That A-spec shifter and center console is the same that's in an MDX Tech pack. I wish they didn't have two screens, and only one touchscreen that has the android auto and carplay and stuff like that.
Exterior looks really good, power is awesome and it sounds great. Just can't get why the interior is so bad. It looks hideous, very weird design and curves, and the infotainment is like adding tks rotten cherry to the top of a burnt cake. Just makes everything worse. MUCH worse
I love Acura back in the days but With Stinger coming back from KIA I wish they would add more of a performance than just a badge ! Even the Camry coming out is crazy when are you guys reviewing that ?
ZF stands for Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen which means Gearing factory Friedrichshafen. It’s the second biggest car part supplier in the world building this 9HP gearbox, the famous 8HP found in many BMWs, Range Rovers and so on and Porsche’s PDKs. It was founded in 1915 in southern Germany.
Fun fact: The car used in the American Gran Turismo 3 cover art was a blue Acura CL A Spec. In fact, on that artwork the "A Spec" logo was just the A Spec logo on the car. Not many people realize that A Spec has been a performance package from Acura for almost 2 decades.
The dual infotainment screens are a little odd at first but after a few days in this car I found the advantages nice. First, although the top screen is not a touch screen, many of the controls can be accessed from either screen eliminating most of the dial usage. Also, the second scree is very useful in the way a second monitor on your computer or docking station is. It allows you control over music and settings while you can still see the nav or cameras.
Acura should really take notes! I think ppl who dont like the new grille (like myself) would actually like it alot more if it lit up like that! I know i definitely did.
Love the direction Acura is heading. The mid cycle refresh on this A-Spec TLX was very well done. Love the look of this car and I think in a couple of years when the 2nd generation TLX comes out, it's going to be incredible.
M M, have you seen the '19 Acura RDX prototype yet? It is awesome! If that's the design language Acura is adopting, the TLX is going to be smoking! Acura has already publicly stated that they'll be introducing a turbo V6 and bringing back the Type S versions. Can't wait!
Andy Jacobs I agree. I currently am leasing an 18 base with the 2.4. I love the car. It's amazing. The only thing that annoys me is the power. I didn't like the sluggish feel of the V6. If they put the new turbo 2 liter in the base TLX, those things would be perfect. If they do that, I'm leasing to own a new one. Otherwise I'll buy back this one.
I have a TSX right now...which we all know is one of the best cars ever made, but when I can afford one of these I'm getting one hehe...it will be a couple of years at least though haha
Almost purchased an used TLX ASpec a few years ago. Wife and I took the TLX on a test drive and it felt and drove very similar to our old 06 TSX ASpec (interior room, handling, road noise, visibility). They had an used 19 RLX Sport Hybrid on the lot and we decided to give that a test drive since we never driven one before. The wife liked the ASpec TLX; but, she fell in love with the RLX Sport Hybrid. The RLX hybrid is a very underrated vehicle and the RLX used vehicle is priced very close to the TLX in the used market back in 2019. We now have a CPO RLX Sport Hybrid for over +2 years to go with our 19 MDX Sport hybrid.
I play the "How fast can I take this right" game when no one's looking. I discovered Shawd can keep your car from hitting the curb at 45mph assuming you're at the right most lane entering and prepared to drive into oncoming traffic on the turn. 😂 Fun stuff.
I did that game in my 2004 Dodge Caravan at about 40 to 45 mph. After skidding out into the opposite lane and almost off the road (fortunately there were no cars coming) I determined it was not 40 to 45 mph
I love my TLX SH-AWD. It's so comfortable for road trips and around town. And you can give it the beans around corners. I miss my GTI for driving joy but the TLX is way more practical. And the dual screens are nice when you want to leave the map up and play with the radio at the same time. I like the double screen layout a lot. Great review guys! Keep it up!
My wife bought this car about a month ago.....we finally got through the engine break in mileage. The V6 sounds amazing when you hit vtec! She has the ASpec but not AWD. I recommend getting the AWD. Pretty easy to do front wheel peel and there is torque steer without AWD.
I really like the design of this car. It really caught my attention when I first saw it. I think the power output of this car is just right for its class. Acura really nailed it with the new design, with the previous gen of Acuras being absolutely hideous in my opinion. I didn't like the chrome grille at all. With the infotainment being the downside of this car, I think all the good about this car weighs it out. Thanks guys for another great review, I really enjoy watching them.
I've been watching these guys for almost a year now, and one things I've recently noticed about them is they always seem to be going on drives. Must be a hobby or something...
I went to an Acura Dealership, thinking this was like the new TL "Type-S", and I thought that this would be an awesome car to see a review of from you guys, as this seems right up your alley. Nice video!
You guys are definitely my new favorite car channel on YT since Fast Lane Daily unfortunately got the boot. Thank goodness for people like you with character and quality productions, really enjoy the content so far, keep up the great work!
My Honda has the same double screens and an upgrade would be good but Ive learned to like having 2 screens so I can have 1 for music and 1 for navi. Really great for longer drives when u dont know the way
I was surprised you guys liked the car so much. We have a 340i and test drove the TLX A-spec to compare. It felt sluggish and heavy - the transmission was very unresponsive. The engine felt soft on the bottom compared to the BMW B58, but surprisingly also compared to my last Accord (with a 6 cyl 6 spd). I was very disappointed because I wanted to like the Acura more than our BMW just to spite the wife.
