Acura TL SH-AWD Manual Review 2010

The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD with manual transmission is a luxury sports sedan featuring Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, 3.7L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower, 6-speed manual gearbox, advanced torque vectoring, premium leather interior, navigation system, and sport-tuned suspension. Below are key sections covering performance, features, specifications, driving experience, and ownership considerations.

1. Performance Overview 2. Exterior Design 3. Interior Features 4. Technical Specifications 5. Driving Dynamics 6. SH-AWD System 7. Manual Transmission 8. Safety Features 9. Ownership Costs 10. Competitor Comparison 11. Verdict

Performance Overview

The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD manual delivers exceptional performance with its 3.7L V6 engine and advanced all-wheel drive system.

Performance Aspect	Description
Engine	3.7L V6 VTEC engine
Horsepower	305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual
0-60 mph	5.6 seconds
Top Speed	Electronically limited to 130 mph
Fuel Economy	17 city / 25 highway mpg
Drivetrain	SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive)
Braking	4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Suspension	Sport-tuned with amplitude reactive dampers

Exterior Design

Bold and aggressive styling with premium finishes and aerodynamic enhancements.

Front fascia: Chrome-accented grille with jewel-eye headlights
Body lines: Sharp character lines and muscular rear haunches
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
Lighting: LED taillights and HID headlights
Dimensions: 195.3 inches length, 74.0 inches width, 57.2 inches height

NOTE: The 2010 model features more aggressive styling than previous generations with improved aerodynamics.

Interior Features

Luxurious cabin with advanced technology and premium materials.

Seating: Heated leather sport seats with 10-way power adjustment
Audio: ELS Premium 10-speaker surround sound system
Navigation: Acura Navigation System with voice recognition
Climate: Dual-zone automatic climate control
Steering: Tilt and telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters

HIGHLIGHT: The ELS audio system was specifically tuned for the TL's cabin acoustics.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.7L SOHC V6 VTEC
Displacement: 3664 cc
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Transmission: 6-speed manual with short-throw shifter
Drivetrain: SH-AWD with torque vectoring
Curb Weight: 3968 lbs
Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons
Tires: 245/45R18 all-season performance

Driving Dynamics

Exceptional handling and road manners with precise steering feedback.

Handling: The SH-AWD system provides incredible grip in corners, with the system able to send up to 100% of torque to the rear wheels and distribute torque between left and rear wheels. The manual transmission offers crisp, precise shifts with well-defined gates.

Ride Quality: Firm but compliant, striking a good balance between sporty handling and daily comfort. The amplitude reactive dampers adjust firmness based on road conditions.

SH-AWD System

Acura's revolutionary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system enhances both traction and cornering performance.

Torque vectoring: Can overdrive the outside rear wheel in corners
Front-rear distribution: Normally 90% front, 10% rear, can send up to 70% rearward
Left-right rear distribution: Can send 100% of rear torque to either wheel
Benefits: Improved cornering stability, reduced understeer, better traction

ADVANTAGE: The system actively helps rotate the car through corners rather than just providing traction.

Manual Transmission

The 6-speed manual transmission offers engaging driving experience with precise shift action.

Gear ratios: Well-spaced for both acceleration and highway cruising
Shift feel: Short throws with positive engagement
Clutch: Moderate weight with good feedback
Rev-matching: No automatic rev-matching feature
Final drive: 4.333:1 for quick acceleration

NOTE: The manual was only available on the SH-AWD model, not the front-wheel drive versions.

Safety Features

Comprehensive safety systems with top crash test ratings.

Safety Feature	Description
ABS	4-channel anti-lock braking system
VSA	Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control
Airbags	Dual-stage front, side, and side curtain airbags
Body Structure	Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)
Brake Assist	Electronic brake force distribution

RATING: IIHS Top Safety Pick 2010 with Good ratings in all categories.

Ownership Costs

Reasonable maintenance costs with Acura's reputation for reliability.

Base Price (2010): $43,995
Depreciation: Approximately 50% over 5 years
Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance every 7,500 miles
Insurance: Moderate premium for luxury sports sedan
Fuel Costs: Premium fuel recommended
Common Issues: Minor electrical gremlins, brake wear

Competitor Comparison

How the TL SH-AWD manual stacks up against rivals.

Competitor	Advantages	Disadvantages
BMW 335i xDrive	More refined interior, better brand cachet	Higher maintenance costs, less reliable
Infiniti G37x	Similar performance, lower price	Less advanced AWD system
Lexus IS 350	Better reliability, smoother ride	No manual transmission option
Audi A4 2.0T	More fuel efficient, quattro system	Less powerful, higher maintenance

Verdict

The 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD with manual transmission represents one of the best driver's sedans in its class, offering exceptional performance, advanced technology, and Acura's legendary reliability.

Pros: Excellent SH-AWD system, powerful V6 engine, engaging manual transmission, well-equipped interior, good reliability

Cons: Polarizing exterior styling, mediocre fuel economy, heavy curb weight, limited manual availability

Final Rating: 8.5/10 - A compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking performance and practicality.