Many people are interested in 0-60mph timing, road handling, braking, etc., and there are lots of other posts discussing these items. This comparison deals mainly with non driving items between, and is based on my previous '06 3G TL and my new TLX V6 Elite.
Improvements on the TLX:
- Sunroof shade slides much more smoothly
- Door locks control removed from top rear part of the door to beside the door lever
- The height of the passenger seat can be adjusted
- The seats feel more comfortable and the leather is smoother
- The head restraints are more comfortable (no issue with their positioning)
- Interior material feels/looks nicer
- Frame-less rearview mirror
- The drivers mat has easy to access locks rather than hard to reach hooks
- The glove compartment shelf can be removed
- Two tier compartment in front of the gear selector for phone or iPod (instead of two small storage areas)
- Cassette tape eliminated and replaced with iPod/USB port and AUX port
- Navigation seriously upgraded (faster, 3D, voice controlled but cannot do full address entry on the Canadian model
- Capless fuel filler
- Average MPG displayed to one decimal point
- Cruise control speed digitally displayed
- Tire repair kit and no donut/jack (some may think this is a downgrade)
- External body shape is a nice evolution from the 3G
- Two integrated remotes, both with remote start buttons
There are many new tech and nanny features on the TLX, e.g,
- ACC, CMBS, RDM, LDW, BSI, and FCW
- LED headlights
- HDD music storage
- Auto-dimming drivers side wing mirror
- Outer part of drivers side wing mirror is convex (not necessarily good)
- Shift paddles on steering wheel
Better features on the TL:
- The centre armrest is adjustable, but not on the TLX, and the TLX storage compartment has only one section (more moving parts to squeek)
- The front door pockets are adjustable
- Plays DVD-A CD's, TLX does not
- 6-disk CD changer vs single CD player on TLX
- Cargo net is an option, but only cargo hooks as an option with the TLX
For normal driving the TLX is much smoother (comfortable on poor road surfaces), better gas mileage, and a lot quieter.
On paper the TL has slightly more room than the TLX, but the TLX feels bigger both on the inside and outside, and is heavier.
For me this is clearly a major step up from the 3G TL, and I cannot comment on the 4G TL as I have never driven, explored or wanted one. This review should be helpful to all those 3G TL owners who are thinking about a replacement. I am not in a position to compare the TLX to the outgoing TSX.
Ps. The TLX cost me slightly less than the 3G TL nine years ago.
Improvements on the TLX:
- Sunroof shade slides much more smoothly
- Door locks control removed from top rear part of the door to beside the door lever
- The height of the passenger seat can be adjusted
- The seats feel more comfortable and the leather is smoother
- The head restraints are more comfortable (no issue with their positioning)
- Interior material feels/looks nicer
- Frame-less rearview mirror
- The drivers mat has easy to access locks rather than hard to reach hooks
- The glove compartment shelf can be removed
- Two tier compartment in front of the gear selector for phone or iPod (instead of two small storage areas)
- Cassette tape eliminated and replaced with iPod/USB port and AUX port
- Navigation seriously upgraded (faster, 3D, voice controlled but cannot do full address entry on the Canadian model
- Capless fuel filler
- Average MPG displayed to one decimal point
- Cruise control speed digitally displayed
- Tire repair kit and no donut/jack (some may think this is a downgrade)
- External body shape is a nice evolution from the 3G
- Two integrated remotes, both with remote start buttons
There are many new tech and nanny features on the TLX, e.g,
- ACC, CMBS, RDM, LDW, BSI, and FCW
- LED headlights
- HDD music storage
- Auto-dimming drivers side wing mirror
- Outer part of drivers side wing mirror is convex (not necessarily good)
- Shift paddles on steering wheel
Better features on the TL:
- The centre armrest is adjustable, but not on the TLX, and the TLX storage compartment has only one section (more moving parts to squeek)
- The front door pockets are adjustable
- Plays DVD-A CD's, TLX does not
- 6-disk CD changer vs single CD player on TLX
- Cargo net is an option, but only cargo hooks as an option with the TLX
For normal driving the TLX is much smoother (comfortable on poor road surfaces), better gas mileage, and a lot quieter.
On paper the TL has slightly more room than the TLX, but the TLX feels bigger both on the inside and outside, and is heavier.
For me this is clearly a major step up from the 3G TL, and I cannot comment on the 4G TL as I have never driven, explored or wanted one. This review should be helpful to all those 3G TL owners who are thinking about a replacement. I am not in a position to compare the TLX to the outgoing TSX.
Ps. The TLX cost me slightly less than the 3G TL nine years ago.