What's in a Name? Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD Elite A-Spec - TheDriveGuyde Review

[@elusivellama]

I want to like Acura. How could I not, being a Honda fanboy from my days of driving an old, beat up Prelude, then an '02 Civic, and most recently my family's MDX. SH-AWD is also a marvel of engineering. But then Acura lost the plot somewhere by first introducing the beak, dropped the manual, then killed the TL, dropped power from 305 down to 290 for the V6, dropped exposed tailpipes for a time, introduced this awful ZF 9 speed with an equally disgusting push button interface, and still does not have an answer to the powerful engines fielded by BMW, Audi, MB, hell even Infiniti has a twin turbo V6 in the Q50 and Q60. All I want from Acura is a TLX with a turbo V6 with about 320hp and more importantly 330+ lb-ft torque at a low RPM, SH-AWD, the ZF 8 speed and paddle shifters with a real shift lever on the console, fast shift logic and true manual mode, real tailpipes and not the fake stuff molded into the bumper like on the A-Spec, and a little more premium interior.

[@vroomgc]

Is that all lol.

[@elusivellama]

Got a problem with my wish list? Acura is so irrelevant it's not even funny

[@motorhead_jt21]

elusivellama I'm right there with you man. If they could make the AWD system rear bias, that would be great too

[@elusivellama]

The problem with making SH-AWD rear-biased is that the TLX is based on a FWD platform. The SH-AWD system would need to slip the rear clutch packs to transfer enough power to get your rear-biased system. This is not possible without wearing out the clutch packs prematurely. Lexus gets its rear-biased AWD system because the car was built on a RWD platform to begin with, which is the right way to do things.

[@FasterThanSoup]

+Scott Watkins Check out the first few minutes of Alex on Autos review of this. He's a little more technical and mentions something about this and a DCT

[@Randomnessextremez]

The music volume was so high in the beginning compared to the voice.

[@neutralman]

Another great review! This finally makes the TLX worth taking a look at.

[@TheItsmegp46]

Build quality, MBA and Audi is better? No way in hell. I own a 2001 TL, 227,000 miles. Few German cars last this long without massive repairs and/or maintenance.

[@hededcdn]

itsmegp46, my 2010 RL/Legend is going strong. It's a beast.

[@HPM2024]

Build-quality and reliability are two different things. Build-quality on German cars is much better than most Japanese. Reliability has gotten MUCH better on German cars, mostly Audi/VW Group. To be fair, Acura’s reliability isn’t what is used to be and they have their issues. Still good cars, but they lack the performance and solid build-quality that the Germans give you, and even some Lexus and Infiniti models. But they’re supposed to be back. Type-S will be back for 2020. Can’t wait to see it.

[@Daiymian]

I still have my 07 TL Type S. 160k!

[@RetroKingOG]

I owned a 2016 MINI Countryman bought used for my first car. I owned for 3 years, I can confirm after 100,000 km the car started struggling. (And yes I maintained it like hell, had transmission fluid changed at 92,000 km) Build quality of majority of BMW models are just sh*t. People only buy them for a reputation; because face it, people who buy BMW generally have no brains any way! I now own an Integra 2024 in performance Red, love this car! I do admit however, I loved how that MINI drove, and that’s the one aspect Japanese brands cannot match.

[@senorgato70]

Sorry to tell you, but my Audi S5 and my current 435i both upshifted once you hit redline even in manual mode.

[@hededcdn]

senorgato70, yeah, this dude isn't exactly Mr.Carguy

[@10tenman10]

I believe the TLX is midway between the TL and the TSX. Probably closer to the TSX though.

[@mccraejoey82]

this car is growing on me

[@christiancarpico1167]

What is the difference between the A spec and Elite a spec

[@galfert]

The Elite can be had with Aspec and without...meaning just Elite. But Elite is a Canadian for the same thing called Advance in the US. In the US the Aspec with Advance was only offered the last year of this generation which was 2020 model year and it had a special name PMC and was only offered in a special red color and limited production of only 360 were built. The PMC includes a placard by the center cup holders stating the vehicle number out of 360 for that car. Elite / Advance trim adds more tech on top of the Technology package trim; heated steering, rear heated seats, 360 camera, and more.

[@Darksyne]

I like how you mentioned the little issues here and there about the car that almost no other reviewer mentions but it's something any driver would notice.

[@joet4896]

Darksyne he doesn't fit in a tlx lol

[@maxlandireviews]

I try to find things I've never read or seen in reviews, I'm glad you noticed that too!

[@maxlandireviews]

I have the policy that if I want to drive, I will figure out a way to drive!

[@mohanchandra7300]

Nn

[@captainjack6890]

So......the gearbox is an issue because it wont let you detonate the engine?? Is that it?

[@zatharos6427]

It wont you shift to red line by yourself. Kinda misreading the message here

[@PLATINUM2U]

This may seem wierd but my door in my accord wont budge when closed. I pulled on the inside handle and it didnt budge a bit. Could be a defect in that car.

[@Ecuador006]

Hey vince nice review bro

[@sincere1996]

I don't think I will be doing another lease of a TLX in 18. I might just buy my 15 TLX

[@richardwilliams5842]

Did he even mention the hp and torque??

[@wolnyobywatel2371]

Richard Williams in Europe we have skoda and vw and people saying this cars are premium level:):):)

[@the_batmobile0.4]

Test drive one last ..lack of acceleration from 0-60 is painfully slow

[@BayViewz]

it's a good looking car. if only they would stretch out the rear end a little bit more, making more room for rear passengers, slap on a new transmission with a v6 twin turbo 400 plus hp, I would definitely buy it. until then I'll just hang on to my 2004 acura tl aspec.

