Against 410 other V6 cars rated 2012–2014, the TL beats their 21.2 mpg average by 1.8 mpg, about $141 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2009–2014), does 22 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 5-cyl (1995–1998), 20: $175 a year apart.
Every Acura TL engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 19 / 27.5 | 2009–2014 | $1,745 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 17.4 / 25.3 | 1996–2008 | $1,892 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 17.8 / 23 | 1995–1998 | $1,920 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 31 mpg, the Toyota Prius 49 mpg and the Hyundai Elantra 31.3 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2014 TL. The TL costs the most of them to run: $886 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2014) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2012–2014 | −$141 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,724 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2014 Acura TL gives up 9 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 20 in the city, $596 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2014) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the TL changed over the years
The TL peaked in 2014 at 23 mpg (20 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 19.5 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $299 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1997 | 17.5 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1996 | 17.5 / 22.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 1995 | 18 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 23 EPA ratings of the Acura TL — 3 engines across 1995–2014. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,724. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2014 Acura TL get?
23 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the TL has averaged 20.7 mpg.
Is the 2014 TL more efficient than the 2013?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which TL year has the best gas mileage?
The 2014, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 29 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the TL get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 23 mpg for the 2014 TL against 31 for the 2015 Toyota Camry, about $431 a year more to run.
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