Acura launched the midsize TLX for 2015, replacing the now-discontinued compact TSX and midsize TL sedans. Attributes of both cars carried over to the new model, so the TLX also scores well in efficiency and interior space.
During its first season in the Acura lineup, the TLX has been quite popular, providing sensible value in the premium sport sedan segment. Acura eases the buying process by making options available in Technology and Advance Packages.
What's New for 2016
Little has changed on the TLX for its second model year in the Acura lineup.
Choosing Your Acura TLX
Two engines are available for the TLX, starting with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, teamed with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Buyers can upgrade to a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that produces 267 pound-feet and works with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The latter configuration is available with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive), as an alternative to the standard front-wheel drive.
Paddle shifters are standard on all versions, and front-drive models come with a four-wheel steering system. Fuel economy with the four-cylinder and front-drive is estimated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Picking the V6 drops the figures to 21/34 mpg; all-wheel drive, 21/31 mpg. Both engines require premium gasoline.
Available features include heated/ventilated front seats, HomeLink garage opener, pushbutton start, Milano leather seat trim, GPS-linked automatic climate control, navigation with 3D view, and real-time traffic data with rerouting.
The model lineup breaks down according to engine size and technical features:
- 2.4: Includes the four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission, plus heated power front seats, full LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Siri Eyes Free technology, satellite radio, keyless access/ignition, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- 2.4 with Technology Package: Adds leather upholstery, a navigation system with real-time traffic data, an Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system with HD radio, voice recognition, GPS-linked climate control, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Also included are Milano perforated leather seat trim and 18-inch wheels.
- 3.5: Comes with the V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, plus pushbutton gear selection and an eight-way power passenger seat.
- 3.5 with Technology Package: Adds the same bundle of upgrades available for the 2.4.
- 3.5 with Advance Package: Includes the Technology features, plus adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, remote start, auto-dimming side mirrors, and LED fog and puddle lights. Collision and road-departure mitigation also are included.
- 3.5 SH-AWD with Technology Package: Equipped with all-wheel drive and the Technology Package. AWD models also incorporate idle-stop capability, shutting off the engine at stoplights to improve fuel economy.
- 3.5 SH-AWD with Advance Package: Adds the Advance Package contents to the Technology Package.
Because there are no individual factory options for the TLX, each trim level, with any option packages, represents a complete car.
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Read our review on the Acura TLX »
Differences in trim levels are quite significant in terms of included equipment, so you have to expect relatively large jumps in price as you move up the scale. Even the base model is attractively priced for what you get, so long as you can live without leather seats and a few other amenities.
Shoppers who prefer the latest safety features should consider the optional Technology or Advance Packages. Adding them gets you access to forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and other modern-tech systems that could prevent or minimize an accident.