2017 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX comes with an optional V6 engine, same as the other cars in this segment. From its 206 horsepower coming straight from the 4-cylinder motor in the base to a massive power output of 290 horsepower coming from the V6. Pricing for the Acura TLX starts at $33,000 and goes all the way to $45,000. When you compare the price of the Acura TLX with the price of its rivals, you will realize that how competitively priced the TLX is. Though it lacks the refinements of what the Germans offer, it still holds a great value and will definitely be a great addition to the garage.

With the new TLX, Acura has got the buyers covered by offering them an option to choose from the engines available. The buyers get to choose from either a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder producing 206 hp or a 3.5L V6 engine producing 290 hp from the belly. Another option the buyers get is to choose from either FWD and AWD. Finally, the inline variants come with an 8-speed automatic transmission while the V6 variant comes equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Trims	Standard	Technology Package	Advance package
MSRP (Inline-4 FWD with P-AWS)	$33,000	$36,050	N/A
MSRP (V-6 FWD with P-AWS)	$35,450	$39,500	$42,700
MSRP (V-6 SH-AWD)	NA	$41,700	$44,900
Features	17-inch wheels Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone automatic Climate control Simulated leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats.	Keyless entry for the rear doors Leather upholstery Automatic wipers Climate control system that compensates for sun direction Navigation 10-speaker premium audio system Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.	Parking sensors Remote engine start ventilated front seats Heated outboard rear seats Heated steering wheel wireless device charging Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors Surround-view camera system and a heated windshield.

We Recommend 

To get a bang for your buck, we recommend going for the optional V6 motor which comes with the Advanced package as it offers a great combination of performance and a great array of features along with plush interiors and great driving experience.

"Around town and on the highway, you'll enjoy the 2017 TLX's comfortable and discernibly refined ride. Shoppers who might still associate Acura products with elevated road noise will find a counterpoint in this sedan, as there's little wind or tire roar to interfere with conversations or music"- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission 

The 2017 Acura TLX sedan is powered by either a 2.4L 4-cylinder motor or a 3.5L V6 motor, which comes as an option. While the 2.4L inline motor produces 206 hp from its belly, the massive 3.5L V6 mill churns 290 hp from its belly. Both, the transmissions not only feel smooth and offer quick shifts in between the gears, but they also get an advantage over the rival cars as they offer either a 6-speed or a 7-speed transmission. The base variant feels underwhelming in terms of the power but feels adequate for the daily drives. The V6, on the other hand, offers a more thrilling experience compared to the inline mill and feels punchier than the inline motor and feels refined.

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
MSRP	$33,000	$38,950	$35,170	$37,300
Engine	2.4L DOHC 16-Valve VTEC 4-Cylinder	2.0L turbo I-4	2.0L Turbocharged I-4	2.0L TFSI I4 DOHC
Transmission	8-Speed Dual Clutch	7-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	206 hp	208 hp	240 hp	252 hp
Torque	182 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	270lb-ft	273b-ft

The inline engine falls short in terms of raw power among its competitors, but with the optional V6 motor under the hood producing a massive 290 hp, the game gets completely changes and surpasses every car in the competition. Cars like Lincoln MKZ and Audi A4 are backed with way more power, however, the Q60 shares the stage with the TLX when it comes to power as they both boast a similar number. 

Acceleration

The Acura TLX is a fast car even for the mid-size luxury standards. From a standstill, the TLX takes off to attain a 60 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds. Further nailing down the accelerator, the car reaches the quarter-mile pole in 14.2 seconds. The A4, on the other hand, impressively reaches the 60 mph mark in just 5.7 seconds and with 6.9 seconds on the clock, the Q60 finishes after it. 

Models	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
0-60 MPH	7.2	6.9 sec	7.0 sec	5.7 sec
Quarter mile	14.2 sec	17.3 sec	13.7 sec	14.0 sec
Engine	2.4L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	6.3	7	7.3	6.3

While the TLX's speed is worth noticing, it's not the top of the line. Cars like Audi A4 exceeds all 3 cars in the lot both in the quarter-mile and 0 to 60 test. 

