Forget the European brands; the driving pleasure you’re looking for can be found in either the Genesis G80 or Acura TLX.
Both of these cars have entered a new generation for the model lineup and bring you excellent luxury qualities that can make your time behind the wheel more enjoyable. The TLX represented the most performance that Acura has ever packed in a sedan, while the G80 continues to get better every year.
Not to Turn You Off, but…
Before we cover some of the features and qualities of each car, we do need to point out that the starting price for the G80 is nearly $10,000 more than the starting price of the TLX. This could be a consideration for you, but when you get down to the brass tacks of the comparison, you’re going to quickly realize that the extra cost is worth what you pay.
Let’s Begin with the Features List
One way to understand why you spend more for the Genesis than for the Acura has to do with looking at the standard features offered. The Acura TLX base model gives you:
• Leatherette upholstery
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• 18-inch wheels
• Moonroof
• Dual-zone climate controls
• Keyless entry
• Push-button starting
• 12-way power/heated front seats
• High-performance tires
• LED headlights
• 7-inch instrument cluster
• Over-the-air updates
• 10-speaker premium audio system
• AcuraWatch safety bundle
When looking at the base model of the Genesis G80, you’ll have:
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED lighting
• High-beam assist
• Leatherette upholstery
• 12-way power/heated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Adaptive cruise control
• Proximity key
• Push-button starting
• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist
• Hands-free decklid release
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• Premium navigation system
• 14.5-inch touchscreen
• 12-speaker audio system
• 8-inch color LCD instrument cluster
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth
• Genesis Connected Services
• Satellite radio
• Over-the-air updates
• Lane-keeping assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward automatic emergency braking
To be Fair…
To be fair to both cars, we must tell you what comes in the AcuraWatch package. This safety package includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver-attention monitor, pedestrian detection, and Traffic Jam Assist. When added to the roster of standard features, you see both cars have an excellent roster of safety items for you to enjoy.
Sporty Sedans, Power Compared
If you’re looking for either of these two cars to be the sports sedan you love to push hard when you see some open road in front of you, you’ll want to know how much power you’ve got for your drive.
Acura TLX
The TLX is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. Both use a ten-speed automatic transmission to deliver power to the wheels. The smaller engine gives you 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, while the larger engine offers 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. You can have the base powertrain in either FWD or AWD, and the upgraded system is only offered in an AWD layout.
Genesis G80
The G80 also offers you a pair of engines that mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model that makes 300 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. Move to the larger engine, and you have a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that brings you 375 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. The G80 is offered in RWD or AWD with either powertrain.
Excellent Comfort for Your Drive
Both of these cars are high-class luxury sedans that can make your drive wonderful. One way that’s accomplished is through comfortable cabin areas.
The Acura allows you to know that what you see is real. You’ll find wood and metal trim in the cabin, along with some impressive materials covering the seats. There’s ample room for you and your passengers to have a comfortable ride.
Moving to the Genesis, you’ll see a car that offers a minimalistic interior design with a sense of serenity throughout the cabin. The clean look and upscale materials make it easy for you to have the quality and comfort you’re looking for when behind the wheel.
Which Car Should You Drive?
If the price isn’t a factor in your decision, you’ll likely want to take the Genesis G80 home with you. The G80 is more powerful, has more features, and offers you a clean look for you to enjoy. Does that mean you should turn your back on the Acura TLX? Not at all. The TLX is an excellent vehicle with impressive luxury qualities that could put a smile on your face.
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