The 2016 Acura TLX 2WD with its 3.5L V6 gets 25 MPG combined. It’s a comfortable, well-equipped sedan for drivers who want a smooth, responsive engine and a touch of luxury without spending too much. The fuel economy is a reasonable trade-off for the V6’s performance and refinement.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Acura TLX 2WD 3.5L are 21 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s workload in stop-and-go traffic, which is common for most commuters. The 34 MPG highway rating is where this TLX excels. The nine-speed automatic transmission (S9) helps keep the engine in its optimal range at cruising speeds, contributing to the respectable highway fuel economy. Acura buyers who spend a lot of time on interstates value this rating for long-distance comfort and cost savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Acura TLX 2WD 3.5L at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy often changes. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will all decrease MPG. Gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve, or even exceed, the EPA estimates. Owners who want better fuel efficiency tend to see numbers closer to the EPA’s, while those who enjoy the V6’s power more frequently may experience slightly lower MPG. Car owners find that the TLX comfortably provides the estimated MPG or better when driven with fuel economy in mind.

How it compares

The 2016 Acura TLX 2WD 3.5L’s fuel efficiency is in the middle compared to its rivals. The 2016 Lexus ES 350 offers a similar driving experience with roughly comparable fuel economy, rated at 21 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway. However, some competitors focus on fuel efficiency more. The 2016 BMW 328i with its turbocharged four-cylinder gets a higher EPA rating, at 24 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway. This is important to buyers weighing performance against economy. The BMW costs more. This TLX is a good, cheaper option for most car owners.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The nine-speed automatic transmission in the TLX is designed to get the best fuel economy, and you can improve it even more. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard, because these actions force the transmission to downshift and waste fuel. A smoother, more gradual approach will produce better results.

Regular maintenance is important for keeping good fuel economy. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Schedule regular oil changes using the recommended synthetic oil to make sure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. You can find all Acura fuel economy data on this site, along with other great resources, such as TLX MPG across all years.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes acceleration and deceleration, which leads to better fuel efficiency. Be aware of excessive idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turning off the engine is generally more fuel-efficient.

Use fewer accessories that strain the engine. Air conditioning, in particular, can significantly reduce fuel economy, especially in city driving. When possible, use the recirculation function to cool the cabin more efficiently, or open the windows when it’s appropriate.