i've owned either V6 or turbo 4 all my life, but i'm really thinking hard on the TLX I4 to replace my IS350. i know it'll be a big drop in hp but having 300hp in stop and go LA traffic is useless. for those of you had bigger engine in your previous rides and made the switch to TLX I4, what does the drop in hp affect you, is it easy to get used to?

 

Why not get new is250 ?

 

I have always driven 4s until now, as I plan on doing more highway driving. However, I drove the TLX I4 extensively before settling on the 6, as much as for the colour scheme as for the SH-AWD. The I4 is an excellent car with good zip and sportiness. It will work great in the city and on the highway and is a better value than the IS250, IMHO.

 

i had an IS250 before IS350. 250 is not worth buying, underpowered and yet gets exactly same MPG vs the IS350 (at least in my personal experience). i was also going to wait on the rumored IS200T with the 2.0 turbo, but i'm seeking a slightly bigger car than the IS.

 

I came from V6 too. Yesterday we drove to Chicago, IMO the power is sufficient. We are 4 in the car- 2 kids with monster carseat and 2 adults. It didn't feel underpowered. I think the DCT is a perfect match to extract hp on this little motor.

 

I don't have the I4, but I've moved from a 99 Trans AM WS6 with the LS-1 V8 to my last 2 cars that have both been V6 engines. The modern cars are peppier than cars used to be and smaller engines are more capable now. I had no problem adapting to a smaller engine, and I used to have many 4 bangers before I moved up.

From everything I've read from auto websites and magazines as well as the forum members here, the I4 is a very capable engine.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Our other car is a very quick turbo 4 Cadillac ATS, and I certainly don't feel underpowered in our 4 cylinder TLX. It's so smooth, quiet and comfortable that I'm always over the speed limit before I know it. And it's great on the highway - the DCT just gets you in the proper power band seamlessly.

On the other hand, my wife (primary driver of the turbo ATS) is a power nut. I'm sure she'd opt for the V6 if it were her main car.

 

I'm just curious, is there anything you like about the TLX? I haven't taken any official notes, but you always seem to suggest what's wrong with the TLX and for others to buy Lexus. I'm sure Lexus makes a fine vehicle, as do BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Infiniti, Cadillac, Lincoln, .........

I was just wondering, don't read any malice or anger in this comment, just asking. We all have our opinions and I don't want anyone to feel I'm the only person with the "right" one.

 

Sure the espresso interior is nice

 

The journey of 1,000 miles starts with 1 step.

 

I dropped from a 250hp turbo in my 2005 Outback XT to a 2011 Prius, before I got back into my TL.

Going into a lower hp car was initially a shock ("what's all this engine roar just going up a slight incline!!!"), but you recalibrate yourself in a couple weeks. You also come to you senses with regards to the new benefits of the lower hp car (better fuel economy, the balance of the car, just an overall less emotional, "smarter" buy).

The truth is, being human, you'll quickly acclimate yourself to whatever excess and find yourself wanting more. I find myself wanting more low-end torque with the AC on in my TL in traffic, the same way I wanted more power in my Prius. I also recall wanting more power in my turbo Outback, as well.

Similarly, I quickly got used to taking corners faster in my SH-AWD, but I quickly grew to be aware of the handling limitations of the TL, even though those limits are so much higher than my Prius.

You'll never have enough power for all moods and situations, but you'll also surprise yourself with how little tons of extra hp really adds to the enjoyment of your car. I think you'll be just fine with the 4-cylinder TLX.

 

^^
Similar route for me


263 HP Mazdaspeed3
134 HP Lexus CT200h
200 HP TSX Wagon




Should have never sold the MS3. People who have v6 don't yearn for more power (TLX). People who have 4 cyl ask for more power.

 

kevTL888....I don't think you will regret it actually. I have the IS350 now and while it is a great and fun car, this morning, I took the ILX to go to town (150HP) and I had just as much fun in the ILX! That thing is nimble and while it is rated on paper as only having 150HP, I swear that thing must have more. It is so snappy, the pre DI engine sounds amazing through the revvs.

I love the refinement and the luxury feel of the IS, and it gets LOTS of attention here as I am the only one driving one (there is only 1 non-F sport) but for the fun factor, that little I4 is great. Now in the TLX, it might be a bit different as the car is bigger but if I have as much fun in a 150HP ILX as in a 305HP IS, I am sure the 205HP TLX will be quite fun and give you much better fuel mileage too.

Try one for an extensive test drive....Best of luck and keep us posted

 

I'm sure you have posted previously in some thread(s) that you finally pulled the trigger on a new car. I obviously missed it…..congrats on the new car….even if it is a Lexus

 

^^ I never did in so many words but in some subtle ways....Thanks though. I am not gone from the Acura family and I will be back for my next one (95% sure)....I love the IS, but I still feel a loyalty to the brand. Time will tell though

 

Imagine the fun you would have with the new ILX. it should quiet the It's just a gussied up Civic crowd.

