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- Highs Comfortable ride, attractive and well-equipped cabin, good value for the luxury segment.
- Lows Could use more power, interior falls just short of luxury competitors, back seat is a bit tight.
- Verdict The TLX offers attractive styling, a nicely equipped cabin, and a comfortable ride at a price that beats the competition.
Overview
The TLX is Acura’s mid-size sport sedan, which debuted in the 2015 model year, slotting between the ILX compact and RLX flagship sedan. Its design is handsome, if a bit subdued. It’s available with a 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder gas engine, mated to Honda’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic with torque converter and front-wheel-drive only, or a 3.5-liter V-6 putting power to the front or all four wheels via a ZF nine-speed automatic. FWD models come with Precision-All Wheel Steering (PAWS) while the AWD version has Acura’s super handling-all wheel drive system (SH-AWD).
What's New for 2017?
For the 2017 model year, the Acura TLX offers three new paint colors, San Marino Red, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Modern Steel Metallic. A new Ebony Black interior is available with the San Marino Red and Fathom Blue Pearl paint options.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $32,965
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The TLX's base engine, a 206-hp 2.4-liter four, is the same VTEC found in the Honda Accord, except with its own dual-stage intake manifold and a higher compression ratio, requiring premium fuel. It’s paired with Honda’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, with a torque converter in place of the flywheel for smoother launches. This engine is front-wheel drive only and comes with all-wheel steering. There's also an optional 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that's available with FWD and all-wheel steering or all-wheel drive. It trades out the trick DCT for a ZF eight-speed automatic. Both engines are capable enough, but neither is especially powerful. Body motion is well controlled, and the ride is comfortable. With a taut suspension and the four’s all-wheel steer or the V-6’s AWD, the tight, right-sized TLX is a credible competitor for the more expensive, rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 series and Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior treatment of the TLX gets the usual Honda-plus premium feel of the Acura lineup, with a leather steering wheel, keyless entry with push-button start, high-gloss zebra-wood trim, heated 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. While the TLX doesn't have the most luxurious interior in the class, remember that the this is also one of the least expensive cars in the segment. The TLX has competitive interior space, although its back seat is the tightest among similar rivals. It does spoil front-seat passengers with more than enough storage space in its center console with a large bin and a useful tray.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The TLX's 7.0-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) features a touchscreen that controls myriad infotainment functions with a minimum of buttons. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface, an auxiliary input, and a seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio. There's also an optional 455-watt ELS audio system with 10 speakers.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Acura TLX‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
