The 2012 Acura TL uses a 5-speed automatic transmission; there is no traditional manual gearbox offered for this model year.
As part of Acura's fifth-generation TL lineup (2009–2014), the car paired a 5-speed automatic with either front-wheel drive or the SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system. The transmission includes Sequential SportShift, which lets drivers manually select gears via the gear selector, but it is not a six-speed manual transmission.
Overview of the 2012 TL transmission
For buyers and enthusiasts, the core takeaway is that the 2012 TL relies on a single automatic transmission across trims, paired with one of two drive layouts.
Key transmission facts
Before the list, here are the essential points about the 2012 TL’s gearbox:
- Transmission type: 5-speed automatic (5AT) across all trims
- Drive configurations: Front-wheel drive (standard) or SH-AWD all-wheel drive on certain trims
- Manual shifting: Sequential SportShift provides manual gear selection within the automatic transmission
- Gear availability: No conventional manual transmission was offered in the 2012 TL
In short, the 2012 TL uses a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode; there is no traditional manual gearbox in that model year.
Impact on performance and ownership
The fixed 5-speed automatic is designed to deliver smooth shifts and reliable performance with the TL's V6 engine, while the SH-AWD system enhances traction and handling in various conditions. The absence of a manual option means enthusiasts seeking a manual would look to earlier TL generations or consider other models.
Summary
The 2012 Acura TL employs a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift, paired with either front-wheel drive or SH-AWD, and does not offer a manual transmission in that year.