2015 Acura TLX All About the Drive – and the Driver

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Rounding out its new lineup of “X marks the spot” vehicles, Acura has delivered the new TLX as its midsize sports sedan replacement. TLX succeeds the TL as well as the TSX and lines up between the ILX and RLX models. It is powered by choice of four- or six-cylinder engines backed by new eight- and nine-speed automatic gearboxes.

2015 Acura TLX/Images courtesy Acura

2015 Acura TLX/Images courtesy Acura

Our 2015 Acura TLX tester arrived with the all-new direct-injected 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that generates 206hp and 182 lb. ft. of torque. This engine was one of the most powerful fours I have driven that did not have some sort of supercharging to help make it go. Acura has this engine right and its power response feels like some of the V-6 sedans I have driven lately.

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The 2.4 is backed by Acura’s all-new 8-speed dual clutch transmission with a torque converter. Most dual clutch gearboxes do not utilize a torque converter but Acura (Honda) does. This transmission is smooth, quick-shifting and always ready to get to the next gear be that up or down. The powertrain setup in this TLX is quite impressive and the 2.4 is rated for 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway and I was getting close to that even with aggressive driving.

Another significant feature of the 2015 TLX is the latest version of Acura’s Power All-Wheel Steer that takes advantage of the car’s independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle for more precise handling, improved low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. TLX also offers Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on V-6 equipped cars.

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The 2015 TLX features Acura’s updated styling looks that, while still a bit polarizing, feature sculpted fender arches and distinct character lines. Up front TLX uses Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights. Comparing the TLX to the outgoing TL, TLX is 3.7 inches shorter overall and one inch narrower yet features the same wheelbase.

Acura used a “Red Carpet Athlete” development theme when designing the interior of the TLX delivering an element of luxury comfort and technological sophistication without sacrificing an exhilarating driving experience.

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Amenities include heated and ventilated front leather sport seating, smart entry/push button start keyless access system, Acura Navigation system via 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display touch screen, Siri Eyes Free technology, GPS-linked automatic climate control, app suite, HDMI, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and awesome Acura/ELS Studio premium 455-watt, 10-speaker audio system. All of this is bathed in comfortable leather with alloy and wood accents set off by a soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper cover.

Whether blasting some twisty backroads or stuck in the daily commute, the 2015 Acura TLX offers a great experience that also features the latest in driver assistance and safety technologies including the aforementioned P-AWS, Vehicle Stability Assist, monocular camera and millimeter wave radar road sensing system, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation system, blind spot information system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, expanded view drivers side mirror, lane keep assist and new cross traffic monitor.

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The 2015 TLX is built on an all-new body and chassis platform system designed for enhanced driving dynamics, luxury-sedan refinement, enhance fuel efficiency and higher level occupant safety. It features front and rear independent suspension with new Motion-Adaptive Electronic Power Steering for more precision and better feel. In addition to attention to noise reduction engineers also employ electronic Active Noise Control for an improved overall driving experience. ANC uses overhead microphones to detect unwanted sound waves and send a “reverse phase” signal to door speakers to cancel the original noise signal. Similarly, Acura also uses the audio system to smooth out engine sounds to make the audible experience more pleasurable.

Drivers can modify their experience behind the wheel thanks to Acura’s Integrated Dynamic System that offers ECON, Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving modes. The 2015 Acura TLX rides on 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires.
Pricing for the 2015 Acura TLX begins at $31,445 with our loaded 2.4L Tech model arriving with a final sticker of $35,920.
Since its arrival last fall, TLX has earned several honors including being named a Best Value in Luxury from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and a Best Car for the Money by U.S. News & World Report. The 2015 TLX has also earned a 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

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The 2015 Acura TLX was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel. It quickly became one of my favorite new vehicles to drive and the 2.4L/8-speed gearbox powertrain was key amongst standouts in this vehicle. It is quiet and comfortable while not forgetting that some folks still enjoy driving their cars every day.

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About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.