Flash Drive

2016 Acura TLX

June 20, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD Tech

The great V-6 engine and SH-AWD traction system make the 2016 Acura TLX a perfect car for less than perfect weather.
The great V-6 engine and SH-AWD traction system make the 2016 Acura TLX a perfect car for less than perfect weather.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined

Base Price: $41,575

As Tested: $42,495

Performance:

Integrated Dynamic System controls driving modes

Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus

Noticeable differences among modes

Acura TLX styling is handsome, but on the conservative side.
Acura TLX styling is handsome, but on the conservative side.

Strong engine

Smooth transmission

Paddle shifters

Smooth highway ride

State-of-the-art safety features

Blind spot detection

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Large dead pedal

Supportive seats

Driver power lumbar

Heated and ventilated front seats

Driver and front passenger space and comfort are excellent.
Driver and front passenger space and comfort are excellent.

Soft headrests

Most HVAC controls via touch screen

Great, thick, contoured steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls (nice textured rotary dials)

Upscale interior, quality materials

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 tight for tall passengers

Tight on front passenger shoe space

Utility:

Big, wide trunk

The split, folding rear seat provides cargo versatility, although the arched pass-through is somewhat limiting.
The split, folding rear seat provides cargo versatility, although the arched pass-through is somewhat limiting.

Flat floor

High lift-over

Great under floor storage

Medium size storage bins and glove box

Split rear seats fold flat

Arched top for trunk pass-through

Two seat back pouches

WOW Factors:

Standard Acura engineering excellence

Smooth V-6

All-weather driving confidence with AWD

Dash display shows SH-AWD power distribution

Rain sensing wipers

Whines:

Acura “V” grille bar seems heavy for rest of body design

The LED projector headlights are wild, but they really light up the road.
The LED projector headlights are wild, but they really light up the road.

Transmission selector buttons take getting used to

Projector headlights work great, but look a little odd

Smallish sunroof

Cramped rear seat knee room

We would prefer more traditional knobs for HVAC functions

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Acura TLX SH-AWD is a continuation of the all-new 2015 model. The V-6 and all-wheel-drive are much preferred over the four-cylinder front-wheel-drive version, although there is a significant price difference.