The reviews keep getting better and you're one of the few using video editing tricks, which I dig. I don't know who else is doing that but I like it! Quick infotainment rant: Are you guys sick of touch screens and all these ridiculous infotainment systems that are now ruining the appeal of what a car essentially is? I am... I am much looking forward to when this technology stops being perceived as an advancement and disappears back into the woodwork or evolves into a more mature technology. Even though they're an unchangeable fact of our daily lives now, I still feel touch screens, especially in cars, ARN'T as good as buttons or dials EVER. I say this as an industrial designer. Yes, touch screens do amazing things and make more things possible by centralizing many different functions or programs into one common space and YES some systems that more closely resemble modern tablets are reasonably good but I find most touch screens in vehicles to be very hazardous at best. This is because you have to involve two senses in order for a touch screen to work. With a touch screen, you must look at what your hand is about to actuate in order to get the correct spot and you have to do so hovering above it. With a mechanical control, muscle memory will get your hand to the right spot, and the control shape (for major controls), will confirm that you're there, all without ever looking. I personally think most vehicles should always keep all most commonly used functions to dedicated controls AND come with a few easily reached programmable knobs and buttons that could even have mini LCD screens in them showing what those buttons are now purposed for. This technology has been around for well over a DECADE in the music world where one can easily program MIDI controllers to do any number of functions, customized control surfaces are also becoming more popular on computers including video editing software. So... Want a dial to tune the radio? You got it. Want a dedicated radio station rewind button? No problem. Want your passenger to be able to access voice command functions? Program the button. Want to set up a fully manual climate control system? Program the buttons... You can even do this via voice command. Want the knobs to change based on whatever primary function you're using? Easy, it's been happening in the computer world for some time... Rant over...
+Evan J good rant. I personally want touch screens with some kind of better version of Android auto that's even closer to my phone layout. Then I want some hard buttons for all of the most important functions. Climate can be rotary dials and buttons. Quick access to radio / navigation / phone /etc buttons. Volume and Tuning knobs!!
I almost pulled the trigger on the previous gen TL SH-AWD. As much as I want to love this TLX the Stinger GT just blows this out of the water. Also eagerly waiting to see how this does against the Regal GS as they are very closely matched.
I saw a white one on the highway the other day. With the black spoiler and diffuser it was a very striking car! + They should go with a large single screen instead of 2 small ones.
I actually prefer the TLX with PAWS (precision all wheel steering) which comes in 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder models, and it handles more like a RWD car. The SH-AWD makes it feel heavy. It’s not as nimble feeling as the PAWS variant.
Bought this car new 5 years ago and has been my daily ever since. Love the V6 and AWD! It’s fun to drive. No issues with the car. Infotainment isn’t great but I live in Apple Car Play so not really an issue for me.
As a kid, I remember backseats being huge. I also remember sliding a full 2 seconds from one side of the car to the other under hard turns, all while looking over a bench front seat. I guess that makes me old.
Why is it that you guys get the A-Spec with the front camera which seems to mean that you have the Surround View Camera system & we only get it with that Advance package here in the U.S.?
The double stack on the rdx is actually nicer and easier to use even though it’s the lower end model. All of the climate controls and seat heaters are controlled via buttons which I feel are more natural than using the screen like the TLX/MDX
One good thing about the infotainment setup...specially with Android Auto or Apple Car play, and the use of the knob that everyone complains about? You can manipulate the infotainment without looking at the screen. I don't have to hunt for the onscreen touch button. I just twist the knob how ever amount of clicks I need and press the button. No need to look at the screen. Oh, and always use your phones Map and just forget the in-built navigation.
I hate that new shifter! Really hope the trend doesn't catch on any further. What camera gear do you guys use, especially for the fixed interior shots?
I have a tlx and I really like the shifter more now than when I first got it. It is cleaner looking and less clutter. Plus it lights up nice especially at night.
I swear SH-AWD is the only reason I don´t kill myself when driving my MDX. Cornering that thing and feeling Zero Understeer is mind blowing, I have a TL-S which I track day so when Driving the MDX in the mountains is really fun to throw it into the corners with confidence, It does not make me miss the TL-S which is weird. But I should point out that SH-AWD has 2 distinctive driving behaviors for new owners: 1.- On Power = Which gives you all benefits of SH-AWD, Zero Understeer, better cornering Gs etc. Basically a neutral driving feeling. 2.- Off Power = Which instantly devolves my MDX into a honda odyssey... The horror.... FWD biased to 9000. SH-AWD only works when On-Power you can notice this on 8:30 in the video as the MID shows zero torque bias in the MID (display between the dials). When this happens the car becomes 100% mechanical FWD. So you want to APEX a corner and start good on power? Do not release the gas pedal or it will instantly throw you off balance... I dunno if this is that pronounced on the TLX since its lower to the ground but in my MDX is really disturbing.. It can make a fun corner into a nightmare in less than a second. Its not like my TL-S which is always FWD? the TLX should feel like RWD when On Power and FWD when Off Power so its has 2 very distinctive driving behaviors. SH-AWD gets only better the harder you push it! So PUSH IT!
