proach

Looking for advice. I am coming across a great deal to purchase a new 2019 TLX A spec 4 cylinder. I test drove both the 4 and the 6 and love the power of the 6 but the transmission in the 4 is so much better. Besides having a shifter over the buttons, is there anything else thats different? Has anyone regretted going the 4 over the 6. I just dont feel that the 6 cylinder is worth 3k more. Thoughts? Concerns?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

so, get the 4cylinder!

jhb31

The 6 will more than make up for any trans lag which is only under certain conditions. The best option is the V6 with Sh-Awd. If your priority is MPG then the FWD models are the way to go, otherwise the A-Spec with Sh-Awd is by far the best variant of the TLX. Otherwise, handling and power wise neither of the fwd models are close, dry or wet pavement.

mapleloaf

I've leased the 2015 V6 Sh-Awd, a 2016 2.4 Tech, and now a 2018 2.4 Elite A-Spec. I much prefer the 8DCT, although I would add that the more recent versions of the 3.5 9 speed have been improved significantly over my 2015. That being said, the power and the handling of 2.4 with PAWS is still quite good, but ultimately it depends upon whether you need the sporty handling and additional power of thef Sh-Awd. Personally, with my Michelin X-Ice tires for winter driving, I do not miss the 3.5 with Sh-Awd, but then I am not stepping hard on the pedal while cornering.

Beached

Love my 2.4. Peppy but not fast tho FYI. The transition is amazing and I’ve read a ton of problems about the six-cylinder transmission. My $.02.

fiatlux

I bought the 2.4 because maybe 5% of the time, I wish it had more power, but when I test drove the 3.5 I realized that 50% of the time I'd be so annoyed by the transmission. On city streets where I do the majority of driving, the 2.4L is just fine. It's only on the freeways or up steep hills I wish I had more power.

chums

I feel the same way. my 2.4 with the 8SDCT is such a joy to drive.

jhb31

The 2015 is a known model year to avoid on the V6. AWD factors in on straight line, pulling left or right into traffic dry or wet conditions as well. Many think it's just for snow but it brings a lot to the table under all weather conditions along with less body roll and lack of understeer typical in the FWD variant.

A "ton" of problems on the ZF9 is a bit of an overstatement. In a very specific scenario there is some lag but overall off the line shifting and in the majority of driving it is not an issue. I do think coming from an Type S it was an adjustment but after a while most get used to the behavior and how to mitigate it. As for many problems I am not aware of any others outside of the 2015 model year transmissions which some trans were replaced but the later models seem to get painted with the same brush as the 15's. I do think "peppy" is enough for many drivers so extra HP or a 6 is not a factor. Same for people who buy the V6 and run it in "Econ" mode. Just a waste of money spending for more power that they don't ever tap into. I don't think outside of the 2015 V6 owners are having transmission repairs done on any scale greater than the 4. It has its one quirk for sure but tons of problems I don't see it after 20k of driving. I know several people that own them and none have had theirs in for transmission problems.The biggest reason people opt for the 4 is that it's less out of pocket and handling/peformance is less not as high or even on thier priority list.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

only the OP knows what they want....
in the Original Post, the poster is leaning towards the 4 cylinder, anyway.

hadokenuh

The 4 cyl is lighter so it's more tossable around corners. If you are ok with decent acceleration (it's not bad and has much better fuel economy), go with the 4. The 6 is obviously faster but heavier.

dmski

Depends what your needs are. Yes, 4cyl tranny shifts nice and quick but the car barely moves. Having driven the V6 for many years now even that seems slow to me. If you can stretch the budget a bit go for the V6 SH-AWD Aspec. Not much difference in gas consumption either.

potter223

I love the V6 engine in general (my dad’s station wagon) so I was dubious about buying a 4 banger (not that I haven’t owned them). My last 2 acura coupes had the 2.7 (legend) and a 3.2 (cl) so I’m familiar with all the tranny woes of models past. The first time I read about V6 and 9speed problems I got worried. I bought the 4 banger grocery getter TLX tech. because there seemed to be fewer problems and good fuel economy is a plus. I’m a city driver and think the 200hp with fantastic handling is plenty. I miss opening up the V6 on merges though. I got my TLX last week and am getting familiar with the shift points. Sportier than I would expect. I may look at the next gen or improvements to the current V6 + 9 speed paring before going back to a V6.

ESHBG

How is the 4 cyl when the AC is on? This is definitely one of the scenarios when I dislike my TSX.

theredia92

I had my 2.4 TLX loaded up with 4 adults and luggage for a long weekend in the Smokey Mountains last week. Even with all that and the A/C on full blast, I had no problems on mountain roads with 10% grade in terms of power or engine braking.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

I have a theory that most people are either 4 cyl people or 6/8 cyl people. If you're a 6/8 cyl person and you get the 4 you may not immediately regret it - but you will in time.

