When families are looking to compare cars, resources like U.S. News & World Report are invaluable for providing trusted, data-driven rankings and reviews. In 2013, the Acura TL, a performance luxury sedan, distinguished itself by earning the coveted title of “Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families” from U.S. News & World Report. This accolade underscores the TL’s exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and safety, making it a standout choice in automotive comparisons for families.
Mike Accavitti, then vice president of national marketing operations, highlighted the Acura TL’s strengths, stating, “The Acura TL offers the ideal blend of performance, comfort and safety, resulting in a luxury sedan that’s a smart choice for families.” He emphasized that the TL caters to parents seeking a luxury sedan with engaging performance, a refined interior, top-tier safety ratings, advanced Acura technologies, and a spacious second row ideal for both clients and children. This recognition from U.S. News & World Report further solidifies the TL’s position as a leading contender when you compare cars for family needs.
The U.S. News & World Report “Best Cars for Families” awards are meticulously compiled, integrating quality, size, and family-centric features into a comprehensive score. Quality assessment relies on a weighted average of scores from U.S. News car rankings at the time of the awards. These rankings are themselves based on rigorous evaluations of safety, reliability, and the collective expertise of automotive critics. Size considerations encompass a vehicle’s passenger capacity and interior volume, crucial factors for families. Furthermore, U.S. News editors factor in the availability of features deemed particularly helpful for families, ensuring the awards truly reflect family-friendly vehicles. When you compare cars using resources like U.S. News & World Report, this methodology provides a robust framework for evaluation.
The 2013 Acura TL was not only recognized for its family-friendliness but also for its safety leadership. Featuring Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the TL was among the pioneering vehicles to achieve the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under increasingly stringent testing protocols. The ACE™ body design is engineered to enhance occupant protection and improve crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Standard safety equipment across all Acura models, including the TL, includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). These safety features are critical factors for families when they compare cars and prioritize safety.
Performance is another area where the 2013 Acura TL shines. Offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the TL caters to different driving preferences and needs. The front-wheel drive TL is equipped with a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, VTEC® V-6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. For enhanced handling and power, the all-wheel drive TL features Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system and a larger 3.7-liter, 24-valve, VTEC® V-6 engine, delivering 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both versions come standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission. Enthusiasts can opt for a 6-speed manual transmission on the TL SH-AWD model when equipped with the Technology Package. This range of performance options further enhances the TL’s appeal when consumers compare cars in the upscale midsize sedan segment.
Starting at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP*) of $35,905, the 2013 Acura TL provides substantial value with a comprehensive list of standard features. These include premium leather seats, adjustable power front seats with driver’s seat memory, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for seamless phone integration, an 8-speaker, 276-watt audio system with multiple media options, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and stylish aluminum wheels. The front-wheel drive TL features 17×8 inch wheels, while the SH-AWD version upgrades to 18×8 inch wheels. This generous array of standard features adds to the TL’s attractiveness when you compare cars based on features and value.
Acura: A Legacy of Performance and Luxury
Acura, as a brand, is synonymous with technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles. With a network of dealerships across the United States, Acura offers a diverse lineup of models, including sedans, SUVs, and coupes, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. The 2013 Acura TL’s recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a top family car underscores Acura’s commitment to producing vehicles that excel in safety, performance, and family-friendliness. When consumers compare cars, Acura consistently emerges as a brand that delivers on these critical aspects.
*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.