Subscribed!... I love how u guys review infotainment system.... Which most car reviewer kinda ignores it.... And watching u guys reviewing is like having friends meet up and just chat about car... AWESOME!
great reviews guys, quick and straight to the point. I hate when other reviews waste time explaining the common sense items (ie. this is the volume knob, etc.)
All I can say is that many people may not like Chrysler products but, unlike almost every other manufacturer they make a really good infotainment that works.
I'm in that same boat. I really don't like FCA products (except the Dodge Challenger), but their infotainment systems are very well executed. In my experience, it's a clean layout that is very responsive.
That infotainment looks straight out of a 2013 Accord. Not a fan but I test drove one when getting my civic appraised and damn does super handling AWD live up to its name. It's incredible! Jacob described it perfectly. Its a drivers car not a cruiser
In my opinion, there are two ways to do a dual-screen infotainment system: a correct way and an incorrect way. The dual screen setup in the Q50 is what I would consider to be the correct way to do it, while the one in the last gen Accord and this TLX is definitely the wrong way to do it.
Huge thanks to the straightpipes as now i am a proud owner of the Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD A-Spec! it is such a great car that puts smile on my face everytime vtec kicks in lol. Anyways, 1:55 would totally make a great aftermarket lighting option imo.
Great review! I always watch your channel. This car was a great purchase...the 3.5L V6 Tech with AWD is amazing! The engine power is just amazing and the MPG is pretty good except for city driving. :-( The Acura AWD system is amazing in bad weather (including rain). The information system is not the greatest but the updated system in the TLX and MDX models is a great improvement. Are you guys going to review the new RDX with the 2.0L turbo?
Absolutely love this car! By the way, I am an Acura man, so this brand is not new to me, but I wasn't a fan of the body style the last 10 years since 2008, but I'm all in again and I will purchase this car ASAP... thanks guys
@@shaneleonard2504 absolutely! Very reliable! I've been a owner of a 2006 Acura TL since 2010 and I have never had an issue other than my scheduled maintenance every year, I think I might be ready for a new alternator because my light on the dashboard was on lately, but after 11 years of great service I can't complain
Been with the channel from the beginning, great seeing you getting the subs you deserve. From the UK so not sure about the Acura name, seeing this car for the first time the grille emblem seems excessively big. Spoils the front end for me. Great fun review as always, keep up the great work!
As a Acura TL last generation 2013 owner... the TLX is a sad thing. The only good thing is the new grill. Mine has 305 hp and I wish it had closer to 360 hp. I was excited to buy and upgrade to the TLX but after taking a test drive, no dice... too small, less hp, and even less luxurious. Looked at the 2017 RLX and that’s a sadder car at $58K sticker (dealer offered $51.5K to take it off their hands). Ended up with a used 2016 BMW 535ix with very low miles and factory warranty and extended warranty till 2021 for $37k. Still hanging onto the TL though.
Yes Chase I agree, I have the 2010 TL and it looks way better than this TLX waste of time and money.Your right way to small ,no gear shift I'm done with Acura I will hold on to my TL as long as God allows. Volvo is doing great things with that S90 I love Volvo also .Would love to get one of those and hold on to your TL Chase.
Dual display infotainment systems are terrible... Not just in Honda products, but in Infiniti's too. Not sure if it would be a deal breaker for me, but cars in the TLX's segment are so good that all it takes is something simple like that to separate it from the pack.
I like the pace of your review and the light touch. I drive a TLX (2015) with a similar infotainment center which I am completely used to. What I am missing from your review is the infotainment center you DO like. Is there anyway next time, if you refer to something that you like, you could at least put in a comparison description so we know WHY you like something better?
Overall a good review; the info system no one likes everything. What I did not like was having to turn off the autostop EVERYTIME you started the car. My M5 remembers!
I sat in one at dealership I have to say it’s finished so nicely inside, nicer than the 340bmw, but just not powerful enough- otherwise can consider for a sporty reliable car with lots of tech
Im not one of those enthusiasts that says they like wagons just because other people say they like them, cargo space actually gets me really excited. Having said that, if this car came in a wagon they could totally have my money!
Acura should have blacked out the chrome trim at the front entirely, just like they did with the RDX A-Spec refresh. Makes it look older than it is. I have this car and I do enjoy it, the infotainment setup does look older than the tablet stuck on the dash look, but once you use Apple/Android Auto, it is really fast and intuitive to use. Nav and communications on the top, music and AC at the bottom. No menu diving. I recommend you test drive the FWD 4 Cylinder version too, it is German level of snappiness and response. Really impressive for the size of the engine.
Does anyone know the difference between the advance package and the technology package? If you get the advance do you get the technology automatically? And does it have a heated steering wheel by chance? Love this car.
i don't mind the double stack infotainment, but but the bottom screen needs to control the top screen, in Acura they have a cluster fuck of knobs and screens. What where they thinking? Also, button for the heated seats and climate needs to be in physical buttons, because it makes more sense.
Honda/Acura entertainment system remind me of the Infiniti unit and I think having two display is confusing they should have just combine them with one big display that’s just me ! Keep up the good work !
5:55 the navigation looks exactly as the one we got in 2007 as a very very expensive option on a civic. I got on, It is so bad I use an aftermarket nav that I stick to my windshield XD
I was waiting for the visor test the whole time, thank God u didn't disappoint. Lol Also that double sack infotainment system has never been my cup of tea. I have Toyota vitz and it's speed gauge is in the centre, the whole thing makes it very disoriented for the interior. I like the idea of a Standard Infotainment System by Yuri. Food for thought. Lol Keep up the good work guys ..
