2015 Acura TLX vs Volvo S60 T6 0-60 MPH Mashup Review: And the Fastest Mid Sized Sedan is? 

Let me tell yall, as a TLX owner, the TLX is definitely fast and handles very well. This car is dope and worth it especially if u have the tech package. Everyone compliments me on it and the kids love it. Very comfortable, system is dope with the stock subwoofer

Why don't they use the t6 awd

makes it easier to get road head without the gear stick

I actually like the buttons for gear selector, its diffrent and I admire them for doing something new

I love the gear selector you kidding me, its DOPE

I'll take the S60...with AWD though

It would have been a fairer test to have both cars AWD.

TLX looks ok but in real life i saw a white one and it was stunning. So as usual the honda's dont video and photograph well. But in person its a beauty with presence.

Good to see someone review an Acura fairly. I've seen other reviews that clearly showed the reviewer went in with a "not gonna like it" approach which was evidenced by a sort of passive aggressive tone - it's alright but...or still referring to the front end as a beak (which to me was thankfully fixed some time ago). Acura has dragged they're balls in the past but hopefully now that they are their own decision making division separate from Honda (with their own leadership) things can turn around for them. Let's get a Type R or S model and an Integra style sports coupe ive been hearing internet whisper about.

I have a 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid with the same transmission selectors. After you have used it for an extended period, you realize why it was designed the way that it was: You don't have to look at it. After you've used R a few times, you'll never look at it again...you'll be looking at the upper screen to see the camera. The D is impossible to miss with one hand, and there's even Braille on the Sport Mode button so that you don't have to even look for that.

Actually Nathan, the TLX 4 cylinder comes with a regular shifter.

Yes! My TLX is faster around the track!! Nathan might not like the transmission but I actually like it, it's very responsive and easy to use that's just my opinion some people might not like that... Nice review Nathan and can you please do a full review on the TLX thanks in advance!

So why didn't you get the Volvo awd for this test?

The TLX is simply a great car. The transmission setup is great so I don’t share your opinions regarding it being too complex and not freeing up space. Compared to BMW and Lexus which have the traditional shift lever (auto) and they often get in the way, especially when putting anything into the cup holders. The Technology package also gives the TLX some great features that bring great value unlike some premium packages that cost twice as much yet gives you half the tech you paid for. Zero to 60 times range from 5.8 - 6.1 for the V6 SH AWD version...

I don't think the shifter is complicated, it's different from the rest and its quite simple

This guy is like. In order to go into reverse you have to press reverse. To go forward you have to press drive. Hmmm, just like with every other car on the planet you have to select a gear. How is that a problem?

Is the. Acura's push-button transmission really that bad? To me, it doesn't seem like it would be functionally inferior to a lever or rotary dial, but I also haven't had the benefit of sampling one. With a lever, you can simply lay your hand on it and selected your gear by feel. Does this button setup have enough tactile feel to allow eyes-free operation? Seems that in keeping with the traditional layout of P-R-N-D and making the reverse button one the finger hook and the drive button big and round, you would fairly quickly learn the feel and master its operation. I am offering a critique which I think is more of an observation about auto journalists in general. It seems that when you are driving so many different vehicles all the time and you may only have one for a few days, it would be hard to get settled in a vehicle thus making it more difficult to review them from the perspective of a long term owner. That is not to say that such oddities or idiosyncrasies aren't worth mentioning. I am often surprised at some of the nitpicks I see raised, so I started thinking that the more time you spend with a car, the less you might notice such things. Odd part for me in my vehicle buying experiences is that it's usually the less glaring things you don't see at first that end up being most annoying in the long-term.

My 1960 Dodge Dart had push-button automatic. It's not rocket surgery

Faster? Super AWD saved it? Come on. A registered few tenths of a second done on an iPhone by Andre…..? Nothing more to say.

Acura tlx any day

I guess people always gotta find a negative way of viewing something. That is the best thing to have push button transmission

Nice review Nate!

I dont think, just because of the the transmission button, its not worth buying because the truth is its an awesome car and the buyers will get used to the small drawback!

There are lots of cars I like more than this, btw I like the Volvo most. No reason for that, I think it's more beautiful and driving-balanced :p

I got to drive the 2015 Volvo S60 T5 AWD for a couple of hours a few months back, it's a beautiful car. Prior to driving the S60 I didn't understand the price tag, but it's definitely worth the cost, especially if you go with the T6. I wasn't a fan of Volvo, but the S60 completely changed my perception about the brand itself. Would love to get behind the wheel of an R-Design or Polestar and really see the power these cars possess.

Should have run the track with the S60 in transmission sport and DSTC off... If DSTC is on the car will understeer more and traction control will be quite invasive. Still this is a mash up not a match up so I won't criticize not comparing a S60 T6 AWD or even a T5 AWD against the Acura. I'm still waiting for an opening in my schedule (& now maybe the weather) to drive my XC60 T6 AWD Sport around this track. It will be interesting to compare its performance to the data you've gathered so far...

