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Acura prefers to use packages where other manufacturers offer trim levels, and so the different packages offered for the 2017 ILX compact luxury sedan are comprehensive. Overall, the ILX comes with four package options, including one that adds to either the Premium or Technology Plus packages and two starting packages you can choose separately. Standard Without any extra packages, the 2017 Acura ILX still has plenty to offer. There's the advanced 2.4-liter I4 engine that offers 201 horsepower, the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the Jewel Eye full LED headlights. The ILX also comes with a smart keyless entry system, and based on which key fob opens the driver's side the side mirrors, driver's seat, and climate control system will all readjust to meet the preferences of the fob's holder. more AcuraWatch Plus AcuraWatch Plus is a simple package upgrade that adds a few driver assistance features and not much else. These systems include adaptive cruise control, a Lane Keeping Assist System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, and a Collision Mitigation Braking System. That last feature is particularly important, because if the system detects a serious chance of an accident, it will first warn the driver and then start braking automatically if the driver doesn't or can't react fast enough. Premium The Premium Package adds a lot of luxury, like perforated Milano leather, an advanced seven-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch display for the infotainment screen instead of the standard 5-inch display. The new system also gets a few extra functions, like SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and the Aha app. The system can also work with the AcuraLink iPhone navigation app so you can use voice commands to set up a route even without a built-in navigation system. You don't need the AcuraWatch Plus Package to get the Premium Package. Technology Plus The Technology Plus Package comes with everything in the AcuraWatch Plus and Premium packages, and it adds a few new items of its own. This includes a built-in navigation system, which can receive real-time traffic updates and change your route on the fly to avoid the worst of it. It also adds GPS-linked climate control, which uses a solar sensor and the GPS signal to find out how bright the sun is and what angle it's at compared to the car. Using this information, the system directs cold air to the hottest parts of the car to even out the temperature. A-SPEC You can add the A-SPEC package to either the Premium or Technology Plus packages. In both cases, the package adds a few cosmetic changes like 18-inch wheels specially designed to reduce noise, a race-inspired interior, new side sills, fog lights, and an A-SPEC rear spoiler. The A-SPEC trim doesn't make a big impact on your performance, but it does make a definite fashion statement. With five customization options (counting the unchanged Standard option), the ILX gives luxury car shoppers a good opportunity to choose just how much they're ready to pay for a luxury sedan and all the high-quality features that come with it. Image via Acura.com

Sun City Craft Beer Festival Thanks to the growing popularity of microbreweries and craft beers, someone came up with the idea to hold a one-day festival on the last Saturday of April from 1 to 8 p.m. so attendees can sample them all. On the day in question, visitors age 21 and up can visit the Sun City Craft Beer Festival and sample any of 150 different brews from 60 different breweries, most of which are small and local to the area. Along with that, attendees can enjoy live music on two stages, food truck fare, some unusual games, and beer-brewing workshops. General admission is $30, with $80 for VIP tickets and $10 for alcohol-free admission. The event takes place at the Convention Center Plaza. more La Vina Spring Festival La Vina is a winery that sits just across the border from El Paso in New Mexico, and twice each year it puts on a festival to celebrate and promote its wine along with other Southwestern wineries. The spring event takes place on the fourth weekend of April from noon to 7 p.m. on both days, and you can catch some live music between tastings. Tickets cost $20 for an adult of drinking age (since they include up to nine free tastings) or $10 for younger guests. Tequila, Taco, and Cerveza Fest The Tequila, Taco, and Cerveza Fest is a special festival that organizers put on in cities throughout Texas, New Mexico and Southern California. El Paso is one such city, and it'll take its turn on the first Saturday of May. The goal of the festival is the same as the Sun City Craft Beer Festival -- to introduce people to all the unique local flavors of tequila, Mexican beers, and tacos. The event takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Cohen Stadium, and general admission is just $12. Other activities include mariachi music and chihuahua racing. El Paso Ice Cream Festival There's no doubt that ice cream is a valuable commodity in the heat of a desert summer, so it's no wonder El Paso hosts an Ice Cream Festival on the first Sunday of July. The event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Cohen Stadium, and advance general admission tickets cost only $10 each, including a complimentary sweet treat and plenty of ice cream tastings. Also, because the festival happens in early July, it wraps up with a fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. The people of El Paso regularly celebrate the food and drinks made right in their own backyards, whether they happen to be alcoholic or not. From sweet treats that fight the summer heat to new variations on classic Mexican tacos, El Paso's food festivals will not disappoint your taste buds. Image via Pixabay.com

