Sooo I (still) have had a 2016 TLX I4 Tech for about 2.5 years, which is my third Acura, that replaced a 2013 TSX Tech. I liked my TSX, and when I decided to upgrade I was very excited about the updated technology in the TLX that the TSX lacked (Keyless entry, push to start, blind spot monitor etc). There are some things about the TLX that I really like, like the steering feel, the lane keep assist me system, stereo, seats, headlights, and how well it handles in snowy/icy conditions for FWD, which I think has something to do with the agile handling assist. But there are a few things that majorly bother me. My issues start with the dual-clutch transmission - it is fine under most casual conditions, but it gets confused easily, which can be scary at times (a violent thud & lurch when coming to a stop, disengaging between shifts, extremely slow response when downshifting etc). I also dislike the interior design...I didn’t put much thought into it when I bought it but I don’t like looking at it every day - the unattractive dash material, fake wood, and the overall shape of the dash are not pleasing to the eye. The navigation system and all other functions on the upper screen are so slow that I don’t use it at all. The rain-sensing wipers on this vehicle are the worst I’ve ever used, extremely inconsistent and sometimes they won’t turn on - or off - at all. And overall, it is completely devoid of emotion. I test drove the new RDX a couple times and really enjoyed it, everything seems to be a huge improvement and checks most boxes for me. However, I’m not at a point in my life where I need or want an SUV.

Since I was in the market for a new car, I considered waiting for the new TLX/Type S. But last week I went to test drive a few cars and ended up falling in love with a 19 Audi S4 - Love is not a word I’ve used to describe a car since my Lexus GS430 - I went against all of my logical instincts and a bought a fully loaded one. Believe it or not there are a couple things the TLX is better at - the lane keep assist system works better, the structure of the vehicle feels a little tighter (could be because of the S4’s sport suspension) and I was disappointed at the S4 doesn’t have a capless fuel tank.

For now I still have my TLX, which I plan on still driving occasionally. Should I have waited? Only time will tell. I do have a feeling Acura is going to have a home-run with the next gen TLX, but hopefully they can hit on that emotional X factor that is lacking in most of their current product line.

I didn’t finish it, I accidentally hit submit so I just edited it and added the rest.