2018 Acura TLX vs 2017 C300 Loaner

[subrk]

Congrats @L.L!

Definitely going to test drive both now. I think the V6 does deserve a fair shot now and it should be possible to bring it under budget as well.

@Partsguy20

I do have the all wheel steering system. I honestly don’t notice it that much, but I think that’s the idea. Being front wheel drive, the car will always have a tendency to understeer but I have to push it further before I really feel it coming on, so that’s probably the PAWS working its magic. Turn in response is pretty good.

Make no mistake, it’s no M3 or Giulia when it comes to handling, but it’s plenty sporty enough to have some fun with and it’s been comfortable and very reliable as well. I think the '18 models finally come with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well, which is a plus. The spotty compatibility with smartphones is really my only complaint with it so far.

As for people mentioning transmission trouble, keep in mind the V6 came with Acura’s weird 9-speed automatic which had a ton of problems. All of the 4-cylinder models have the DCT which is excellent in my opinion. I also think the smaller engine helps the car’s handling since it’s not as heavy as the V6, and the 4-cylinder loves to rev and sounds good at high RPMs. The 4-cylinder Tech model is really the best one to get out of the whole TLX lineup.

Thanks for the detailed review! I thought the PAWS system was pretty neat, but I see now that it’s supposed to work passively and not really alert you of its presence. Phone compatibility is a huge want for me since it’ll be my commuter.

@spittingllama87

Hey man - where can you find the incentives on the actual Acura website?

Hey! Searched for a bit and couldn’t find any mention of those incentives on their website, but if you’re apprehensive, maybe try shooting an email to a dealer and ask? Good luck!

[L.L]

The incentive info can be found in the Edmunds Acura TLX forums. There is no mention on the Acura website.

[Partsguy20]

@subrk

Phone compatibility is a huge want for me since it’ll be my commuter.

I should specify, I haven’t had any issues via Bluetooth with the actual phone functions. I’ve used both an iPhone and an Android phone with it.

The issues I had related to music function. Via Bluetooth it doesn’t give you the same functionality for music search, shuffle, etc. as it does when it’s plugged in. The iPhone worked when it was plugged in (it saw it as an iPod) but the Android phone is not supported that way. So it was frustrating having to use Bluetooth for music when I got the Android - it sounded great but I missed being able to control it through the car.

Eventually I broke down and got an iPod just for music in the car, which has worked perfectly. And I think the new TLX’s have Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so this issue has probably been resolved anyway.

-Rick

[subrk]

I had the same problems with my 2014 Accord so I know exactly what you mean. We’ve also leased the Buick Encore which comes standard with Carplay and Android Auto and wow, it’s such a huge step up. Good to hear!