Topic: Test Drive: 2017 Acura TLX SH-AWD

[AutoTrader.ca]

Outgoing model plays it safe.
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[ChaosphereIX]

compared to Lexus, I actually appreciate that it is styled conservatively - will not look as dated, "so mid teens" in years to come

some modern designs are so overwrought these days...

[bridgecity]

I spent a day with a TLX AWD A-spec.  I agree with the review.  Rather bland offering with a good V-6 and AWD system.  It was pretty frosty on the day I had it so I didn't get much of a feel for the handling.  I didn't like the 9 speed tranny; it took much too long to shift down when going from light to heavy throttle.  I also found the engine start/stop intrusive.  The seats were firm but felt unsupportive.  The interior felt like a step down from our MDX.  There was just nothing really special about it.

[EV-Light]

- will not look as dated, "so mid teens" in years to come.

This looks old right now! The TL looks sharper and it's a much more aggressive design.




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[Jaeger]

I don't know why but I was never able to warm to the new TLX. For whatever reason, to me, it doesn't have as much presence as my gen TL. I think I also prefer my gen interior - which is weird.

Nothing weird about that - I agree completely.  This doesn't have near the presence of your TL.  It looks like what the Accord should be, as opposed to something next level.

My bigger issue with it based on my test drive was that the transmission and engine seemed to be speaking different languages.  Part throttle acceleration was preceded by two seconds of figuring out what to do before doing it.  It was a deal-breaker for me.  It felt less powerful and less responsive than pretty much anything else comparable that I drove - Genesis, Maxima, Q50, GS  - even though it's right in the mix in terms of actual output.

[Noto]

Yeah, I agree with all of the above. I sort of wish the 4-banger could be paired with the SH-AWD system and then I'd be a bit more interested (since it has the 8-speed )

[Niklasky]

In my opinion, the 4cyl with PAWS and 8-speed DCT is the way to go. More pleasant to drive in every respect. And unless you absolutely need AWD, I think the PAWS offers a very good compromise and great handling.

I see that the new 2018 model is supposed to go on sale today, but it is not yet available on the Acura build & price page, and there is no info on pricing.

Any idea what this is going to look like ?

[Noto]

Any idea what this is going to look like ?

Yup...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2018-acura-tlx-first-drive-review


I don't like the front end, but the rest of the update sounds decent.

[Niklasky]

Thanks.

What about prices ? In line with the 2017 prices ? Trim levels are the same ?

I kinda like that A-Spec trim.

[ArticSteve]

Honda screwed the pooch on this vehicle.  HUGE FAIL.

4 banger FWD .... last gen Japanese made TSX so much better car than this TLX.

6 banger AWD .....  too cramped, odd tranny, stop/start ... really  .    Should have updated TL and called it a day.

[lebowski]

It's a shame Acura saddled this with such a buggy transmission -  I wonder if leaving the tranny in Sport mode (if it has a Sport mode) reduces the gear hunting? It's an odd misstep for a company like Honda. I wonder if it was just a marketing decision gone wrong ("we have a perfectly fine 6-speed automatic and a 9-speed automatic that needs some work...but more is always better in our customers' eyes, so lets just go for it").

[OliverD]

Is yours a manual?

[OliverD]

Gotcha. The manuals are pretty rare. I actually looked up manual TLs the other day. They seem to hold their value well.

[OliverD]

Nothing wrong with that!

[OliverD]

Nothing wrong with that!

Other than I'm bored already....but I was also tired of my WRX after three years. I may have to come to terms that I should be a lease guy.

Yeah, that's why I leased my GTI. Figured I didn't keep cars very long anyways so might as well not commit to it. The other option is to find something that's 2-3 years old so you're not taking as big of a depreciation hit.

[JohnnyMac]

It's funny that everyone is talking about the last generation of TL and how just updating that would have done the trick.  I think everyone forgot that when it first came out most people hated the exterior styling (namely the front end), and it was never a big seller.  It's only after it is gone that we all appreciate it.  Acura had to do something a bit different and hope that it works out, doesn't seem they improved their market share at all. 

I think Infiniti has done a much better job of updating their G35, G37, and whatever the heck it's called now.  Lexus is the cream of the crop for Japanese luxury and I would certainly buy a IS over the TLX.

[Niklasky]

It's funny that everyone is talking about the last generation of TL and how just updating that would have done the trick.  I think everyone forgot that when it first came out most people hated the exterior styling (namely the front end), and it was never a big seller.  It's only after it is gone that we all appreciate it.  Acura had to do something a bit different and hope that it works out, doesn't seem they improved their market share at all. 

I think Infiniti has done a much better job of updating their G35, G37, and whatever the heck it's called now.  Lexus is the cream of the crop for Japanese luxury and I would certainly buy a IS over the TLX.

I would also go for the IS vs. TLX, but I'm pretty sure the IS is quite a bit more expensive and it also feels much smaller inside and out. I think the TLX is more favorably compared with the ES, and personally I would pick the TLX over the ES.

[Jaeger]

Nothing wrong with that!

Other than I'm bored already....but I was also tired of my WRX after three years. I may have to come to terms that I should be a lease guy.

4 years is about when I start looking around and doing random test drives and I've only gone longer than 5 years once.  When you're talking mainstream / near luxury midsize sedans there's not exactly an overwhelming amount of excitement on offer anyway.  Since you have the truck for work you could replace the TL with something that delivers excitement as a top priority.  I'm sure I'll pick up a fun toy at some point in the future, but the next car I buy is likely to be a first car for my daughter.

[carcrazed]

I just saw a clean, white 2004-2008 TL  on the way to work today and that looked pretty good to me.
And I agree, 2009-2011 TLs are not easy on the eyes, but the update in 2012 made them look much better.

[EV-Light]

I just saw a clean, white 2004-2008 TL  on the way to work today and that looked pretty good to me.
And I agree, 2009-2011 TLs are not easy on the eyes, but the update in 2012 made them look much better.

Gosh that 2012 looks superb!!


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