2015 Acura TLX
Out with the old, in with the new… and so goes it in the automotive world. And one of the latest to do so is Acura with the 2015 TLX.
Partially an exercise in consolidation, the TLX enters the Acura lineup as both the TL and TSX depart. Wheelbase measures the same as the TL-just over 109 inches—though the chassis is different with four-wheel steering on most models.
While the bodywork is still conservative, there are cues that lend aggression: short front and rear overhangs, sweeping profile with a teardrop like greenhouse, and optional larger wheels. Acura’s jeweled LED headlights make an appearance here, as well.
But to us it is the interior that really shines. The TLX rivals some of the best for comfort, with great seats and materials. Technology is always an Acura focus and there is quite a lot of it inside. The dual screen center stack is an evolution of the Honda trademark setup. Again true to Acura form, the overall looks is certainly premium but not over the top.
Power is by way of a 206 horsepower 2.4 liter inline 4 with an in house designed 8-speed dual clutch automatic, or a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with a 9-speed ZF box that includes push button gear selection. Front wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive an option for the V6.
Neither engine felt particularly sporty, but the IDS drive mode selector can spice things up.
So with plenty that’s new for Acura this year, the TLX is on sale now, starting at around $32,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 liter/ 3.5 liter
- Horsepower: 206/ 290
- Price: starting around $32,000
2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
Delivers the Goods Better than the V6
I was fortunate enough to be on the Big Island of Hawaii last spring to see Toyota unveil this 4th generation Tacoma, and have driven a few of them since then, but this is my first chance to get behind the wheel of a Tacoma with the new i-FORCE MAX powertrain.
This is Southern California not Hawaii, but the weather’s just as nice and this 2.4-liter turbo-4 with hybrid assistance puts down the kind of power that has you forgetting about where you are anyway and just enjoying the drive. Technically that’s 326-horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque.
The i-FORCE MAX is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which has a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into it. It’s also packing 4-wheel-drive as standard, and a 1.9-kWh battery pack located under the rear seat just as in the Tundra hybrid.
The i-FORCE MAX is available in TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited Tacomas, standard in the Trailhunter and TRD Pro.
After much seat time both on and off-road, it’s clear the i-FORCE MAX delivers the goods.
“Say what you will about turbos, and you can complain about the hybrid assistance as well, bottom line, there’s 200 more lb-ft. of torque here than in the V6 and you can feel it. This thing is a monster, and it’s smoother and quieter than the V6 ever was.”
If you need a refresher on all the changes to happen to Tacoma for ’24, check out one of the many other videos on the site. For now, just know that while Tacoma pricing starts at around $32,000, getting i-FORCE MAX power will cost you at least $46,000.
Stay tuned to MotorWeek, as we’ll continue to bring you all the news you need to know about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.