What do you think about the A Spec? Love that 3.5 V6 VTEC or do you want Turbo?
That A-spec shifter and center console is the same that's in an MDX Tech pack. I wish they didn't have two screens, and only one touchscreen that has the android auto and carplay and stuff like that.
Exterior looks really good, power is awesome and it sounds great. Just can't get why the interior is so bad. It looks hideous, very weird design and curves, and the infotainment is like adding tks rotten cherry to the top of a burnt cake. Just makes everything worse. MUCH worse
+ZRFTECH agreed
I love Acura back in the days but With Stinger coming back from KIA I wish they would add more of a performance than just a badge ! Even the Camry coming out is crazy when are you guys reviewing that ?
They should design a new V6. Same V6 they've been using for awhile
7:43
"How's that VTEC?"
"Yeah!"
Just the exact answer I was looking for.
More like
"How's that VTEC?"
"Yes"
>wanna be sport car
>it's front wheel drive
lmao at asian engineering
@@ivangamer8022 so what if it's front wheel drive? Idiotic little kid!
@@sv52308 it's a car for poor manlets like you
@@ivangamer8022 a 2018 TLX is worth more than 2019 c300,2018 330i ....soo yeah... You must drive a 2005 Audi or some shit lol
ZF stands for Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen which means Gearing factory Friedrichshafen. It’s the second biggest car part supplier in the world building this 9HP gearbox, the famous 8HP found in many BMWs, Range Rovers and so on and Porsche’s PDKs.
It was founded in 1915 in southern Germany.
Stéphane Yvelines ohh that’s the 9 speed is so garbage
Thanks for the info!
Fadic4 fail
Mike No compared to the 8 speed the 9 is a fail. Has been for sometime.
Stéphane Yvelines this is why it’s ridiculously unreliable
I hear A-Spec, I think of the old days of Gran Turismo.
Car looks good with the black accents
Jesse Carmichael black accents on cars look so damn good
Fun fact: The car used in the American Gran Turismo 3 cover art was a blue Acura CL A Spec. In fact, on that artwork the "A Spec" logo was just the A Spec logo on the car. Not many people realize that A Spec has been a performance package from Acura for almost 2 decades.
I thought the grille actually lit up
Royhan right! 😂
+Royhan Hahaha nope
Would be sick if it did.
That would be so AWESOME! But it's not 😭😭
Omg right 😂
The dual infotainment screens are a little odd at first but after a few days in this car I found the advantages nice. First, although the top screen is not a touch screen, many of the controls can be accessed from either screen eliminating most of the dial usage. Also, the second scree is very useful in the way a second monitor on your computer or docking station is. It allows you control over music and settings while you can still see the nav or cameras.
Yea how I felt about the q50 with the two screens
omg if ONLY the front grille could light up that way! (at 1.54) that'd be amazing!
+Benjamin Francis Hahah
Benjamin Francis yea it would be
Acura should really take notes! I think ppl who dont like the new grille (like myself) would actually like it alot more if it lit up like that! I know i definitely did.
1:54
1:54
Love the direction Acura is heading. The mid cycle refresh on this A-Spec TLX was very well done. Love the look of this car and I think in a couple of years when the 2nd generation TLX comes out, it's going to be incredible.
+Andy Jacobs agreed
Andy Jacobs don't hold yur breath ! Acura does performance half ASS !!
M M, have you seen the '19 Acura RDX prototype yet? It is awesome! If that's the design language Acura is adopting, the TLX is going to be smoking! Acura has already publicly stated that they'll be introducing a turbo V6 and bringing back the Type S versions. Can't wait!
Andy Jacobs Yes , and I like it very much hopefully it's the start of gr8 things from Acura
Andy Jacobs I agree. I currently am leasing an 18 base with the 2.4. I love the car. It's amazing. The only thing that annoys me is the power. I didn't like the sluggish feel of the V6. If they put the new turbo 2 liter in the base TLX, those things would be perfect. If they do that, I'm leasing to own a new one. Otherwise I'll buy back this one.
I have this car got it about 2 weeks ago and love walking into my garage and seeing this beauty
After 7 months of ownership, is there anything that you would have done differently options wise. How is the transmission?
I have a TSX right now...which we all know is one of the best cars ever made, but when I can afford one of these I'm getting one hehe...it will be a couple of years at least though haha
@@BurningUp99 Me too
My "problem" is my 2005 TSX 6MT still drives well, shifts will, gets +30MPG, and interior looks new.
Darn!
What is the zero to 60?
Or zero to 100 depends on where you live.
Almost purchased an used TLX ASpec a few years ago. Wife and I took the TLX on a test drive and it felt and drove very similar to our old 06 TSX ASpec (interior room, handling, road noise, visibility). They had an used 19 RLX Sport Hybrid on the lot and we decided to give that a test drive since we never driven one before. The wife liked the ASpec TLX; but, she fell in love with the RLX Sport Hybrid. The RLX hybrid is a very underrated vehicle and the RLX used vehicle is priced very close to the TLX in the used market back in 2019. We now have a CPO RLX Sport Hybrid for over +2 years to go with our 19 MDX Sport hybrid.