I'm really getting tired of hearing about the push button gear selection. I have had it for the last 3 years and never had an issue with it. It seems to me that people don't like it because it's different. Every time you talk about a Honda or Acura with that you completely bash it because you don't like change. It really is one of the easiest systems I have used and at least somebody finally wants to be different. I really believe if this was in a Mercedes or Audi you would probably think it was great.

My Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD did 6.9 seconds 0-60 and on full automatic my car did 7.2 seconds in Colorado at the Mountains. Those guys clearly does not do a good reviews. I did in C7 3.9 seconds in Colorado and they did 5.2 seconds. Just search Acura TLX v6 0-60 and you will see my video. I live in Colorado and all my tests were done within the mountains.

It would be good to do 0-60 comparisons in all drive modes for these cars. You definitely made it clear the Volvo was in its sportiest mode, but did not specify if the Acura was on Sport+ or not. But, again, it would be a good comparison of performance in the different modes. And, even a track run in all driving modes (after the Acura's brakes cool down of course..haha) I test drove the FWD V-6 TLX and did not find the transmission functions distracting at all. After just one run, I felt comfortable with the set-up's functionality. The C-Class has an electronic stalk on the column. BMW has its gear-knob-but-not-really-a-gear-knob electronic function.

Yep it's complicated to push buttons alright. -.-

wow acura . dont need turbo or supercharge like other brand. for the haters

Comparing an AWD to a FWD....

Best luxury car for the money!! Great job Acura!

I'm just waiting for the obsessive Keyboardcommando to start trolling.

Why not use the 6 cyl turbo Volvo?

You are incorrect on the gas issue. YOU DON'T NEED PREMIUM 91 OR 92 OCTANE. The car was engineered to use 87. It says it right on the filler door.

Nathan, will you be reviewing the 4 banger tlx with the 8 speed DCT in the near future?

I disagree - the transmission controls don't seem that complicated. Push P for Park, D for Drive and pull R back for Reverse. When you own a car, this all becomes second nature, and all the luxury cars have some fancy transmission control. Mercedes has their steering wheel stalk, and BMW has a joystick like thing that controls the transmission. I think the more egregious complaint about the transmission is that it sometimes can't find the right gear, and that the shifts aren't as crisp as they should be.

I'd like to see a review of the 4-cylinder TLX, which many ppl will likely gravitate towards. Other reviews say it's more agile and fun to drive than the heavier V6; be interesting to see how it does in the small and twisty track. Wish Acura bumped up the 4's hp and torque output though.

I agree with the transmission Nathan, that just seems like a disaster waiting to happen. If someone were to spill a drink, especially a soda, then it'd probably cost a lot to get it taken apart and cleaned out or even replaced if the liquid fried the circuit board underneath.

I noticed that the test was one mile above sea level. That gives the Volvo a big advantage in acceleration, since the turbo-superchargers compensate for thinner air. Good to keep in mind for those who live up high.

Finally a review that you guys dont rip Acura a new one.

Just test driven the TLX SH-AWD, such a quiet, comfortable and refined daily-driver car. Apprently they are NOT built for track or racing, I noticed a huge difference on its throttle/brake response compare to my 3G TL. This car is built for those who really want a comfortable ride with enough power(Uhh unless you are aiming 300+++hp), a good looking with a bit of luxury ambiance and well build quality, a bargain that could save $$$$ than its German competitors (Oh, and Lexus), plus a little bit sportiness when you push it hard.

"You have. To push. The buttons..." LOL

I have a Acura ILX 2016 technology package excellent car good handling on raining conditions overall excellent, the only minus will be road noise

2:03 almost sounds like a 911

I don't get what the issue is with the transmission buttons.

Up here in Canada I own the 2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 and my version has the 3.0L inline six turbo which goes 0-60mph in a much faster time then what manufacturers spec says it does.

And that's Honda's Super Handling All Wheel Drive!

I realize that when they test cars especially for a comparison, they can't always get two or more cars with the exact same options and features, that being said - for this test, they really needed to put the AWD V6 Acura with an AWD I-6 Volvo to be fair. While both the 6 cylinders versions have torque vectoring AWD (Acura calls their "Super Handling)... the Volvo S60 R-Design has 325hp & 354 ft-lb torque while the Acura TLX V6 has 290hp & 267 ft-lb torque. Since both cars are within a few hundred pounds of each other and the Volvo has 35 more horses and nearly 90 more ft-lb of torque, the Volvo R-Deisgn would simply eat the Acura for lunch on the track as well as the road.

Do you have a full review of the TLX?

Acura tried to take a page out of Chrysler's book but failed to take the whole page. The Rotary E-Shift is much better & leaves more room like intended

I am confused, you admittedly state that both cars are not track cars, but then test them as such...

I got one a few weeks ago. I love everything about the TLX but however the only thing I don't like is the fact that I can't leave my lights off at night. They always stay on day and night. Is there any way to turn them off? Please someone answer.

So why compare the awd Acura to the fwd volvo. Wouldnt it be a better comparo if they both were awd. Plus, Nathan said that he prob lost a second on that lap time on the volvo because of a bad line he took. That would then make the volvo, even with fwd, faster.

