Model Tested: 2016 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD Tech
![The great V-6 engine and SH-AWD traction system make the 2016 Acura TLX a perfect car for less than perfect weather.](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Acura_TLX_Exterior_V6_SH_AWD_040-370x247.jpg)
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 290 horsepower 267 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive
EPA Ratings: 21/City—31/Highway—25/Combined
Base Price: $41,575
As Tested: $42,495
Performance:
Integrated Dynamic System controls driving modes
Econ, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus
Noticeable differences among modes
![Acura TLX styling is handsome, but on the conservative side.](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Acura_TLX_Exterior_V6_SH_AWD_014-370x247.jpg)
Strong engine
Smooth transmission
Paddle shifters
Smooth highway ride
State-of-the-art safety features
Blind spot detection
Comfort:
Stretch-out driver legroom
Large dead pedal
Supportive seats
Driver power lumbar
Heated and ventilated front seats
![Driver and front passenger space and comfort are excellent.](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Acura_TLX_Interior_V6_02-370x247.jpg)
Soft headrests
Most HVAC controls via touch screen
Great, thick, contoured steering wheel
Excellent auxiliary controls (nice textured rotary dials)
Upscale interior, quality materials
Front doors open very wide, but a stretch for closing
Snug rear seat even with fronts moved up considerably
Soft, wide rear armrest
Rear headroom tight for tall passengers
Tight on front passenger shoe space
Utility:
Big, wide trunk
![The split, folding rear seat provides cargo versatility, although the arched pass-through is somewhat limiting.](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Acura_TLX_Interior_All_06-370x247.jpg)
Flat floor
High lift-over
Great under floor storage
Medium size storage bins and glove box
Split rear seats fold flat
Arched top for trunk pass-through
Two seat back pouches
WOW Factors:
Standard Acura engineering excellence
Smooth V-6
All-weather driving confidence with AWD
Dash display shows SH-AWD power distribution
Rain sensing wipers
Whines:
Acura “V” grille bar seems heavy for rest of body design
![The LED projector headlights are wild, but they really light up the road.](https://autoreviewers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Acura_TLX_005-370x247.jpg)
Transmission selector buttons take getting used to
Projector headlights work great, but look a little odd
Smallish sunroof
Cramped rear seat knee room
We would prefer more traditional knobs for HVAC functions
Bottom Line:
The 2016 Acura TLX SH-AWD is a continuation of the all-new 2015 model. The V-6 and all-wheel-drive are much preferred over the four-cylinder front-wheel-drive version, although there is a significant price difference.
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