I play the "How fast can I take this right" game when no one's looking. I discovered Shawd can keep your car from hitting the curb at 45mph assuming you're at the right most lane entering and prepared to drive into oncoming traffic on the turn. 😂 Fun stuff.
Malicious Affection shawd is so good
I did that game in my 2004 Dodge Caravan at about 40 to 45 mph. After skidding out into the opposite lane and almost off the road (fortunately there were no cars coming) I determined it was not 40 to 45 mph
Fuck yeah
I love my TLX SH-AWD. It's so comfortable for road trips and around town. And you can give it the beans around corners. I miss my GTI for driving joy but the TLX is way more practical. And the dual screens are nice when you want to leave the map up and play with the radio at the same time. I like the double screen layout a lot. Great review guys! Keep it up!
Hows the 9 speed zf transmission on your tlx
@@supersmash6058 its not bad. I haven't had any issues
@@BenjaminSherlock how many miles is on it
@@supersmash6058 about 120,000 km
My wife bought this car about a month ago.....we finally got through the engine break in mileage. The V6 sounds amazing when you hit vtec! She has the ASpec but not AWD. I recommend getting the AWD. Pretty easy to do front wheel peel and there is torque steer without AWD.
I really like the design of this car. It really caught my attention when I first saw it. I think the power output of this car is just right for its class. Acura really nailed it with the new design, with the previous gen of Acuras being absolutely hideous in my opinion. I didn't like the chrome grille at all. With the infotainment being the downside of this car, I think all the good about this car weighs it out. Thanks guys for another great review, I really enjoy watching them.
I've been watching these guys for almost a year now, and one things I've recently noticed about them is they always seem to be going on drives. Must be a hobby or something...
Nouvellecosse lol
+Nouvellecosse Hahahhahahahahaha
This might be my next car purchase if I can find one used when the time comes. This car speaks to me for some reason.
Have you copped yet ?
Update?
@@bodmonjayone of these in my area is going for 25.5k
I went to an Acura Dealership, thinking this was like the new TL "Type-S", and I thought that this would be an awesome car to see a review of from you guys, as this seems right up your alley. Nice video!
The more I drove my 2018 TLX, the more I enjoyed the 2 screens. Not as bad as what they make it out to be at all.
You guys are definitely my new favorite car channel on YT since Fast Lane Daily unfortunately got the boot. Thank goodness for people like you with character and quality productions, really enjoy the content so far, keep up the great work!
+Vick Lagina thanks so much
I watched all the way past the subscribe screen. Bonus Visor test squad!
My Honda has the same double screens and an upgrade would be good but Ive learned to like having 2 screens so I can have 1 for music and 1 for navi. Really great for longer drives when u dont know the way
I see a new straight pipes vid... I click
Vader 616 hahah thanks. Going for Tuesdays and Thursdays now!
Awesome! Love what you guys are doing here on UA-cam really top notch stuff! Especially the cinematography in each review it’s so good!
+Vader 616 you're too kind
I was surprised you guys liked the car so much. We have a 340i and test drove the TLX A-spec to compare. It felt sluggish and heavy - the transmission was very unresponsive. The engine felt soft on the bottom compared to the BMW B58, but surprisingly also compared to my last Accord (with a 6 cyl 6 spd). I was very disappointed because I wanted to like the Acura more than our BMW just to spite the wife.
Watch our 440i review. We liked that a lot more
Haha, yes, I had just watched it prior! Made me think about getting the M performance kit on our car.
There is a "tuning" knob. Just tap "tune" on the right side of this screen and it will bring up a virtual old style radio analog tune dial.
unpopular opinion, but I actually like the way this car looks
+Todd Medium Wellington III not unpopular, it's a great looking car
So do I...well from the outside.
If only it was fast!
Way better than the beaks tbh
Matt Galo it is fast tf
I saw your reviews of this and the RC 350 F sport and went with the Red TLX ASpec SHAWD and love it!
The reviews keep getting better and you're one of the few using video editing tricks, which I dig. I don't know who else is doing that but I like it!
Quick infotainment rant:
Are you guys sick of touch screens and all these ridiculous infotainment systems that are now ruining the appeal of what a car essentially is? I am... I am much looking forward to when this technology stops being perceived as an advancement and disappears back into the woodwork or evolves into a more mature technology.
Even though they're an unchangeable fact of our daily lives now, I still feel touch screens, especially in cars, ARN'T as good as buttons or dials EVER. I say this as an industrial designer. Yes, touch screens do amazing things and make more things possible by centralizing many different functions or programs into one common space and YES some systems that more closely resemble modern tablets are reasonably good but I find most touch screens in vehicles to be very hazardous at best. This is because you have to involve two senses in order for a touch screen to work. With a touch screen, you must look at what your hand is about to actuate in order to get the correct spot and you have to do so hovering above it. With a mechanical control, muscle memory will get your hand to the right spot, and the control shape (for major controls), will confirm that you're there, all without ever looking.
I personally think most vehicles should always keep all most commonly used functions to dedicated controls AND come with a few easily reached programmable knobs and buttons that could even have mini LCD screens in them showing what those buttons are now purposed for. This technology has been around for well over a DECADE in the music world where one can easily program MIDI controllers to do any number of functions, customized control surfaces are also becoming more popular on computers including video editing software. So... Want a dial to tune the radio? You got it. Want a dedicated radio station rewind button? No problem. Want your passenger to be able to access voice command functions? Program the button. Want to set up a fully manual climate control system? Program the buttons... You can even do this via voice command. Want the knobs to change based on whatever primary function you're using? Easy, it's been happening in the computer world for some time...