Personally the 4 cyl fits my driving habits just perfectly and I feel it has plenty of spunk for any day to day driving situation. If you're looking more for a sports-car feel then you may want to look elsewhere.

BEAR-AvHistory

I fit Professor CheeseyPoofs McNutt III theory & am a Turbo 6 or V8 person. That said I believe the TLX is in a unique place & could see myself going against my normal instincts.

As a performance car the V6 is pretty slow. Car & Driver says this : Dislikes: Transmission is slow to downshift, missing the intangibles that define a true sports sedan.

Buying a TLX with the 4 cylinder to get the DCT might be the best plan as you don't give up much, about 0.8 of a second to 60. 6.0 for the V6 & 6.8 for the I4. If you want a performance V6 or I6 you need to look elsewhere.

neuronbob

In retrospect, I should have procured a 2.4 A-Spec. The ZF9 and accompanying traction control system should be killed with fire. Drove a 2.4 recently and it was a transformative experience. Light on its feet, and the DCT is so responsive. If only there had been a way to fit a modified version of the DCT from the RLX Sport Hybrid in the V6 TLX with SH-AWD....

Interesting aside above. I’m really a “V6 person” but I lived with a 4-banger S2000 for eight years...and it was one of the best cars I ever owned....no, one of the best cars ever created....now I’m going to man cry over missing it...

...anyway, back to the topic at hand....

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

perhaps the better way to snuff out the v6/i4 person would be to ask oneself if you need or want to overtake (passing on the left) people. or would one rather sip fuel.
In Houston, the unofficial speed limit is 80mph. there's no chance of overtaking without road rage in a car that can't over take an 80mph car.
or is the buyer a more relaxed driver who doesnt mind taking the slow lane and sipping fuel?

neuronbob

To overtake, it’s a lot like the S2000....keep it in VTEC.

AcuraTLX24

OP....I was in a similar dilemma recently...was debating between a 2016 I4 with Tech or a V6 SH-AWD with Tech. I ended up test driving both many times...ended up with the I4. Price on them was approx the same, I4 had 10,000 more KM, but overall, it was more fun to drive in sports and sports + mode. I found it snappy. Although the car is pretty large, it feels REALLY REALLY light with the I4...very nimble. I am also coming from a 2004 TSX...as an fyi lol.

I really wanted to like the V6 (and I put my deposit down on the V6 since i was sure i wanted it), mainly for the SH-AWD system, and although it surely felt more powerful, especially on the highway, it just felt kinda blah around the city. First thing I noticed right away was how front heavy it felt..like really heavy compared to the I4...And the transmission on the 2016 (not sure if same for 2019), was weird for the V6's. When downshifting on the highway, at least 3 or 4 times on my test drives it had not idea what gear to go it..and was jerky a bit while looking for the gear. I tried another V6 there on the lot, and same thing. After that I knew the DCT in the I4 was for me.

Anyways, good luck, but these are my experiences. I know the V6 SH-AWD is probably the "better" car, but test drive both and make sure the I4 is sufficient before you make the decisions.

connekt

Just picked up 2019 Aspec 2.4 coming from a 2018 V6 base

I drive around in Sport mode all the time and it is plenty quick. It's amazing and I really do not miss the 6. Just figured I'd share my observation

centflatsx

If you don't need AWD like here in FL, the FWD is more than adequate. FWD also handles fine with PAWS assisting.

BEAR-AvHistory

Agree on the unofficial speed limit. On the way to the beach you need to run 80mph+ to stay with traffic. My door to door average including about 35 miles on city streets at both ends was 74MPH. Some 90mph runs needed to maintain that average speed.

Passing a motor home or a guy towing a boat at 75mph or so you really need some grunt.



This is the 440 @ 355hph screen during the beach run last month in local trafic. New 4X4 was not set to 0 miles for the trip so don't have a visual on its milage. That said Suburban RST Black Edition has 420bhp, 460ftlbs, 10AT, Brembo brakes, LSD with a pretty good over the road at speed mileage of 20 mpg. City sucks about 14 mpg but the thing is 3 tons will run a 14 second 1/4 mile in the 90's with a C&D rated 5.7 0-60. Freek'N' ultimate sleeper looks like a Secret Service staff car.

TLX V6 be very afraid.

Seriously was very happy after its first long run. Its a big indulgence on my part but I will rationalize it by keeping it about as long as we have had the Expedition, 10 years. I can spread the cost in my mind over the 10 years. Fuzzy math drives the wife crazy.