Braking

The brakes in the Acura TLX are quite big. The front brakes are set at 12.6 inches on the front and 12.2 inches on the back. Although the Acura TLX weighs lighter than the other cars it performed weaker than other heavier cars in the competition. Push down the paddle at 60 mph, it covers 121 ft. to stop. 

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
Brake Front(in)	12.6	12.6	12.4	13.3
Brake Rear(in)	12.2	12.1	12.4	13.0
Curb weight(lbs)	3483	3727	3739	3483
60-0 MPH (ft.)	121	113	108	105

Even the heaviest car in the lot took 108 feet to halt, followed by the A4 which performed impressively.

Ride and Handling

When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2017 Acura TLX sedan offers a mixed experience to the driver. While the 4-cylinder variant of the car feels weak and unenthusiastic as it doesn't throw the driver back in the seat while accelerating, but with the V6 motor under the hood, the car offers an exciting and thrilling driving experience.

While driving the Front-Wheel Drive, the car feels to throw the rear out of the curve. But the case feels different with the All-Wheel Drive as it makes the driver feel more confident for the car. Combined with the V6, the AWD variant feels like a match made in heaven.

The 8-Speed dual clutch standard transmission is smooth. As smooth as the power delivery in this car. One thing which makes the TLX stand out is that instead of using a shift lever, there are a few buttons which can be used to park and reverse the car. It might feel messy in the beginning but over time it will grow on the driver. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) has four driving modes: Economy, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Ride quality is comfortable in this car no matter what mode the driver selects.

With the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, the new TLX sedan offers a city gas mileage of 24 miles per gallon and on highway roads, it stretches out to 35 miles per gallon. The number drops for the V6 engine because of its massive output. The 2017 TLX offers a good amount of mileage when pitted against the Q60 and the MKZ but falls behind the A4 as it boasts an impressive combined mileage of 31 mpg

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
MPG (city)	24	22	21	27
MPG (highway)	35	30	31	37
MPG (combined)	28	25	24	31

"Historically, Acura interiors are precisely tailored, closely detailed and intuitively user-friendly, and the 2017 TLX sedan maintains that appreciated tradition"- KBB

Seating and Comfort

The Acura TLX is a regular 5-seater car with the seats for three in the back. And if the middle seat of the three in the rear is empty, you can pull out the armrest on that seat housing two cup holders. You may expect some compromises with the legroom or headroom because of the rather small dimensions of the car but that's not the case here. The space inside the rear cabin is quite good even for taller people to sit comfortably without hitting their head on the roof or the knees into the front seats. 

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
Passenger capacity	5	4	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	93.3	85.4	96.6	NA
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/57.5/42.6	37.9/54.6/43.1	37.9/57.7/44.3	38.9/55.9/41.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.7/57.5/34.5	34.5/52/32.4	36.6/55.3/37	37.4/54.5/35.7

Interior Features -

The 2017 Acura TLX comes with all the essential luxury comfort features. It comes with power adjustable seats, power windows, power sunroof. Every little bit to make you put less muscular effort.

• 8-Way Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats
• Bucket Front Seats
• Height Adjustable Driver and Front Passenger Seats
• Multi-level heating driver and front passenger seats
• Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Folder center armrest in rear seats
• Rear ventilation ducts
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Transmission, Cruise and Audio Controls on Steering Wheel
• Climate Control
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Memorized Settings for 2 drivers

Infotainment

The Acura TLX has the premium 10-speaker audio system to give you the essence of the nirvana. Complete details are below.

• 1 Subwoofer
• 10 Total Speakers
• 445 Watts Stereo Output
• USB Connection
• Auxiliary Audio input and USB with external media control
• Satellite radio
• Speed sensitive volume control
• Surround audio

Cargo

Some might say, the storage is average in the 2017 TLX. But when compared to the Infiniti and the A4, the TLX exceeds its rivals. With the available 13.2 cubic feet space, it really comes down to the personal preference that how much space do you really need. But considering this is a mid-sized sedan, you might be planning to use TLX for the family trip next summer. So you might run out of space for your large suitcases. Though the MKZ offers the best-in-class boot space of 15.4 cu.ft., the TLX stands quite well with the A4 when pitted against each other.