Rant over...
+Evan J good rant. I personally want touch screens with some kind of better version of Android auto that's even closer to my phone layout. Then I want some hard buttons for all of the most important functions. Climate can be rotary dials and buttons. Quick access to radio / navigation / phone /etc buttons. Volume and Tuning knobs!!
I almost pulled the trigger on the previous gen TL SH-AWD. As much as I want to love this TLX the Stinger GT just blows this out of the water. Also eagerly waiting to see how this does against the Regal GS as they are very closely matched.
TheVP yea, that’s new Stinger GT is pretty good. I am also curious about the Regal GS, though it doesn’t have paddle shifters for some reason. 🤔
FedoraMcGentlesir I think the regal is much better looking inside and out. Plus, gms infotainment is much easier to use
They literally say this cars infotainment is better than gm’s lol. Funny how opinions vary.
@@deaf2819 well speaking as someone who's driven both, I'll stick with GMs
How can you compare gm or kia to acura lol .
I just picked mine up today, it’s awesome
railzip how is it as a daily driver and long hour driving
>wanna be sport car
>it's front wheel drive
lmao at asian engineering
I saw a white one on the highway the other day. With the black spoiler and diffuser it was a very striking car! + They should go with a large single screen instead of 2 small ones.
The +/- shift buttons you talk about at 4:55 are actually a real thing! I just saw them on a review of a 2018 Ford Expedition.
+harrismi7 oh no
Hmmm I wonder, are there any junk tlx with SH-AWD. I want to get a 2020 acura ilx and swap it to awd.
Gotta love the Vtec kick in sound.
This video is the bee's knees, I really like the look of the ASPEC I just haven't found a good review yet until now. Thanks guys
+Andrew Donahue thanks!
I actually prefer the TLX with PAWS (precision all wheel steering) which comes in 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder models, and it handles more like a RWD car. The SH-AWD makes it feel heavy. It’s not as nimble feeling as the PAWS variant.
I don't get it, these guys make the most in depth car reviews on youtube, and yet they are no where near the most popular. HOWWWWW????
Bought this car new 5 years ago and has been my daily ever since. Love the V6 and AWD! It’s fun to drive. No issues with the car. Infotainment isn’t great but I live in Apple Car Play so not really an issue for me.
I’m looking at one tomorrow I’m coming from a s80 v8 beautiful car but really outdated and mpg is gruesome, do you think this will be a nice switch?
Needs two turbos and about 70hp more in order to provide adequate competition.
two more turbos just for 70 more hp? Does it need that much more torque?
And RWD.
Ryan Littleton rwd not as much because sh AWD but 400 to 500 HP engine would be nice
HONDA RULES I say if Honda can make FWD and AWD drive this well, could imagine what they could do with RWD?
It will happen soon, Acura announced the return of type-s and new turbo v6.
I drive a 2015 Camry se, and this Acura is winning me over it seems.
As a kid, I remember backseats being huge. I also remember sliding a full 2 seconds from one side of the car to the other under hard turns, all while looking over a bench front seat. I guess that makes me old.
Why is it that you guys get the A-Spec with the front camera which seems to mean that you have the Surround View Camera system & we only get it with that Advance package here in the U.S.?
I see you both liked the girth very much!
+Huevo Duro702 love it
Yes very handy in the bus station rest rooms.
What happened to the sun visor test, sorry you did it at the end. Great vlog.
+Rickoh75 sorry about forgetting haha
TheStraightPipes GREAT VLOG
UNACCEPTABLE!
The double stack on the rdx is actually nicer and easier to use even though it’s the lower end model. All of the climate controls and seat heaters are controlled via buttons which I feel are more natural than using the screen like the TLX/MDX
I am enjoying my 2.0t Accord but I still lust over a VTEC V6. Will I be forced to buy an Acura in the future? Only time will tell...
Seriously underrated channel. Needs waaaay more subscribers. Awesome work guys!
One good thing about the infotainment setup...specially with Android Auto or Apple Car play, and the use of the knob that everyone complains about? You can manipulate the infotainment without looking at the screen. I don't have to hunt for the onscreen touch button. I just twist the knob how ever amount of clicks I need and press the button. No need to look at the screen. Oh, and always use your phones Map and just forget the in-built navigation.
I hate that new shifter! Really hope the trend doesn't catch on any further.
What camera gear do you guys use, especially for the fixed interior shots?
boxedmilk GoPro 1
First generation?! The balance between indoor and outdoor exposure is phenomenal, most car reviews I see have a great interior but blown out exterior.
boxedmilk That push button shifter is just another in a long list of items that keep me away from Acura.
Yeah expecialy in a "sport" trim. just doesnt feel right.
I have a tlx and I really like the shifter more now than when I first got it. It is cleaner looking and less clutter. Plus it lights up nice especially at night.
I swear SH-AWD is the only reason I don´t kill myself when driving my MDX.
Cornering that thing and feeling Zero Understeer is mind blowing, I have a TL-S which I track day so when Driving the MDX in the mountains is really fun to throw it into the corners with confidence, It does not make me miss the TL-S which is weird.