2.4-Liter 8-Speed DCT with P-AWS The first powertrain option comes with a smaller but more efficient four-cylinder engine that displaces 2.4 liters. This engine offers 206 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 182 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. That's a good amount of power from a normally aspirated engine, but that's just the start. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The high gear count gives the TLX a smooth, efficient acceleration whether you're going fast or slow, and the dual clutch cuts down on the time spent moving between gears. The last aspect of this drivetrain is Precision All-Wheel Steering (P-AWS), a technology that's practically unique to Acura: P-AWS lets all four tires turn with the steering wheel instead of just the front pair. They even change the direction they turn based on the car's speed. When moving slowly, P-AWS turns the back wheels the other way so the TLX can make tighter turns. At high speeds, the rear tires move with the front ones to make the car more stable on high-speed turns. more 3.5-Liter 9-Speed AT with P-AWS The first powertrain option switches out the inline-four engine with a more powerful V6 that can get 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. That's a significant power boost, although the larger engine with more cylinders lowers the TLX's fuel efficiency. With it comes a nine-speed automatic transmission, and although it doesn't have the shifting speed of a dual clutch, it delivers a smooth acceleration. It also comes with a special electronic gear selector that lets you choose between drive, reverse, park, and neutral just by pressing the right button. 3.5-Liter 9-Speed AT with SH-AWD The last powertrain option for the 2017 TLX comes with the same engine and gearbox, but it switches out the P-AWS system with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Not only does this AWD system improve traction on wet, slippery, and snowy roads, it can also deliver as much torque to the road as possible when accelerating on a dry track. Under normal driving conditions, 90 percent of the engine's power goes to the front wheels to keep things efficient, but it will send up to 45 percent of the torque to the rear wheels during a sharp acceleration thanks to the moving center of gravity. That number can go up to 70 percent to keep the wheels planted when you're navigating a sharp curve. All three powertrains for the 2017 Acura TLX can deliver a great performance, although you have to balance how much of a performance you can afford to buy. Still, even those who stick with the four-cylinder engine get to have fun with P-AWS. Image via Acura.com

El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmers Market With the mild temperatures in the winter, El Paso residents and visitors can visit the El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmers market all year. This market opened in 2011 and now offers regionally grown fruits and vegetables, food from local farmers, arts and crafts from locals, food vending, and live entertainment. The market takes place at the Union Plaza district every Saturday and offers activities for the entire family to enjoy. more Ardovino's Desert Crossing Farmers Market Running ten years strong, Ardovino's Desert Crossing Farmers Market runs from Memorial Day through the fall. It's open every Saturday from 7:30 AM to 12 PM and offers bread, produce, dairy, honey, cookies, and much more, all from local artists and farmers. You'll also find handmade arts and crafts at this farmers market. Visitors can't get enough of the local produce, burritos, and —get this — the Vintage Coffeestream with coffee and homemade pastries. La Vina Winery Farmers Market If you're looking for something a little different, head to La Vina Winery for their Sunday market. The winery hosts a farmers' market that is both pet-friendly and family friendly on their 24-acre vineyard. Enjoy over 20 wines for tasting and food and organic produce. The market is hosted every Sunday at the winery from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market Although it's about a 40-minute drive, it's definitely worth making the trip to visit Las Cruces Farmers' and Crafts Market. Over 300 vendors regularly attend the farmers' markets, looking for local produce like pecans, and honey. This famous market started in 1971 and is still going strong. You can also enjoy live music and handmade crafts while drinking a cup of local coffee and enjoying a wood-fired bagel. Monticello Farmer's Market Although it's not as big as some of the other markets around El Paso, the Monticello Farmers' Market shouldn't be overlooked. The market offers over 25 vendors, with live music and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The vendors include fresh organic fruits and vegetables along with other foods and handmade crafts. Farmer's Markets are a great place to get organic fruits and vegetables without paying the supermarket prices. You will be surprised all the interesting and unique gifts you can find for your friends or families or new additions to your home. You will support small, local businesses, and enjoy the experience of spending the day with others shopping and checking out all the things the markets have to offer. Image via Pixabay.com

