The 3.5 L direct-injection SOHC i-VTEC aluminum V6 engine delivers up to 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. A push button starts the engine up, and its power flows through a 9-speed automatic transmission with Squential SportShift and paddle shifters.
As the SH-AWD in its name implies, it also has Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Integrated Dynamic System adjusts many aspects of the driving performance to fit the mood of the moment, while Variable Cylinder Management and Idle Stop improve gas economy.
All these features add up to raise the bar on performance and comfort, providing a great driving experience and remarkable gas saving. This tech-laden powertrain delivers a fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, netting a 25 mpg combined average.
Inside the TLX you'll find a haven of calm and tempered quiet. Active Sound Control senses any kind of road noise or mechanical chatter and emits opposing frequencies to help cancel out such slight rumbles, while triple sealed doors and hydraulic engine mounts help to shelter the cabin from all kinds of noise.
The cabin is provided with the amenity of studio-quality sound. The 10-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio System is precisely matched to the interior space in order to always “preserve the integrity of the sound.”
Siri Eyes Free has a control button on the steering wheel to initiate the iPhone. You can make and receive calls, select and play music, audibly send and receive text messages, access maps, and get directions. Everything you want is right there at your fingertip.
The navigation system resides in a wide 8-inch color screen. It can place audio, information, and optional navigation functions in one place.
The power moonroof with tilt features provides an excellent view to the outside. The 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Jewel Eye LED headlights provide a strong stance and a bright light to help you find your way.
Inside the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control keeps you cool in the summer, as heated seats keep you warm on frigid days. The driver is treated to a 10-way power-adjustable seat which flows with comfort.
The 60/40 split fold-down rear seats aid in making cargo space while SiriusXM Satellite Radio provides entertainment inside the quiet, peaceful cabin.
Acura is built with ultra-high strength steel, yet the weight has been reduced, making it lighter while improving rigidity and power-to-weight ratio. This helps TLX fulfill its super handling promise.
MSRP for the V6 SH-AWD TLX starts at $41,575 for the Technology Package trim. This includes the ELS sound system, navigation system, plus numerous premium tech items packaged to enhance safety and security, such as Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, just to name a few.
Opting for the Advanced Package model ups the price to $44,800 and adds features such as remote engine start, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.
The TLX with SH-AWD system was designed for handling and safety in all kinds of driving weather and road conditions. TLX is quiet, comfortable, and loaded with entertainment while surrounding you in luxurious accoutrements fashioned into the seats and instrument panel—all reasonably priced.
This was a first for me to know, but the 2016 TLX has received a perfect score of 5-Stars in NHTSA’s crash testing system. The 5-star rating spans across categories like overall rating, frontal barrier crash, side crash, side barrier crash, combined side barrier and pole, and rollover.
Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty
6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
5-year/Unlimited-mile Rust-through Warranty
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at [email protected]