But I should point out that SH-AWD has 2 distinctive driving behaviors for new owners:
1.- On Power = Which gives you all benefits of SH-AWD, Zero Understeer, better cornering Gs etc. Basically a neutral driving feeling.
2.- Off Power = Which instantly devolves my MDX into a honda odyssey... The horror.... FWD biased to 9000.
SH-AWD only works when On-Power you can notice this on 8:30 in the video as the MID shows zero torque bias in the MID (display between the dials). When this happens the car becomes 100% mechanical FWD.
So you want to APEX a corner and start good on power? Do not release the gas pedal or it will instantly throw you off balance... I dunno if this is that pronounced on the TLX since its lower to the ground but in my MDX is really disturbing.. It can make a fun corner into a nightmare in less than a second. Its not like my TL-S which is always FWD? the TLX should feel like RWD when On Power and FWD when Off Power so its has 2 very distinctive driving behaviors.
SH-AWD gets only better the harder you push it! So PUSH IT!
Just to let you know, the engines sound better because they do pump in some sound from the speakers
+Timothy Gaynor we are aware as we review a lot of cars
Speaker noise is something we are going to have to get used to as cars get more efficient sadly
Timothy Gaynor i hate that SHIT!
Subscribed!... I love how u guys review infotainment system.... Which most car reviewer kinda ignores it.... And watching u guys reviewing is like having friends meet up and just chat about car... AWESOME!
So glad this channel randomly came up in my suggested videos. Love these guys!
+TheGreatestDaneEver thanks!
Are you guys going to do more challenge videos? Those are honestly my favorite!
+JemLC yes for sure. Those will never stop. They just take a lot of extra time to film and edit so we can't do them as much as we'd like to
What challenge would you like to see
Acuras are fire, but does this have the timing belt or chain?🤔 I'll Google it...
What's the importance of this? Not trying to be funny. Srs
@@JerkVegas86 Timing belt has to be replaced every 60-80k miles, cost about $1.2k-$2.1k at acura dealer. Chain last life of vehicle.
How do you compare this car to the Lexus rc350, which one you enjoy driving better?
great reviews guys, quick and straight to the point. I hate when other reviews waste time explaining the common sense items (ie. this is the volume knob, etc.)
I agree about the Info-tainment. It's OLD!
I do like the SH-AWD tech.
Thanks, Guys!
All I can say is that many people may not like Chrysler products but, unlike almost every other manufacturer they make a really good infotainment that works.
I'm in that same boat. I really don't like FCA products (except the Dodge Challenger), but their infotainment systems are very well executed. In my experience, it's a clean layout that is very responsive.
I recently test drove a '16 Fwd TLX with the 3.5 V6 and 9-speed, what a powertrain combo with relative light weight, that thing hauled ass
I was and still am actually looking at this as my next car.
Me too
That infotainment looks straight out of a 2013 Accord. Not a fan but I test drove one when getting my civic appraised and damn does super handling AWD live up to its name. It's incredible! Jacob described it perfectly. Its a drivers car not a cruiser
In my opinion, there are two ways to do a dual-screen infotainment system: a correct way and an incorrect way. The dual screen setup in the Q50 is what I would consider to be the correct way to do it, while the one in the last gen Accord and this TLX is definitely the wrong way to do it.
my mom has this car, with the sh-awd, it handles corners like a champ
Huge thanks to the straightpipes as now i am a proud owner of the Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD A-Spec! it is such a great car that puts smile on my face everytime vtec kicks in lol. Anyways, 1:55 would totally make a great aftermarket lighting option imo.
Great review! I always watch your channel. This car was a great purchase...the 3.5L V6 Tech with AWD is amazing! The engine power is just amazing and the MPG is pretty good except for city driving. :-( The Acura AWD system is amazing in bad weather (including rain). The information system is not the greatest but the updated system in the TLX and MDX models is a great improvement. Are you guys going to review the new RDX with the 2.0L turbo?
Doesn't beat the 07/08 Type-S
Beats it in looks
I miss my 08 type S. Some idiot rear ended mine
Of course not
07 Type S was amazing
Transmission was weak..
ZF is a company name which stands for: Zahnradfabrik. It translates to Gear(or cogwheel)factory.
Absolutely love this car! By the way, I am an Acura man, so this brand is not new to me, but I wasn't a fan of the body style the last 10 years since 2008, but I'm all in again and I will purchase this car ASAP... thanks guys
Thinking about buy at 2018 tlx v6 aspec, it has 24k on it, saw some issues with alternator as a theme, is acura reliable long term
@@shaneleonard2504 absolutely! Very reliable! I've been a owner of a 2006 Acura TL since 2010 and I have never had an issue other than my scheduled maintenance every year, I think I might be ready for a new alternator because my light on the dashboard was on lately, but after 11 years of great service I can't complain
36000 miles zero problem looking forward to the next redesign summer of 2019
Wait upto 8 more months
I was thinking about getting this car, but that interior just didn't do it for me.
Gurkarn Sandhu save your money. Go buy an ATS, Q50 or is350
Get the red leather one.
There where I'm at. I love the car I'm just conflicted on the two screen set up.
Donald-Ud-Deen Trump buy it youll love it i dont love my Q60 too much
CKPHH i have it in all black and I love my car !!!