For car buyers looking for a higher performance luxury crossover, the 2017 Acura RDX may be the best fit. It's the entry level crossover for those who appreciate what the Acura brand has to offer in performance, style and comfort. Here are five reasons you should consider buying the 2017 Acura RDX. Powerful V-6 Engine The 2017 Acura RDX has stellar performance features, including its engine. The powerful V-6 engine combined with strong torque and high horsepower means that you can get where you're going quickly with a great driving experience. Many crossovers manufactured by competitors of Acura use a V-4 engine in their compact crossover models. This isn't the case with the 2017 Acura RDX, which prioritizes power and performance over a smaller, less expensive engine. more In-Demand Safety Features The 2017 Acura RDX has the in-demand safety features that consumers want in their crossovers. First, this model is a Top Safety Pick, so you can rest assured that you're driving one of the safest models currently available and on the road. Second, new technology works to make this Acura model even safer. For instance, front and rear parking sensors help you see items or people that may be in a blind spot or otherwise out of view. You'll feel confident backing up knowing that there's nothing behind you. Many of these safety features come standard, so you won't have to pay to upgrade your car to have access to them. Quiet Interior Cabin The 2017 Acura RDX features a quiet interior cabin that minimizes outside noises, which makes for a more pleasant drive for you and your passengers. You'll be able to truly enjoy your music blasting from high quality speakers. Plus, you won't hear the car's engine working while you're inside the car. This ensures that you can talk clearly on your smartphone using the car's built-in hands-free setting. When you become used to a quiet interior cabin, you'll really notice how loud your past car actually was. Sharp Handling and Performance As a company, Acura has long been known for manufacturing a wide range of luxury vehicles with sharp handling and performance. The 2017 Acura RDX isn't different. It's smooth ride and ability to make tight turns help keep your family safer. You'll be able to maneuver through heavy traffic and overcrowded parking lots. Compact Size One of the best reasons to own a compact vehicle is its small size. Compact cars are easier to park, even in parking garages and compact spaces. The 2017 Acura RDX is compact and easy to park. You won't have to compromise and settle for a larger vehicle to have the benefits of a crossover. With the 2017 Acura RDX, you can have both. The 2017 Acura RDX is a solid choice for a luxury crossover. It has the features, performance, and power you'd expect from an Acura at an entry-level price. To truly experience the Acura RDX, it's worth seeing it for yourself at a dealership. Image via Acura.com

Some people think it's imperative to wash your vehicle regularly. Others think car washes are a waste of money and that new paint technology means it is an outdated practice. Neither of these perspectives is quite true. You do need to clean the exterior and interior of your car for many reasons, aside from just driving a nice looking car. Fortunately, you don't need to wash it constantly or pay for expensive hand car wash services, either. Here are some of the benefits of regularly washing your car. Prevent Rust Rust can form on your vehicle's body and its undercarriage if the car isn't washed regularly. Washing your car's exterior and undercarriage removes debris, dirt, and chemicals that can easily corrode or otherwise damage your exterior. It is worthwhile to wash off any debris from your car to protect it debris slowly wearing away the paint finish. If you use an automated car wash, make sure it washes your undercarriage. If you use a pay-to-use self car wash, make sure to do it your self. more Preserve Your Paint Job Even with specialty sealants and coatings, the paint on your car won't last forever if you don't take care of it. Acidic rain, chemicals from the road, and dirt slowly wear down the protective coating on your vehicle. Washing your car can remove these elements and keep your paint looking good. It is much more expensive to have your car repainted than to wash your car often enough to preserve its paint. Make Your Car Look Newer Over the years, debris, pollen, and chemicals stick to your car. If you never wash it, this will age your car and damage your paint job. When you resell your car, it will look like an older model. Unfortunately, a thorough washing before you sell your car won't be enough to hide years of not washing it. Even if you're not planning on selling your car now, you never know what you might do in the future. Go ahead and regularly get your car cleaned, even if it's just a high pressure wash and rinse. It will be worth it in the long run. Save Money on Waxing When you buy a new car, you should ask the automotive dealership how to properly wash it and then read through the manual. Some vehicles no longer need to be waxed. Doing so is a waste of money and could potentially damage your paint, depending on what its care instructions are. These are just some of the reasons that it's worth regularly washing your car. You don't need to spend a lot of time or money to do it. You can have your car cleaned in an automatic car wash, a self-service car wash, or in your front yard with a hose. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can pay a professional to detail your car. Regular washing will make a difference in the performance and look of your car. Image via Pixabay.com