Well, at 5280 ft above sealevel, that Altitude has the affect of losing 45 hp. So, if your in the sealevel coastal areas or under 600 ft above sealevel in land, and outside temps are under 65* with a low Density Altitude with barometer of over 30.00, you can drop 3/4, (.07) of a sec off these acceleration times.... The Acura is closer to 7 sec and the Volvo closer to 6.2.... at sealevel in good conditions.

If I owned the TLX I would be rather worried mostly over the transmission buttons. Like what if they suddenly stop working? how can those 'buttons' Be reliable? Especially over time

Why you didn't turn off the traction control on the Volvo as you did with the Acura? There is way to turn it off on the vehicle settings on the screen. Anyway FWD vs AWD not a fair comparison plus to make comparison worst traction control off vs on.

Literally the worst place to put push button transmission. Right next to the cup holders? What happens when your drinks spill? How much money will it cost to fix the transmission on a brand new car because your drink got all in those buttons. Lincoln had the positioning for this well planned.

How wouldn’t the Acura be faster by more with awd is beyond me

I don't see why people think that the gear selector is a draw back.

I like the new transmission selector. Looks like the new NSX will have something like this too. I think this is more of a positive for the car. I would rather have this than the rotary knob.

People said the same thing about push button start but we all know how that turned out

+mrkeyboardcommando thanks! TLX does look nice but like many said the concept versions if their cars look awesome then production models come out conservative. It's also amazing that the wood trim in middle is the standard look. No silver or aluminum in any exterior interior color combination. The gas mileage is noticeably better. Wish the performance was noticeably better also. As an enthusiast, I will probably look elsewhere. As for everyone else, loyal Acura fans will be purchasing for sure.

I know this is an old video but do you guys know anything about the lawsuit against Honda on the tlx transmission? I was looking into a 2015 tlx but I keep reading they have bad transmissions I can't seem to find anything on the outcome.

You took the track Acura and raced a pedestrian Volvo. Try using the R spec awd Volvo. It would ruin that shit Honda

that transmission is pretty sweet i don't know what are u talking about

ill keep my 09 tsx :)

Hope Acura makes a Type-S version of this with the RLX's hybrid system or turbo charged and the concept design. That would be a definite contender for me, as it is it's just OK.

I actually like the gear selectors, didn't know the acura had this. Pretty cool. I imagine someone that doesn't know about it going in the car and saying where the fuck is the stick?

You think a 2016 Acura tlx with 111,000 miles on it for $14,000 is worth buying?

Acura is acura its the love of my life balance elegant power maitnance quality and shape all u need in one car. Ive been trying lexus is 300 and infiniti q50 mercedes c300 bmw 3 series and honest its garbage in front of yhe acura

Turn on dstc.....and why didnt you get the t6 awd......

TLX or 328i, Which is the best buy

I have an 03 Acura cl type s 6 speed, like you said it is fun with a manual transmission :)

Once you referred to the headlights on the TLX as "spider eyes", I didnt care much for the car at that point.......

Very onesided opinionated review the tester seemed predetermined that the Acura is better , he raved about the styling? and interior while omitted to mention the Volvo's attributes. Says a lot about the average American motorist that he is a fully paid up member of the easy to please group who believes in the myth that Japanese cars are so good? In my opinion the Volvo is a far superior car to the Acura, it has a bit more class.

How come y'all didn't show the interior of the Volvo?

The TLX would have been considerably quicker on the track if it didn't have the world's worst tires on it. Acura seems to always put the worst tires on their cars, first the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4, then these Goodyears Eagle LS2. Get it together Acura.

Who was faster in the drag race??

This Acura TLX may be slightly faster then the FWD Acura TL with 285 hp but this model is not faster then the TL SH-AWD, with 306 hp. The SH AWD TL went 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds while this TLX goes 0-60 in about 5.9 seconds.

Lincoln has been doing button transmissions for years tho...

Why won't they come out with a sweet detuned version of the TLX gt race car? TLX-S anyone? Come on Acura!!!!

nice civic..

How is the transmission on it? Good, bad and why? #AcuraTLX

Why not talk about the Volvo's interior/exterior? Why not drive these cars on roads that they were designed for when you even admitted that they aren't made for the track? Both these companies have track cars

Push buttons for transmission?

It seems like deleting the shifter is a mistake. I can see an increase in accidents caused by people looking down to find the buttons.

The fastest sedan is unlikely to be either of these.

Electronic gear selector, its ok. I prefer a stick

My uncle has the 2015 tlx he doesn't have buttons on his transmission.

tlx sounds pretty good

ACURA

This comparison seems unequal. Acura has SHAWD but Volvo doesn’t. While Volvo is turbocharged and the dynamics of the car are very different than Acura.

You compared a FWD car to an awd car

+oldtwins completely disagree. Look at motortrend review for TLX AWD. It is slow at 5.9 and low 14s quarter mile. If this car is 100 or so pounds lighter than TL how is it this slow?

Volvo much better car all the way !!!!

*sigh*. I will miss a manual option on cars.

Awd vs fwd y'all ready know

"And the fastest mid sized sedan is?".. neither of these cars. By a long shot.