Overview Five-passenger, mid-size luxury sedan
Pros New styling, plenty of passenger space, competent handling dynamics and good fuel efficiency when compared to competitors. Top safety pick.
Cons No four-cylinder model available with AWD.
Value for money Fair
What would I change? Acura needs to offer the four-cylinder car fitted with all-wheel-drive. I think that combination would be a homerun in the Canadian market.
The Acura TLX is an all-new model for 2015, and is in fact doing double-duty for Acura as the sleek new sedan is acting as the replacement for both the outgoing TSX and TL models in the Japanese company’s sedan line up.
The visually appealing TLX will be available in three variants. A four-cylinder model, one powered by a 3.5-litre V6, and an all-wheel-drive variant fitted with the larger engine and the company’s proven Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive.
The subject of this review is the entry model fitted with the TECH Package. This car comes equipped with a lightweight, high-revving, 2.4-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, direct-injected, inline, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that has been engineered to be both efficient and powerful.
The TLX features a 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 206 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft of torque.
Russell Purcell, Driving
With only 206 horsepower and 182 foot-pounds of torque, the car may sound underpowered to some, but the excellent eight-speed automatic transmission does an excellent job of keeping the car operating in its broad power band. This powertrain has been designed to maximize fuel economy, but should you choose to use the paddle shifters to select your own shift points, the TLX really comes alive.
The dual clutch transmission operates very smoothly and gear changes are very quick. It delivers power to the front wheels with authority while matching engine revs on down shifts and striving to make the most efficient use of the car’s fuel.
The TLX comes equipped with Acura’s Integrated Dynamic System (IDS), which allows the driver to customize the car’s power train settings to best suit their individual needs or road conditions. A console-mounted button allows the operator to select from four separate drive modes – ECO, Normal, Sport, Sport+ – which make adjustments to the Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle response, Precision All Wheel Steer (P-AWS) control logic four-wheel-steering, transmission shift mapping, Active Noise Control settings, and HVAC control in accordance with the preferences of the driver. I should also note that unlike many similar systems, IDS does not reset itself when you turn the car off; instead it holds your preferences until you decide to make a change.
The dual clutch transmission operates very smoothly and gear changes are very quick.
Russell Purcell, Driving
It is an extremely difficult task to design a car that will appeal to two distinct groups of buyers- those being the former TL and TSX customers — but Acura seems to have hit the mark with the TLX as it is the perfect mix of the TL’s spacious interior and the chiseled lines of the TSX.
The car sits low and has a wide stance. The front and rear overhangs have been shortened in comparison to the outgoing TL, while the car’s fender arches are more pronounced. A number of subtle character lines grace the body and immediately appeal to the eye.
There is still somewhat of a chrome beak on the grille, but it is far less offensive than that of the former cars. The bold move to meld two models into one seems to be paying off for Acura, as at the time of this writing, the TLX had vaulted its way to the top of the sales charts at dealers nationwide.
Visibility is excellent, as
the car features slim pillars and lots of glass.
Russell Purcell, Driving
What I found most surprising during my time behind the wheel of the four-cylinder model is that the passenger cabin is one of the quietest I have ever experienced. To match the serenity of this very comfortable environment you would have to move up into a high-end luxury offering with a six-figure price tag. To achieve this, Acura’s design team employed noise reducing insulation throughout the car, as well as electronic Active Noise Control. This combination works so well that you can have a normal conversation with your passengers even while travelling at highway speeds.
The driver’s cockpit was also somewhat of a revelation as I was able to adjust the seat to a level much lower than offered in most automobiles. This allows for tremendous headroom and comfort for a larger individual like myself. I was almost as comfortable in the rear cabin, which has more than enough room for three regular sized adults.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel includes a host of secondary controls to allow the driver to adjust various systems without taking their eyes off the road, and is heated for comfort on those chilly fall mornings.
The cockpit of the TLX is very comfortable, all controls are easy to reach and visibility is very good.
Russell Purcell, Driving
Visibility is excellent, as the car features slim pillars and lots of glass. The hood falls away quickly to allow a good view of the road ahead, and large side mirrors keep you abreast of what is happening around you.
Safety has become job one for many auto manufacturers, and is a very strong selling point when it comes to customer acquisition. As a result, the TLX utilizes a highly advanced body construction plus the latest in safety and driver-assistive technologies to provide occupant protection that is currently unmatched in the segment.
By ordering the TECH Package, consumers will benefit from the addition of a number of safety and driver-assistive technologies including Blind Sport Information (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKAS), Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).
The 2015 Acura TLX features simple and bright gauges.
Russell Purcell, Driving
The TLX also utilizes the next generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) frontal body structure, and a new one-piece, hot-stamped-steel door stiffener ring, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems – including front, side, side-curtain and driver’s knee airbags – to provide a higher level of occupant protection in the event of a collision.
The TLX delivers the dynamic driving experience of a sports-sedan, the comfort and amenities of a luxury car, and class-leading safety. In fact, with regards to the latter, the TLX just received the highest possible safety rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a top safety pick in its class, which should bode well for Acura when attracting new customers to the brand.
The Specs
Type of vehicle Front-wheel-drive mid-size luxury sedan
Engine 2.4-litre, DOHC, 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder
Power 206 hp @ 6,800 rpm; 182 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic transmission / 9-speed automatic (V6)
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P225/55 R17
Price: Base/as tested $34,990 / $38,690
Destination charge $1,995
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy L/100 km 9.6 (city); 6.6L (highway)
Standard Features Electronic parking brake, LED headlamps, keyless access system, multi-information display, multi-angle rear-view camera, On-Demand multi-use display, direct fuel injection, cap-less fuelling system, drive-by-wire throttle, Agile Handling Assist, Integrated Dynamic System, Precision All-Wheel Steer System, Airbags –Front, side, side curtain and knee, ABS brakes with EBD and BA, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, Immobilizer theft deterrent system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Start Assist, windshield de-icer, heated powered side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and reverse tilt, power moon roof, Active Noise Control, Active Sound Control, Acoustic glass windshield, automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic steering column, HandsFreeLink Bluetooth, HomeLink Remote System, power windows with one-touch up/down, push button ignition, driver’s seat memory, Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM/SiriusXM/MP3/WMA and CD player, 7-speakers (including subwoofer), power operated heated front seats, heated front seats and more
Options: TECH Package ($3,700): Includes Cross Traffic Monitor System, Forward Collision Warning, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist Feature, Colour TFT Display, power folding mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, remote engine start, AcuraLink Connectivity System, navigation with voice recognition and 8-inch screen, Blind Spot Information System, Perforated Premium Milano Leather seating surfaces.
