Hello, someone I know is looking at buying a new vehicle this year. They are looking at the 2021 Acura TLX and the 2021 Lexus IS 300. Both of these cars have 4 cylinder turbocharged engines, which I know Scotty isn’t a fan of. It looks like the only naturally aspirated ones are the 6 cylinders, but I could only find those in AWD. Are these these cars worth buying with a turbocharger? Thanks
If they keep their vehicles forever, get the Lexus.
If they keep their vehicles <15yrs/150,000 miles, get the Acura.
The Acura may need more maintenance than the Lexus, as she begins to age.
As for turbochargers, Honda & Toyota have yet to have serious problems with them. Just change the oil religiously as clean oil is the best way to increase longevity of the turbo.
For 150k miles of ownership, the Acura. For 300k+ miles, the Lexus.
I almost bought a TLX instead of my Accord. But the engine in the Accord 2.0T Sport is essentially the same and the price was a lot better than the TLX.
I looked at Lexus, particularly the ES F-Sport, but too rich for my blood.
For the Lexus IS, the 2.0L Turbo 4 cylinder engine (8AR-FTS) has been used since MY 2016 and other Lexus applications (NX, GS, RX, RC) since MY 2015. So it’s been out for at least 5 years and I haven’t really heard of any issues. It also uses both port and direct injection so you don’t have to worry about carbon buildup on the back of the intake valves. Additionally, it is mated to the true and tried Aisin 8-speed AT (out since MY 2014).
As for the Acura TLX, the 2.0 turbo 4 cylinder (K20C6 engine specifically) is making its debut for the 2021 TLX but it shares the same internals as the 2.0 Turbo 4 (K20C4) in the Accord and RDX (since MY 2018); however, some of those had oil dilution (not as bad as the 1.5 Turbo 4) and they are direct injection only (so susceptible to carbon buildup). Also it is mated to the Honda designed 10-speed AT which has been out since MY 2018 (in Odyssey and the Pilot).
Between the two, and if planning to keep for a long time, I’d recommend the Lexus just because it’s engine and transmission technology has had longer to mature and work out the kinks, and also you don’t have to worry about carbon buildup on the back of the intake valves (since it has both port and direct injection); additionally, it has the Aisin 8 speed AT which is also true and tried and with fewer gears than the Acura TLX should hold up better over time.
Having said all that, the Turbo 4 won’t last as long as a NA V6 since it has more complexity - example the Turbo 4 has 3 thermostats!! For the IS, if budget permits I would recommend going to the IS 350 which has NA V6 in RWD. (I realize the IS 300 with NA V6 comes in AWD with 6-speed).
I much prefer NA, but if I am getting a car with a turbo, Toyota and Honda would be my first choice.
Or Acura and Lexus in this case.
I would go for the Acura TLX. Hondas turbo 4 engines are really good - it’s the same basic engine that’s used in the Civic Type R. Between the new TLX and IS, I would go for the Acura. The TLX is all new for 2021 with great technology and a brand new interior and exterior. The Lexus IS got an exterior refresh, but the interior is basically the same as it was 7 years ago when the current IS launched. You’re getting a better overall car in the Acura with a more modern interior and nicer features.
The Lexus would be more reliable.
