Acura TL
20.7 MPG The 2008 Acura TL is EPA-rated at 20.7 MPG combined (17.7 city / 26.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 725 gallons, $2319 a year in fuel, or $0.155 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2008 run it averages 20.9 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.121 | $1208 | $1812 | $2415 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.145 | $1449 | $2174 | $2899 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.155 | $1546 | $2319 | $3092 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.169 | $1691 | $2536 | $3382 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.193 | $1932 | $2899 | $3865 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.242 | $2415 | $3623 | $4831 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 26.3 | $3717 | 430 | 3 |
| 2007 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 26.3 | $3717 | 430 | 3 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2005 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2004 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Acura TL ranks 181 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura 3.2TL (21), Buick Century (21), Cadillac STS (21), Cadillac STS AWD (21), Chevrolet Lumina (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 430 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Acura TL get?
The 2008 Acura TL is rated at 20.7 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.7 city and 26.3 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 20.9 MPG, ranging from 20 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Acura TL cost in fuel per year?
At 20.7 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 725 gallons — roughly $2319 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.155 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $3717.
Has the Acura TL become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20.7 MPG today against 21 in 2004 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Acura TL efficient for its class?
It ranks 181 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 6.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.