The Acura TLX debuted in 2015 as a replacement for the TSX and TL sedans, uniting the best of both vehicles into one model. This luxury sedan provides a smooth ride, excellent performance and lots of technology features. The TLX gets an update for 2018 that adds head-turning front-end styling, and a new A-spec trim with a sport-tuned suspension and exclusive styling touches. The 2018 Acura TLX also gets an updated dual-screen infotainment system with faster response and a revised interface. The 2018 Toyota Avalon is a large sedan that competes with the Acura TLX. If you’ve been considering either model, we’ll go over some of the important features and see which vehicle is better.
Cost The isn’t usually the price you’ll pay at a dealership. We’ll use each vehicle’s MSRP as a basis for comparing the two models. The starting MSRP for the 2018 Acura TLX is $33,000. The Toyota Avalon starts at $33,500. If you’ve been considering buying the Toyota, notice that when you step up to the Acura, you’ll actually pay less. The Car Connection estimates the monthly payments for the Avalon will run $558/month, while the Acura will cost $550/month.
Powertrain The 2018 Toyota Avalon is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 that makes 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Acura TLX has a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. To make a fair comparison, we’ll compare the Avalon’s 3.5-liter V6 to the TLX’s optional 3.5-liter V6, which generates 290 hp and 267 lb.-ft. of torque that’s connected to a nine-speed automatic. As you can see, the Acura TLX’s V6 handily beats the V6 you’ll get if you buy the Avalon.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Today’s buyers demand lots of technology equipment. Apple Carplay/Android Auto is an important feature that comes standard on the 2018 Acura TLX. This feature is conspicuously absent from the 2018 Toyota Avalon. You can’t even get it as an option.
Utility The 2018 Acura TLX provides more utility than the 2018 Toyota Avalon. The auto experts at Edmunds rated the TLX with 4.5 stars for its utility, pointing out it has excellent storage for small items, with cubbies of different sizes in the dash, door panels and console. The TLX also has a 60/40-split folding rear seat that can be folded nearly flat. In contrast, the Avalon has a limited amount of interior storage space, with the primary storage area being its modest center console box. The Avalon’s rear seats can’t be folded.
Warranty Acura TLX owners get a better warranty than those who opt for the Toyota Avalon. Acura offers a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000 mile-powertrain warranty. The Avalon only comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile-powertrain warranty.
In the End The 2018 Acura TLX delivers luxury features for about the same amount of money you’ll pay for the Toyota Avalon. The TLX has a more powerful V6 engine, includes important features you won’t find on the Avalon and has a better warranty. All things considered, you’ll be better off driving a TLX than the Avalon.