Sunland Derby The beginning of spring also brings preparations for the Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest horse races in the world. To prepare, many of the leading contenders start at the Sunland Derby to break in new horses and test them to see where they can improve. If you like horse racing, take your family to see the Sunland Derby. Racers compete for a $900,000 prize and an early lead on winning the Kentucky Derby. Check out Sunland Park's website for more information about its other events. Throughout the spring, Sunland Park hosts concerts and other events. more Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration In the spring, several local groups get together to host the Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration to celebrate the blooming of the poppies each year. The celebration includes a variety of events grouped together for one larger festival. If you like being in nature or learning about animals, there are a variety of educational events to teach you about local plants and wildlife. Every event is free to the public, so it is a great event to take your family to after a long winter. El Paso Comic Con If you are ready for a big comic adventure, then take your family to El Paso Comic Con. It's being held at the El Paso convention center and is one of the biggest events of the spring. You'll see a wide range of people and costumes from some of the biggest comic and cartoon series. It's common for people to come dressed as their favorite characters. You're even likely to see entire families in ensemble costumes with a high level of quality and accuracy; you and your family should try it at least once in your lives. Just be sure to check the convention's website for costume rules. Security on such events has increased over the past several years, and you'll want to be sure that your costume is compliant before you invest in making it. Mighty Mujer Triathlon It's usually harder to exercise outside in the winter, even in a warmer climate like Texas. If you are looking for a great way to motivate yourself to get back into shape, try the Mighty Mujer Triathlon. Every spring, the triathlon makes offers a great way to test your fitness and motivate you to improve your health throughout the year. Contestants can sign up on the event's website. Spring is a great time to try new things and make positive life changes for you and your family. Various groups around El Paso, TX are always creating new events or hosting established ones every year. Try some of these events if you are looking for something different to try this spring. Image via Pixabay.com

A Penchant for Entertainment Acura has teamed up with a variety of entertainment icons over time. One of the sponsors of the Sundance Film Festival in past years, Acura has also had a professional association since 2010 with Marvel Entertainment. Think you've seen your Acura on the big screen? Acura models have appeared in a few different Marvel movies, including The Avengers, Captain America, and Thor. more The Brand's Base Torrance, California and the Honda Headquarters is the home to Acura's headquarters. Acura is the luxury vehicle segment of Hondo Motor Company, an automaker giant out of Japan. In fact, Acura's logo, which was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, is both a stylized A for Acura and a skewed H for Honda. The logo was originally authorized before Soichiro Honda approved it, and it didn't have the small horizontal bar that now joins the two vertical pillars to form the letter H shape. Soichiro Honda then ordered that the 5,000 badges that had already been produced be destroyed, including pulling of the badges that were on some 300 cars. Some Unique Models Various Acura models have noteworthy distinctions. The NSX, also known as the "New Sports eXperimental," was the first car in the world produced entirely with aluminum. That material explains its other billing: "Everyday Supercar." The Interga of the 1990s was popular among young mechanics back then because it was easy to tune, and many saw it as the best "tuner car." Beyond trivia fact, take note that the TL and TSX are some of the companies bestselling vehicles. The TSX even appeared on "Car and Driver's" top ten list for four years as a result. Additionally, Kiplinger's Personal Finance awarded the Acura MDX the Best Value title for large crossover vehicles in 2014. For consumers, this means the MDX doesn't degrade or depreciate as quickly as other cars out there. Story of Success Acura appeared in the United States and Canadian markets for the first time in 1986. It was the first luxury Japanese brand available to the public, and the brand has found great automotive success since then. Though the 90s saw a slight dip in sales, the 21st-century thrust Acura back into the spotlight with its popularity. An emphasis on top-tier design and affordable luxury made Acura a pillar of automotive ingenuity. Acura has stayed in the limelight ever since with its accessible and stylish offerings. Performance, innovation, and luxury are at the heart of the Acura brand. Acura constantly updates its models with the best craftsmanship and technology available. But the brand has a fun side too and has been a part of many things you might not have expected. Image via Acura.com

