Acura TLX - 2017

A replacement for the outgoing TSX and TL luxury sedans, Acura's TLX is a tech-packed "tweener" that offers midsize space at a compact sedan price. Available with four- or six-cylinder engines and a pair of advanced, fuel-efficient transmissions, the TLX boasts a sporty driving experience along with a slick, dual-screen infotainment system.

Recent Changes

For the latest model year, the TLX receives an available GT Package that brings a body kit and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Overview

With sinewy character lines, a pointed "shield" grille and "jewel" LED headlights, the TLX combines all of Acura's latest styling cues into a clean, cohesive and athletic package. At 190.2 inches in length, it splits the difference between the size of the old TSX and TL, while increased use of high-strength steel, magnesium and aluminum in the body and chassis ensure optimal rigidity and minimized mass.

Inside, the TLX boasts a modern, streamlined dashboard that keeps buttons to a minimum by way of Acura's dual-display setup, wherein the eight-inch upper unit displays navigation and audio information and the seven-inch lower touchscreen furnishes access to the same as well as the climate control system. Other items of note include an instrument panel multifunction display and, on V6-engined models, an unusual push-button gear selector.

Further increasing the TLX's technology quotient is the available AcuraLink connectivity system, which includes real-time traffic and weather updates, Siri Eyes Free and a concierge serve that can make restaurant reservations. Also part of the setup are cloud-based apps such as Aha radio, which can play streaming internet radio stations and podcasts as well as read aloud content from Facebook, Twitter, audiobooks and news reports.

Not forgoing the luxury fundamentals while implementing all of that tech, Acura also fitted abundant upmarket furnishings like a one-piece soft-touch instrument panel cover, alloy- and woodgrain trim, and available Milano premium leather upholstery.

Standard heated front seats (ventilation is optional) accommodate the driver and front passenger, while the rear passengers enjoy respectable space in all dimensions. The trunk affords 13.2 cubic feet of stowage space, which can be increased to 14.3 cubes by way of an available underfloor storage compartment. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seats allow the TLX to carry longer or bulkier items.

Powertrain Lineup

The TLX's entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. The mill teams with a novel eight-speed DCT automatic that features a dual-clutch design for quick shifts as well as a torque converter for refined low-speed operation.

Those after more power can select a 3.5-liter V6 that uses a nine-speed automatic and makes 290 horsepower along with 267 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel-drive is standard with both powertrains, while the V6 can be had with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which offers brake-based torque vectoring for more neutral driving dynamics. FWD models benefit from Precision All-Wheel Steer, which adjusts the toe angle of the rear wheels in order to increase both agility and stability.

Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the four-cylinder model; FWD and AWD V6 iterations return 21/34 mpg and 21/31 mpg, respectively.

A standard Integrated Dynamics System lets the driver choose between four drive modes that adjust steering settings, throttle response, shift mapping, SH-AWD or PAWS control logic, and even Active Noise Control and HVAC settings.