Been with the channel from the beginning, great seeing you getting the subs you deserve.
From the UK so not sure about the Acura name, seeing this car for the first time the grille emblem seems excessively big. Spoils the front end for me.
Great fun review as always, keep up the great work!
+NeverL8 inaV8 thanks buddy! The logo is huge, agreed. I like the new grille though
As a Acura TL last generation 2013 owner... the TLX is a sad thing. The only good thing is the new grill. Mine has 305 hp and I wish it had closer to 360 hp. I was excited to buy and upgrade to the TLX but after taking a test drive, no dice... too small, less hp, and even less luxurious. Looked at the 2017 RLX and that’s a sadder car at $58K sticker (dealer offered $51.5K to take it off their hands). Ended up with a used 2016 BMW 535ix with very low miles and factory warranty and extended warranty till 2021 for $37k. Still hanging onto the TL though.
Yes Chase I agree, I have the 2010 TL and it looks way better than this TLX waste of time and money.Your right way to small ,no gear shift I'm done with Acura I will hold on to my TL as long as God allows. Volvo is doing great things with that S90 I love Volvo also .Would love to get one of those and hold on to your TL Chase.
I have a 2003 TL and I went to go look at the new TLX and it just feels underpowered
Excellent review guys. Well done.
Dual display infotainment systems are terrible... Not just in Honda products, but in Infiniti's too. Not sure if it would be a deal breaker for me, but cars in the TLX's segment are so good that all it takes is something simple like that to separate it from the pack.
i wonder how durable the SH-AWD is and will be over time and how much it will cost to fix or how complex it is?
Acura better hurry up with that precision cockpit, but great vid love this car
Love our new Optima SXL...smooth, fast and no dual screen info garbage, Acura needs to get busy fixing that mess!
You drive a Kia though fix THAT disaster
4TH Gen TL comes in manual and a bigger motor with SHAWD; tlx looks nice tho
Pause at 1:55 now that’s cool. Acura needs to do that with the grill.
I might just find a way to do it somehow, ill comment again in a couple months if it works
theres kits out there for it nowadays
I know id love driving this car much more than my 2019 Accord, but omg that infotainment is a deal breaker I like the Accords wayyy better
I like the pace of your review and the light touch. I drive a TLX (2015) with a similar infotainment center which I am completely used to. What I am missing from your review is the infotainment center you DO like. Is there anyway next time, if you refer to something that you like, you could at least put in a comparison description so we know WHY you like something better?
All of the infotainment centers are the same visually screen-wise
Really Love the way Honda made the Interior.. Black and Luxurious
There’s one available by me but it’s FWD😢 I heard there’s a lot of torque steer and AWD is the way to go?
Overall a good review; the info system no one likes everything. What I did not like was having to turn off the autostop EVERYTIME you started the car. My M5 remembers!
I sat in one at dealership I have to say it’s finished so nicely inside, nicer than the 340bmw, but just not powerful enough- otherwise can consider for a sporty reliable car with lots of tech
Great video guys. Continue to be impressed!
+Stuart Anderson thanks!
I hate that they lost the shifter/handrest. And what's up at 2:22?
I kind of like the look of this over the most recent one, but I like the performance aspect of the newer one compared to this one
The 3.5 is faster then the 2.0
Im not one of those enthusiasts that says they like wagons just because other people say they like them, cargo space actually gets me really excited. Having said that, if this car came in a wagon they could totally have my money!
Acura should have blacked out the chrome trim at the front entirely, just like they did with the RDX A-Spec refresh. Makes it look older than it is. I have this car and I do enjoy it, the infotainment setup does look older than the tablet stuck on the dash look, but once you use Apple/Android Auto, it is really fast and intuitive to use. Nav and communications on the top, music and AC at the bottom. No menu diving. I recommend you test drive the FWD 4 Cylinder version too, it is German level of snappiness and response. Really impressive for the size of the engine.
Does anyone know the difference between the advance package and the technology package? If you get the advance do you get the technology automatically? And does it have a heated steering wheel by chance? Love this car.
Acura’s are sick. Great review
i don't mind the double stack infotainment, but but the bottom screen needs to control the top screen, in Acura they have a cluster fuck of knobs and screens. What where they thinking? Also, button for the heated seats and climate needs to be in physical buttons, because it makes more sense.
Honda/Acura entertainment system remind me of the Infiniti unit and I think having two display is confusing they should have just combine them with one big display that’s just me ! Keep up the good work !
I own a 2020 TLX shawd aspec and it has been a delight to own.
How would you compare this TLX’s handling to a WRX/WRX Sti’s handling?
+Dark Man the TLX understeered less!!
This was totally shot around Oakville.
5:55 the navigation looks exactly as the one we got in 2007 as a very very expensive option on a civic. I got on, It is so bad I use an aftermarket nav that I stick to my windshield XD
Only good thing about these TLX are if you can retro fit those crystal lights onto an Evo 9’s headlight.
I was waiting for the visor test the whole time, thank God u didn't disappoint. Lol
Also that double sack infotainment system has never been my cup of tea. I have Toyota vitz and it's speed gauge is in the centre, the whole thing makes it very disoriented for the interior. I like the idea of a Standard Infotainment System by Yuri. Food for thought. Lol
Keep up the good work guys ..