Acura is introducing a new mid-sized sports sedan for the 2015 model year, and so far, most car reviewers are giving it a moderately enthusiastic thumbs-up.
“The 2015 Acura TLX’s overall objective was to appeal to a broader, more youthful buyer by simplifying the model selection process while delivering a more proper proportion, enhanced prestige and a heightened performance capability. Mission accomplished,” reads a review on The San Francisco Chronicle’s SFGate.
Motor Authority has even nominated the sedan for its Best Car to Buy 2015 award, which will be announced Nov. 10.
The LA Times pointed out that Acura has made a smart business decision in unveiling the new car, which replaces and combines features of two outgoing models: the “crisp TSX and the ungainly TL.”
Features and Drivability
Acura is the luxury brand for auto giant Honda, so it’s expected that any Acura models come with a few flashy features. SFGate labels the overall design as “striking and elegant.”
The car seats five, and according to all reviews has more than adequate trunk space.
The entertainment system is top-notch and features connectivity for mobile devices. (The dash also features a two-screen setup that reviewers have had mixed feelings about. “The touch screen doesn’t do many of the functions you might expect, and it’s not obvious which screen you should be looking at during which function,” reads the Times review.)
Tech upgrades aren’t limited to the car’s interior, either. Models with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine use push buttons instead of a traditional gear shift, and all models use an electronic parking brake that can be set to activate whenever the car is stopped — making stop-and-go traffic and steep hills much easier to navigate.
The Times test drivers got approximately 22 mpg doing mostly city driving (the car is advertised at up to 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway) and were for the most part happy with the car’s torque and easy shifting.
Balance of Features and Price
All the reviews seem to agree on one thing: The TLX is a good value.
“While there are faster, more luxurious and more attractive cars … the TLX makes its presence known by combining a remarkable set of features and abilities with an approachable price tag,” reads the Motor Authority writeup.
The 2015 Acura TLX has a starting price of just over $30,000.
“Most Acura customers that I have come across seem to be satisfied with their vehicle. In my opinion, Acura produces well engineered cars that emphasize on better accessories and comfort options for consumers,” says Stan Creech, Owner/President, Creech Import.