 

I went from dd a 450whp Trailblazer SS to an Acura wagon

 

I've had so many previous TL (and even a few RL) customers move into the 2.4L TLX since introduction, choosing it over the V6 right away thanks to great reviews, sharper/lighter handling, and lower price point, and none have ever complained about power, instead they love the feel.

The V6 is a whole different animal with a heavier feel and beastly quiet power, but the 2.4L with 8-spd DCT is such a crisp, smooth and perky combination, it suits the TLX perfectly. Most real world V6 drivers I've had enjoy it just as much if not more than their previous car.

Definitely the way to know is to drive a 2.4L back to back with a 3.5L V6 car, and experience all the big differences (weight, transmission, larger wheels, etc. also) that add to the feel in both.

 

I came from the following:

2002 Mercedes SL500. V-8 305hp
2003 Acura TL-S V-6 265hp

I love the balanced performance of the 2.4L. No complaints.

 

No TLX here, but I moved from a 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero into a 2010 TSX with 6MT which is similar. In town and on back roads, I prefer the TSX's high-revving NA power delivery, but on the highway I deeply miss the Saab's midrange turbo punch. For passing maneuvers, the TSX just isn't even close, so for my next car I'm going back to a turbo, likely a Focus ST. (The modern turbos like those in the Focus ST and BMW's have more linear power deliveries than my former Saab, so they're much better overall.)

The additional torque from DI coupled with the 8DCT in the TLX might be better than my TSX on the highway, but I doubt it matches the turbocharged competition. I only tested the TLX in the suburbs, where it felt similar to my TSX for power.

 

^^
Agree with you

Once I do 80mph it don't matter whether my puny 134 hp Lexus hybrid or 260 hp mazdaspeed

But getting on highway ramp or 60-85 mph punching power the ur no power is nice

Torque

 

Kev -

I'm sure as you read through this thread, you will note that it's not all just about the HP. It's about how engine, transmission, suspension, etc. all work in concert together to deliver a driving experience. I drive a TL-S V6 with 286 HP, the Mrs. drives an ES350 V6 with 270 HP and the kids drive an Accord I4 with 177 HP and a CR-V I4 with 166 HP. Yes, I love and enjoy my TL-S, but after that I much prefer the Accord over the ES350. The ES feels disconnected and it takes a bit to get the 270 ponies up and running. The kid that drives the CR-V, learned how to drive in our MDX V6 with 300 HP. When we went shopping we test drove CR-Vs and RAV4s and the comments were these have no power. While this is/was true there are no complaints now they are used to it (not to mention, I wasn't going to buy an MDX for a teenager, nor could they afford the gas).

Bottom line is test drive the heck out of both the I4 and V6. Do it back to back, then go back at another time and drive each one for a lengthy test drive. Make the best informed decision you can -

 

TLX 4 cylinder is faster than a TLX 6 cylinder. There is a reason why reviews prefer the 4 cylinder model and states that it is a true sports sedan model.

The 9 speed transmission in the TLX 6 cylinder slows it down since it features a dog clutch. and it takes forever to switch gears. Idle-stop (SH-AWD models) also turns off your engine when the car has stopped, so that slows down the V6 engine.

 

Link proof ?

 

Good luck getting proof

 

Thus I asked

I wanted to see proof of such ambitious lie

 

I came down to the 4 cylinder from 3.5L V6 of TL type-S. Here what I notice:

1) Acceleration from stand still is pretty good on the TLX, partially due to its DCT transmission and light weight.

2) Acceleration uphill is noticeably not as good. The transmission needs to downshift a lot and the 4-cyl engine screams loudly.

3) Acceleration after a brief coasting is not as good. But the engine is not at fault. It is the transmission. It feels like there is too much torque interruption and the transmission does not seems to know which gear to engage.

I suggest that you ask to take the TLX home for a day for an extensive test drive. This is to avoid the potential regret.

 

you have to test drive them both. prior to my i4 i used to have a v6 mustang and granted i really miss the raw kick my mt used to get me the acceleration on my i4 is great.

i'm sure either the 2.4 or the 3.5 will fill your needs but just one will feel right.

 

...we have an ILX already.

 

My old 3G 6MT would eat my current I4 TLX for breakfast. In any performance related manner. That car was modded though and an overall great car for being a front wheel drive vehicle.

It is tough getting used to having a car with less power but I rationalize it as I'm not racing or auto-X anymore, just family car duty and this will work.

Even though I miss the power(and other things) of the 3G, the 5G with the 4-Cyl is a reliable, economical and stylish car with a lot to offer. Just not performance.

 

Proof never came that 4 cyl is faster than v6

 

May be in bizarro world that fallacy is true

 

Lot of tlx owners live in bizarro world ?