2015 Acura TLX
Out with the old, in with the new… and so goes it in the automotive world. And one of the latest to do so is Acura with the 2015 TLX.
Partially an exercise in consolidation, the TLX enters the Acura lineup as both the TL and TSX depart. Wheelbase measures the same as the TL-just over 109 inches—though the chassis is different with four-wheel steering on most models.
While the bodywork is still conservative, there are cues that lend aggression: short front and rear overhangs, sweeping profile with a teardrop like greenhouse, and optional larger wheels. Acura’s jeweled LED headlights make an appearance here, as well.
But to us it is the interior that really shines. The TLX rivals some of the best for comfort, with great seats and materials. Technology is always an Acura focus and there is quite a lot of it inside. The dual screen center stack is an evolution of the Honda trademark setup. Again true to Acura form, the overall looks is certainly premium but not over the top.
Power is by way of a 206 horsepower 2.4 liter inline 4 with an in house designed 8-speed dual clutch automatic, or a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with a 9-speed ZF box that includes push button gear selection. Front wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive an option for the V6.
Neither engine felt particularly sporty, but the IDS drive mode selector can spice things up.
So with plenty that’s new for Acura this year, the TLX is on sale now, starting at around $32,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 liter/ 3.5 liter
- Horsepower: 206/ 290
- Price: starting around $32,000
2025 Nissan Altima
At first glance, you might not think anything special of this 2025 Nissan Altima sedan. It’s largely unchanged for the new model year, but there’s more to this SV Special Edition than appearances let on.
You can tell it’s an SV SE because of the gloss black wheels and rear spoiler; but the best improvements are really on the inside… and we’re not talking about the faux carbon-fiber center console.
When it comes to driving this Altima, nothing has really changed since we last tested it, but there is a welcome addition that comes with this Special Edition package: Wireless Apple CarPlay. That may not seem like a big deal, but being able to hop in and start up CarPlay without plugging in your phone is not only more seamless on a daily basis, I’d argue it’s safer, because untidy phone cables have a tendency to latch onto things you don’t want them to.
Your smartphone is projected onto a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and can be topped off on the wireless charger. As much as we like this larger display, we’re equally big fans of the physical controls for the dual-zone climate system.
Nissan has dismissed the Altima’s turbocharged variant. Power now rests solely on the 2.5-liter inline-four. Front-wheel drive models are rated at 188 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive units, like ours, see 180 HP. Sure, we’d prefer a true geared automatic, but the CVT is adequate for daily drives.
The 2025 Nissan Altima starts just around $28,000, working up to the mid-$30s. Our SV AWD starts around $30,000, with the Special Edition treatment adding about a grand. To be blunt, it’s a mid-size family car bargain.
And we’ll have more Quick Spins… soon!