2018 Acura TLX

2018 Acura TLX

Episode 3645
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Just 3 years ago, Acura pared down their sedan lineup by replacing both the TL and TSX with the single TLX. Reviews certainly weren’t bad, as its luxurious blend of technology and performance fit right in with flagship RLX. However, most would say it was not as exciting as it could be, and even Acura agreed with that. So let’s see if a revised 2018 TLX is the right answer.  

Adding a new dose of excitement to the 2018 Acura TLX starts with an updated look. Front fascia, fenders, and hood are all new; and the Jewel Eye headlights are re-designed. But, best of all, Acura has replaced the awkward “shield-like” grille with the much more attractive “diamond pentagon” first seen on their Precision concept. 

V6 models take it a smaller step further with freshened rear fascia and new exhaust tips. 

All in all, it makes for a more dynamic take on what was already there.

No radical changes to the inside either, other than updated software for the twin-screen infotainment system, which we were happy to see. We’re still not fans of the overall design, but it’s much more responsive than before. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now in play, but we found it odd that the apps show up in the upper screen which uses a central controller, not the lower touchscreen. 

A carryover 206-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 engine is still standard; with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6; and in addition to 290-horsepower, 267 lb-ft. of torque, and a revised 9-speed automatic transmission, you can get mechanical Super Handling all-wheel-drive. Those without all-wheel-drive come with Acura’s rear-toe adjusting Precision All-Wheel Steer.   

Our early drive time came in the rolling hills around Louisville, Kentucky; the majority spent with the V6. The 9-speed transmission is very smooth, and with both drive systems, ride quality is equally compliant. 

Putting the Integrated Dynamics System in Sport+ increases steering feel and throttle response, adds some engine noise, initiates more aggressive programming for the transmission and SH-AWD, and even cuts the HVAC system out temporarily when at full throttle.   

It certainly wakes things up a bit, but not to full-alert status. So, where’s the real excitement coming from?

Well, that’s what the new TLX A-Spec is for. Available with V6 only, the A-Spec gets retuned electric power steering; and when combined with SH-AWD, adds stiffer springs as well as a rear stabilizer bar that keeps things much flatter and confidence inspiring in corners.  

SH-AWD worked as great as always, torque vectoring us around corners even in the rain. And while we still don’t think the best handlers in the luxury sport sedan category have anything to worry about, the TLX has certainly moved up the list, and more importantly without losing any of Acura’s luxury feel.

And speaking of feel, we love the thicker steering wheel that comes with the A-Spec. Other interior highlights are more heavily-bolstered seats, red trim for the gauges, and brushed aluminum trim.

A-Spec exteriors are also set apart with their own unique blacked-out front fascia, round fog lamps, pronounced sill extensions, 19-inch wheels with high performance Michelin Primacy tires, rear diffuser with round exhaust outlets, as well as gloss black rear spoiler and trim. 

A host of AcuraWatch safety systems are available, but Collision Mitigation Braking is standard on all models. 

Government Fuel Economy Ratings range from the 2.4-liter’s 23-City, 33-Highway, and 27-Combined; to the 3.5-liter SH-AWD A-Spec’s 20-City, 29-Highway, and 23-Combined. 

Some shuffling of prices and more standard features, results in a slight increase in base price, now at $33,950. Stepping up to all-wheel-drive or A-Spec will have you around $40,000, though you no longer have to opt for Technology or Advance packages to get SH-AWD. 

They say competition brings out the best in people, and surely that sentiment applies to the automotive world. The 2018 Acura TLX is certainly the best it’s ever been, but also still unique in that it’s not trying to be a BMW; rather a whole lot more exciting TLX. And that’s good news to Acura fans, and us! 

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.5 liter
  • Horsepower: 290
  • Torque: 267 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
2024 Lexus TX 2

2024 Lexus TX

Built To Please Luxury-Minded American Families On The Move

Episode 4328
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Lexus sells SUVs in just about every shape and size, but until now has never had a true large three-row family-style crossover in their lineup. Well, the new TX is just that. So, let’s find out if the seventh SUV to enter the Lexus brand is also able to usher in a new era of big-family luxury.

Lexus has been in the SUV game longer than most luxury brands, but the all-new 2024 Lexus TX is their first purpose-built, large three-row crossover utility. Looking equal parts enormous and luxurious outside, it’s a big jump up from the no longer available RX350L, as far as space inside front to back, but especially in the third row when it comes to legroom, but also in flexibility and ease of use compared to their other current three-row offering, the truck-based LX600.

