aluminum trim and ambient lighting throughout cabin.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.7L SOHC V6 VTEC
Displacement: 3,664 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Fuel System: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brakes: 4-wheel disc with ABS
Suspension: Front: Double wishbone, Rear: Multi-link
Steering: Variable Power-assisted Rack-and-pinion
Cargo Capacity: 13.1 cubic feet

Driving Experience

The manual transmission enhances the TL's sporty character with precise shifts and engaging dynamics.

Manual Gearbox: Smooth clutch engagement, short throws, and positive gear engagement. SH-AWD system provides exceptional grip in corners, transferring power to outer rear wheel for improved handling.

Ride Quality: Firm but compliant, excellent road feedback. Steering: Well-weighted with good feedback. Braking: Strong and confidence-inspiring with minimal fade.

Safety & Technology

Comprehensive safety suite and advanced technology features.

Safety: Vehicle Stability Assist, anti-lock brakes, 6 airbags
Driver Aids: Blind spot monitoring, rearview camera
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB audio interface, satellite radio
Navigation: Real-time traffic and weather updates

Safety Rating: 5-star NHTSA overall vehicle score.

Fuel Economy

Manual transmission model offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class.

Driving Condition	MPG
City	18 mpg
Highway	26 mpg
Combined	21 mpg
Fuel Tank	18.5 gallons
Range	Approx. 388 miles

Note: Premium fuel recommended for optimal performance.

Maintenance & Reliability

Acura's reputation for reliability continues with the 2013 TL.

Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile basic, 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
Service Intervals: Oil changes every 7,500 miles
Common Issues: Minimal reported; some brake wear concerns
Resale Value: Strong retention due to manual transmission rarity

Reliability Score: 4.5/5 from major automotive publications.

Pros & Cons

Comprehensive assessment of the manual transmission model's strengths and weaknesses.

Pros	Cons
Engaging manual transmission	Limited rear seat legroom
Excellent SH-AWD system	Premium fuel requirement
High-quality interior materials	Aggressive exterior styling polarizing
Strong V6 performance	Higher price than competitors
Rare manual option in class	Firm ride quality

Competitor Comparison

How the 2013 Acura TL manual compares to key competitors.

BMW 3 Series: More refined but less powerful base engine
Infiniti G37: Similar performance, less sophisticated AWD
Lexus IS: More luxurious, less sporty driving dynamics
Audi A4: Comparable luxury, less powerful base engine

Standout Feature: TL's manual transmission rare in premium AWD sedans.

Final Verdict

The 2013 Acura TL with manual transmission is an enthusiast's dream - combining luxury, performance, and engaging driving dynamics.

Rating: 8.5/10

Recommendation: Excellent choice for drivers seeking a premium sports sedan with manual transmission and all-weather capability. The SH-AWD system combined with the 6-speed manual creates a uniquely engaging driving experience in its class.

Target Buyer: Driving enthusiasts who want luxury features without sacrificing manual transmission availability.