Flash Drive

2015 Acura TLX

March 24, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
The Acura TLX is all new for 2015. It replaces the TL and TSX. This is the top version with a V-6 and all-wheel-drive.
The Acura TLX is all new for 2015. It replaces the TL and TSX. This is the top version with a V-6 and all-wheel-drive.

Models Tested: 2015 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD and 2.4L Tech 

Engines: 3.5-liter V-6, 290-hp/267 lb-ft torque and 2.4-liter I-4, 206-hp/182 lb-ft 

Transmissions: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and 8-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive 

EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined (V-6) and 24/35/28 (I-4) 

Base Prices: $44,700 (V-6)/$35,025 (I-4)

 As Tested: $45,595 (V-6)/$35,920 (I-4) 

Performance:

Strong engines, especially the V-6

The smooth V-6 engine produces 290-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 9-speed automatic.
The smooth V-6 engine produces 290-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 9-speed automatic.

Smooth transmissions

We liked the all-wheel-drive feature

Unique gear selector button on center console works fine

Paddle shifters

Smooth highway ride

Multiple drive modes (we preferred Sport)

State-of-the-art safety features 

Comfort:

Excellent front row legroom

Available heated and cooled front seats

Power lumbar

Most HVAC controls were via touch screen

The TLX interior is luxurious with more than ample front seat room. The back seat is snug.
The TLX interior is luxurious with more than ample front seat room. The back seat is snug.

Great, thick, contoured steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls (nice textured rotary dials)

Upscale interior, quality materials

Soft headrests

Front doors open very wide, but a stretch for closing

Snug rear seat even with fronts moved up considerably

Soft, wide rear armrest

Rear headroom close for tall passengers 

Utility:

Medium size storage bins and glove box

The four-cylinder engine is smooth and very adequate with 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque.
The four-cylinder engine is smooth and very adequate with 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque.

Rain sensing wipers

Blind spot detection system

Medium size trunk

Flat floor

Great under floor storage

Split rear seats fold flat

Arched top for trunk pass-through

Two seat back pouches 

WOW Factors:

Excellent drivetrain in V-6 AWD version

Front drive TLX has Precision All-Wheel Steering

V-6 gets almost as good fuel economy as four-cylinder engine 

Whines:

Significant price gap between V-6 AWD model and I-4 front-wheel-drive TLX

Styling is handsome, but typically a little conservative. This is the I-4 Acura TLX.
Styling is handsome, but typically a little conservative. This is the I-4 Acura TLX.

Styling is a little conservative

Smallish sunroof

We would prefer more traditional knobs for HVAC functions

No rear door bins 

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Acura TLX is all new and designed to replace both the previous TL and TSX models. The AWD V-6 model throws a lot more luxury and performance into the mix, but the base model is still well equipped. Both models are attractive cars. We preferred the V-6 for driving fun, but for day-in, day-out commuting the ten thousand dollar lower price of the I-4 is hard to ignore.