[@user-ki3ks4fd6i]

Why/How do you have Ontario plates in Alberta?

[@maxlandireviews]

Manufacturers often register and insurance cars in Ontario where their HQ's are located

[@efthimios]

If these idiots would make the damn car a little faster it would Be a great car!!! Everything else about it is great

[@10tenman10]

I have an older Acura tl. Never used the paddle shifters

[@ArkadiosTheodulus]

A poor imitation of the '07-08 Type S. Why is this Acura still no faster 10 years later?

[@YoungSperm]

ArkadiosTheodulus unmmmmm the 09-14 TLs were faster. So maybe 4 years later?

[@ArkadiosTheodulus]

+Young Sperm Sure they were faster, but by how many fractions of a second? 10 years on and you're touting a couple fractions of a second as faster? Acura could be doing so much better. Countless other luxury sport sedans have sub 5 second 0-60 times

[@YoungSperm]

ArkadiosTheodulus well it's still faster, and you're the one still touting about the 07-08 type-s, I was just pointing that the 09-14 TLs sh-awd was faster that's it

[@lrod312]

I have a theory, the '07-'08 Type-S had the RL's 3.5L engine (286HP). If my theory is correct, they should borrow the new RLX's 3.5L (377HP!) engine in a future Type-S model, plus a little more tasteful aero kits.

[@ARMJ]

Young Sperm I have a 08 Type s and I’ve smoked many* Sh-awd tl’s from 09-14. Where are you getting your info from? Because dyno number speak different.

[@ASVPXWolf]

I have a strange question for you. In that door arm rest does that whole go through? or is it like a pocket? So can I put my phone there or will it fall through?

[@Ecuador006]

Your tlx is 🔥 💚

[@chony07pr]

they need make this car 6speed manual and turbo

[@carenthusiast6485]

This car should be a 6speed manual transmission gearbox, with a single turbo or twin turbo setup with at least 475hp or 550hp. The sale price is much higher than a 2014 Ford Boss 301. The 2018 Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD is not a bad car, but Acura needs to pack this car with more power. I have a 2009 Acura TL and I just had a shop installed Single big turbo, 450 fuel pump 1000cc fuel injector system and turned on E85. Putting down 569 hp without any issues daily driven everything else is stock internals stock bottom black, stock transmission with a custom catback system. My total cost was $4,575 plus I paid cash for this car was $16,999 plus taxes.

[@longhand335]

I have 2 Acuras, an 04 TL 6 speed Aspec, and a Type S.....Love them but sad to say, I will not be buying this new style........simply not feelin it.

[@Mel-bv8dc]

To be honest, unless the car offers a manual transmission. Paddle shifting is useless, so its a moot point for me.

[@joetool4196]

Uhm dude, you need to be in sport+ to be in full manual.

[@HPM2024]

The A-Spec is just cosmetic, minus revised suspension and brakes. You get zero performance gains - that’s where the Type-S comes in, which is Acura’s performance division.

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Shopped both and bought an 18 Accord 2.0 T Sport 6 speed. Acura, while they build great cars, are NOT worth the premium. A-SPEC (really- lol). Joke. Don't be fooled its a friggin HONDA. Arigato Gozaimasu

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

Im not seeing alot of these on the road

[@Zaudi_Jonas]

Very unlucky, that I can't buy this car in my Country

[@motaz1975]

i wouldnt buy another tlx if you paid for it. i ave an 15 tlx awd tech and its giving us so many problems. wont restart at a light with the auto stop/stop feature enabled. dealer cant fix it. had an issue with all the warning lights coming on at the same time. both common issues if you google tlx problems. acura quality has gone way down hill. i've owned an 04 tl with nav and 07 rdx tech and an 07 tl type-s all bought new and no of them have had the issues the tlx turd has.

[@trevorsmith185]

no manual? no thanks.

[@JeSuisHulk]

i want to buy this car i want to hear the fucking engine

[@RJ.................]

No it's not a predecessor to my 07 TL type s

[@RaY_77W]

It has vetch 290 hp

[@marlo916]

Had to google 'befuddled'.

[@markgee3296]

The new Camry has more hp than this.... why Acura.. whyyy?🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jasonfranck1126]

Mark Guerrero hey bro the Camry have more hp but tlx spect is faster a camry im sure 😁

[@markgee3296]

Jason Franck let’s hope so man😭

[@jasonfranck1126]

Mark Guerrero yeah but the new camry look nice but i go with tlx 😄

[@markgee3296]

Jason Franck yeah it does, front end is hideous tho!, I’m an accord fan, have a 2016 myself it suck that they made the exterior look like an oversized civic, that’s why I’m checking out the tlx😂

[@RaY_77W]

Stupid auto corrector vtec

[@romel4life375]

just get a q50

[@yanevasawme]

worst car review ever lmao holy shit i seen plenty audi and bmw door handles flex like that

[@bladerunner766]

My 9 year old tl type s looks better, has a better sounding exhaust, and and has the same power. The a spec badges everywhere also looks really tacky. Acura really needs to step it up

[@mdawgmdawg5580]

but will feel like abucket compared lol haters .

[@WildLike]

i have both the type s and the tlx aspec v6. i can say the aspec is wayyyyyyyyy smoother

[@TheItsmegp46]

Totally hot host.

[@ashravicmehmet6055]

UGLY CAR OF THE YEAR