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
Volume (ft.cube)	13.2	8.7	15.4	13.0

"Acura’s 2017 TLX performance-luxury sedan might not stand out in a crowd but it is an elegant and handsome piece of work"- KBB

Dimension and Weight

Weighing at almost 3500 pounds, the TLX is slightly heavier than the Audi A4 but is lighter than the other two by more than a couple hundred pounds. Although the TLX sits at 190 inches long and 73 inches wide. The height of the Acura TLX is at 57.0 inches with a ground clearance of 5.8 inches, which is more than what its rivals offer. With a wheelbase of 109 inches, the occupants will definitely feel that less legroom space in the rear.

Model	Acura TLX	Infiniti Q60	Lincoln MKZ	Audi A4 Premium
curb weight(lbs)	3483	3727	3739	3450
Length(in)	190.3	184.4	194.1	186.1
Width(in)	73.0	72.8	73.4	72.5
Height(in)	57.0	54.9	58.2	56.2
Ground clearance(in)	5.8	4.9	5.0	5.0
Wheelbase(in)	109.3	112.2	112.2	111.0
Track width(in) F/R	62.8/63.1	61.2/61.2	62.3/62	61.9/61.2

Exterior Features

• One-touch power sunroof

• Power glass sunroof

• Rear Defogger

• Remote Sunroof operation

• Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers

• Alloy Wheels

• All Season tires (P225/50R18 tires)

• Dusk Sensing headlamps

• Daytime running LED lights

• Tire pressure monitoring

• Traction control

• Turn Signal Mirrors

The 2017 Acura TLX comes packed with a plenty of safety features. From the standard airbags to the notification alerts you get regarding the safety of the passengers, The 2017 TLX sedan offers a great array of safety features. Following are the standard safety features that come in this car -

• Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)

• Dual-Stage

• Front Seat Belt e-Pretensioner System — A A Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ) with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering

• 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Location, Pressure Indicators, and Tire Fill Assist

• Expanded View Driver’s Mirror

• Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer

• Tire Sealant and Repair Kit

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Ratings

CrashWorthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Acceptable
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
LATCH	Marginal

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ratings 

Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Crash Rating	5 Star
Frontal Crash Rating Driver Side	5 Star
Frontal Crash Rating Passenger Side	5 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Rating Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Rating Front Seat Rear Seat	5 Star
Side Barrier	5 Star
Side barrier Driver	5 Star
Side barrier Rear Passenger	5 Star
Overall Side Pole Star Rating	5 Star
Rollover Rating	5 Star

The 2017 Acura TLX is built to protect the occupants and offer a secure environment and hence stands as a perfect choice for those who want a car with an impressive build quality and comes with great safety features.

 Acura TLX  Vs.Infiniti Q60

With its striking looks incorporated in its design by Infiniti, many might prefer the Q60 over the rather dull looks of Acura TLX. However, the TLX is a well-designed car incorporating the company's design ideas in it. TLX does get a bigger engine but the lack of turbocharger might upset some. But it doesn't make a lot of difference, you get 2 extra horses in terms of power and when you take the lower price of TLX in consideration, the choice becomes clear.

 Acura TLX  Vs.Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln's MKZ has been around for a decade now. While the TLX stands as a new car with this being its third year since its debut. Both stand true to the 'luxury mid-sized' statement. Both sedans are premium on the inside, but the MKZ holds a serious and more corporate look on its surface. Powered by a rather small 2.0L engine, it is capable of making 240 hp with a turbocharged engine. Even the boot space is bigger than the TLX. The TLX doesn't beat out the MKZ in the competition but stands as a worthy competitor. 

Acura TLX  Vs. Audi A4 Premium

Audi A4 has been around for two decades now. The A4 is definitely a better car but it is the costliest of all. Well, you might expect it to be costly with the Premium in the name. And when you compare the TLX with a premium car like A4, the A4 might create some extra boxes in the list which TLX might not tick. Both the cars offer a unique experience but if you are looking for the best in this segment, then the A4 is a great choice to go with.

With the new TLX, Acura tries to enter a market dominated by the Germans by offering something unique. To get a bite of this market's share, Acura really needs to think out of the box. But in no sense, the Acura TLX stands as a bad choice when you're into saving that extra 5 grand. Go with the new TLX sedan if you want to try something new and unique in this segment by a foreign player.