The TX’s 20.2 cubic-feet of space behind that third row is a real bonus too. That space expands to 57.4 cubic-feet when you fold the second-row seatbacks, with a 97.0 cubic-foot max with all seats stored and folded. And of course, there are charging ports just about everywhere you look inside, ensuring families are as connected as they are comfortable. And it is a very comfortable family hauler with seating arrangements for either six or seven passengers.

2024 Lexus TX 3/4 Front
2024 Lexus TX Dead Front
2024 Lexus TX Profile
2024 Lexus TX Taillight
2024 Lexus TX Dead Rear
2024 Lexus TX Grille
2024 Lexus TX Wheel
2024 Lexus TX Gas Engine
2024 Lexus TX 3/4 Front2024 Lexus TX Dead Front2024 Lexus TX Profile2024 Lexus TX Taillight2024 Lexus TX Dead Rear2024 Lexus TX Grille2024 Lexus TX Wheel2024 Lexus TX Gas Engine

It’s easy to make things bigger inside, much more difficult if you’re Lexus to make them vastly better. And while the TX interior is very nice, it’s not as big of an upgrade from platform mate Toyota Grand Highlander as we expected. Though considering our Premium trim tester is just one step up from base, there’s lots of standard content, but also a lot going on when it comes to controls and touch-sensitive surfaces. It did take some getting used to, with many dash controls looking very similar, and the steering wheel controls being somewhat temperamental.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to the powertrain. Standard is this 2.4-liter I4 turbo in the TX350 rated at 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It works with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. An available 500h adds hybrid assistance to that 2.4-liter, and at the top of the lineup is Lexus’ first-ever V6-based plug-in hybrid, the 550h+, which packs 301-total horsepower and delivers 33-miles of EV range. Both hybrids are all-wheel drive, and all TXs are rated to tow 5,000-lbs.

There are charging ports just about everywhere you look inside, ensuring families are as connected as they are comfortable.

Our all-wheel drive 350 had a nice little jolt of power for getting a nice little jump off the line at our Mason Dixon test track, and then after a slight pause, power began pouring on in full force, ushering us to 60 in 7.5 seconds. The engine was plenty willing to keep dealing out the power, but the ultra-smooth automatic shifts were a tad sluggish, creating a noticeable drop-off in momentum as we worked our way down the track. Still, a 15.6-second 92 miles-per-hour quarter-mile is quite acceptable for a family hauler.

The TX is almost 17-feet long, but it sure doesn’t feel that big when you’re driving it around, and it scooted thorough our slalom course with the ease of a vehicle half that size. Its predictable nature allowed us to easily manage its luxury-minded steering feel and carry quite a bit of speed through the cones. While the TX shares the same basic suspension design as the Grand Highlander, tuning is unique.

2024 Lexus TX Dashboard
2024 Lexus TX Shifter
2024 Lexus TX Front Seats
2024 Lexus TX Second Row Seats
2024 Lexus TX Third Row Seats
2024 Lexus TX Cargo Area Behind Third Row
2024 Lexus TX Full Cargo
2024 Lexus TX Door Handle
2024 Lexus TX Sunroof
2024 Lexus TX Dashboard2024 Lexus TX Shifter2024 Lexus TX Front Seats2024 Lexus TX Second Row Seats2024 Lexus TX Third Row Seats2024 Lexus TX Cargo Area Behind Third Row2024 Lexus TX Full Cargo2024 Lexus TX Door Handle2024 Lexus TX Sunroof

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 20-City, 26-Highway and 23-Combined; we averaged a great 25.3 miles-per-gallon of Premium, and it only goes up from there with either of the two available hybrids.

Pricing starts reasonably for a luxury SUV with the TX350 beginning at $55,050 and all-wheel drive a $1,600 option, but things can escalate quickly from there.

While not their first three-row utility, the 2024 Lexus TX is their first dedicated three-row platform aimed squarely at the heart of the American market. Clearly, they’ve hit a bullseye, as it makes us want to pack up the family and hit the road. But this is also the first Lexus to be built in Indiana.

While most of the car business seems to revolve around novelty, wow-factor, and gadgetry these days, Lexus continues to deliver quality, calm, and comfort, all while keeping the luxury experience remarkably attainable.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: 2.4-liter I4 turbo
  • Horsepower: 275
  • 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
  • EPA: 20 City | 26 Highway | 23 Combined
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Torque: 317 lb-ft
  • 1/4 Mile: 15.6 seconds at 92 mph
  • MW Fuel Economy: 25.3 mpg (Premium)