Excellent crash-test scores; quiet interior; roomy rear seat; uncomplicated dash design; impressive handling when equipped with AWD; Acura's ELS Studio audio
Generic styling; uninspiring 4-cylinder engine; no manual transmission; collision-mitigation braking only available on V6
Other than some new colors, there are no changes for the 2017 Acura TLX
If you're looking for luxury, power, safety and technology, we suggest moving to the top-of-the-line TLX 3.5 SH-AWD with the Advanced package. Other than the Acura name, the base TLX just doesn't provide enough to convince us you couldn't spend the same money or less on a Ford Fusion, a Chrysler 200 or a Kia Optima and get more car for your money.
Find a used Acura TLX for sale
The 2017 TLX is offered as one model with a choice of engines and two significant options packages: Advanced and Technology. AWD and the Advanced package are only offered with the V6 engine.
The TLX 2.4 ($32,840) includes an advanced Precision All-Wheel Steer (or P-AWS) all-wheel steering system, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button starting, a rearview monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, jewel-eye LED headlights, Siri Eyes Free, imitation-leather seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat, two LCD view screens (8 inches up top and 7 inches on the lower dash), Bluetooth capability, 7-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with app integration and USB and auxiliary input jacks.
The TLX 2.4 with the Technology package ($36,890) adds forward-collision alert, a blind spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, voice activated 3-D navigation, leather seating and the 10-speaker Acura ELS audio system with HD Radio.
The TLX 3.5 ($36,290) includes all the same equipment as the base 2.4 but features the V6 engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission, an electronic push-button gear selector, an 8-way power passenger seat and 18-in wheels.
The TLX 3.5 with the Technology package ($40,340 FWD; $42,540 AWD) includes all the equipment from the Technology package, plus the V6 engine.
The TLX 3.5 with the Advanced package ($43,540 FWD; $45,740 AWD) adds front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigation braking, heated and ventilated front seats, LED front fog lights and 18-in wheels.
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLX FWD | $32,000 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 24 / 35 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX FWD V6 | $35,450 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 21 / 34 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX FWD V6 w/Advance Pkg | $42,700 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 21 / 34 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX FWD V6 w/Technology Pkg | $39,500 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 21 / 34 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX FWD w/Technology Pkg | $36,050 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 24 / 35 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX SH-AWD V6 w/Advance Pkg | $44,900 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 21 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
| TLX SH-AWD V6 w/Technology Pkg | $41,700 / N/A | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 21 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The TLX comes standard with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control and seven airbags including front, front side-impact, side-curtain and driver's-knee airbags. Optional safety equipment can be found in the Technology and Advanced packages, including rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and assist, collision warning, collision-mitigation braking and front and rear sonar warning sensors.
In government crash-testing, the Acura TLX performs exceptionally well, earning five out of five stars in every category. Likewise, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the TLX top marks in all but the small-overlap front crash test, in which it earned a Marginal score.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
2017 Cadillac ATS -- The ATS is a bit smaller than the TLX, but it offers superior ride and handling. You can choose between a 272-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 335-hp V6 engine, and some rear-wheel-drive models are available with a manual transmission.
2017 Infiniti Q50 -- The Q50's styling and interior layout is much more expressive than the TLX, and its myriad of engine offerings include three turbocharged and one hybrid. The Q50's optional Sport packages make it much more fun to drive.
2017 Lexus IS -- The IS can match the TLX for quality, dependability and resale value, and it offers a more powerful base engine. Although the TLX has a stronger V6 than the base IS 300, the IS 350 delivers an additional 13 hp and more interior amenities.
Used Lexus GS -- A 2011-2015 Lexus GS will give you more interior space, power and luxury, and it's a better-known commodity in the luxury-car world. There's also a hybrid model.
These are the best used midsize luxury cars under $25,000.
