In an era where the automotive industry is driven by electrification, automation, and efficiency, manufacturers are increasingly focused on sustainable mobility, seamless user experience, and digital integration. Yet not long ago, there was a brief window in modern automotive history when some brands dared to deviate from the mainstream. Among them stood Acura—unexpectedly bold—who defied industry trends and produced a driver-focused luxury sedan with a manual transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. For driving purists, the TL SH-AWD equipped with a six-speed manual remains a rare and deeply admired creation.
Back in the early 2010s, manual transmissions were rapidly disappearing from performance sedans. Once hailed by brands like BMW and Audi, the traditional three-pedal layout was being phased out in favor of dual-clutch automatics and torque-converter transmissions, all in the name of speed, efficiency, and convenience. While these systems delivered faster acceleration and improved fuel economy, they also diluted the direct mechanical engagement that once defined the essence of driving.
At a time when the market was tilting decisively toward automation, Acura—long considered a rational, conservative luxury brand—made an uncharacteristically audacious move. They introduced a version of the TL sedan that not only featured their advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system but also came paired with a six-speed manual transmission. And this wasn’t a marketing ploy or a boardroom initiative. It was the result of a handful of passionate engineers who wanted to build a car that reminded people what true driving felt like.
According to engineers who were involved, the project began as a quiet experiment. They selected the fourth-generation TL as the development platform and equipped it with a manual gearbox, then proceeded to recalibrate the suspension, refine the chassis dynamics, and reengineer the steering system. What emerged from their workshop wasn’t just a prototype—it was a car that redefined the brand’s potential. When senior management took it for a spin, they were immediately convinced. Despite the niche appeal, Acura approved the car for limited production.
When the TL SH-AWD 6MT hit the market in 2010, it received little marketing support and minimal showroom presence. Most dealers continued to promote the automatic variant, while the manual version quietly slipped under the radar. But for those in the know, this car was nothing short of a revelation—a luxurious, all-wheel-drive performance sedan that could be fully controlled by the driver, gear by gear.
Driving this car in 2025 is like stepping into a time capsule. The clutch is firm and responsive, the manual gearbox is crisp with precise throws, and the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 delivers linear power and a satisfying exhaust note. The SH-AWD system—still considered one of the most advanced torque-vectoring systems ever developed—actively distributes power not just front to rear, but also between the rear wheels, resulting in sharper cornering, reduced understeer, and exceptional handling balance.
Whether navigating snow-covered backroads in New England, carving through switchbacks in the Pacific Northwest, or cruising along California’s scenic highways, the TL SH-AWD performs with poise and purpose. Owners frequently report using these vehicles as daily drivers for over 100,000 miles with minimal mechanical issues—a testament to the underlying durability of Honda’s engineering. That reliability, coupled with dynamic performance and low maintenance costs, makes this car a smart choice for luxury car buyers who value long-term ownership.
Inside, the TL’s cabin may not rival the opulence of a Mercedes-Benz or an Audi, but it delivers a well-constructed, feature-rich experience. Standard features included heated leather seats, an intuitive navigation system, real-time traffic updates, and the ELS surround sound audio system—high-end features that were often optional in rival models. Notably, the 6MT version replaced the electric power steering with a hydraulic unit, significantly improving road feel and steering feedback—qualities highly sought after by performance enthusiasts.
So why didn’t Acura continue building this kind of car? The answer is simple: the market didn’t demand it. Most consumers interested in all-wheel-drive sedans preferred the convenience of automatic transmissions. The manual transmission, while romanticized by enthusiasts, represented a shrinking demographic. Acura soon shifted focus toward turbocharged four-cylinder engines, hybrid technology, and electric platforms—an evolution aligned with broader industry trends.
Today, the TL SH-AWD 6MT is a rising star on the used car market. Because only a limited number were produced, and even fewer remain in excellent condition, clean examples are increasingly hard to find. As of 2025, prices for well-maintained models range between $14,000 and $25,000, with rare, low-mileage examples fetching even higher premiums. Compared to its original retail price in the low-$40,000s, this level of value retention is remarkable, especially for a sedan over a decade old.
But what truly sets the TL SH-AWD manual apart isn’t just the specs—it’s the character, the mechanical honesty, and the human connection it fosters. The absence of turbo lag, the feel of a perfectly timed downshift, the way the car digs into corners with mechanical confidence—these sensations are vanishing from modern motoring. And that’s precisely why this Acura stands out.
It doesn’t shout for attention with flashy styling or extreme horsepower. It doesn’t advertise Nürburgring lap times or zero-to-sixty sprints. Instead, it quietly delivers one of the most cohesive and rewarding driving experiences available in its class. It whispers to the driver, “This car was built for you.”
In a world increasingly dominated by touchscreens, algorithms, and semi-autonomous systems, the TL SH-AWD 6MT is a refreshing reminder of what driving used to mean. It represents a kind of analog purity that’s rapidly disappearing, a connection between man and machine that is more emotional than functional.
Spotting one on the road today is like seeing a unicorn 🦄. And if you’re fortunate enough to own or drive one, you’ll quickly realize it offers something far more valuable than speed or status—it offers soul.
Whether winding through foggy mountain roads, navigating rain-slicked city streets, or simply heading out for an early morning drive with the windows down, the TL SH-AWD has a way of making even mundane trips feel purposeful. It doesn’t just transport you—it engages you.
And in 2025, that kind of engagement is becoming increasingly rare—and profoundly cherished.