Barbecue Is a Food Staple Regardless of where you live in Texas, you're sure to find barbecue around every corner. From Black's Barbecue in Lockhart to Bill Miller Bar-B-Q in the Texas Hill Country, there's certainly no shortage of quality meats in the state. After all, you haven't truly experienced all Texas has to offer until you've tasted the savory brisket, ribs, and barbecue chicken that make up its signature cuisine. more The Weather Is Unpredictable Here in Texas, it's pretty common to have hot, humid temperatures one day and cold, windy temperatures the next. This is especially true for some areas, such as Amarillo and Dallas, that rank highest on the list of Texas cities with the most unpredictable weather. While it's normal to experience low temperatures in the winter, cities such as McAllen get an average high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit in December. So for those who aren't used to the cooler climates, readings in the mid-60s can feel pretty chilly and warrant a jacket and gloves. That's Texas weather for you. Driving for Hours Doesn't Always Take You Very Far You know how they say everything's bigger in Texas? Well, that even holds true for the distance you must travel to actually leave the state. That's why it's easier to measure driving distances in hours rather than miles. In fact, just getting from east (Texarkana) to west (El Paso) would take you around 11 and a half hours! Rodeos Are a Big Deal You can't visit the Lone Star State without heading to a rodeo. You also won't have to look very far to find cowboy hats and boots to match. In fact, most major cities in the state host their own annual rodeo, where activities range from competitive bull riding to live music performances. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the most popular in the state and garners over 1 million visitors each year. It features events such as team roping, bull riding, and a star-filled concert, so grab the family and experience for yourself what makes Texas rodeos so fun. Texas Has a Diverse Population The languages and cultures of Texas are broad and span across the entire state. On the eastern side bordering Louisiana, you may encounter a few French-speaking residents, while Spanish is commonly spoken in the towns near the Texas-Mexico border. Additionally, the semi-tropical climate of the Rio Grande Valley is a popular hotspot for Winter Texans, who travel from northern U.S. states and Canada to enjoy the mild temperatures of the South. With its growing African-American, Anglo, Asian, and Latino populations, it's no surprise that Houston wins the title of most ethnically diverse city in America. As a Texas native, there are plenty of things you've come to expect over the years. Which ones top your list as the most interesting? Image via Pixabay.com

The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan that offers a fun driving experience and a comfortable ride.  Acura kept the 2017 ILX the same as the 2016 model since it received a significant upgrade. Here are some things you'll love about the 2017 Acura ILX. The Trim Levels There are plenty of options and packages to choose from with the ILX. The base model comes standard with a sunroof, heated mirrors, and keyless entry. Add the AcuraWatch Plus package for active safety features such as forward collision warning. The Premium package takes the base and adds perforated leather seats, driver memory settings, and a larger information display. You can also add the Technology Plus package and the A-Spec package for even more features. more The Engine The ILX comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Acura pairs this with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The design of this transmission takes a manual and automates it to make the shifting quicker, and Acura adds a torque converter to the mix to make it operate even smoother. Driving Performance You can choose among several driving modes depending on road conditions and your driving style. The Sport mode is quick but still shifts smoothly through the gears, and the suspension works to smooth out road imperfections. You can take this little sedan around town while you do errands, or bring it up on a curvy mountain road and it will provide a fun ride. The ILX delivers an impressive 29 mpg combined fuel efficiency, with 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Technology There is a lot to love about the technology and features available in the ILX. Add the Premium and Tech Plus packages for a larger touch-screen display on the center stack with a split screen design. You'll be able to see your audio and navigation at the same time. Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all models, including the base, along with a USB port for iPods and other devices for integrating Pandora and Siri Eyes Free. Bump up to the Premium package for satellite radio and the Aha radio app. The Technology Plus package gives you a 10-speaker audio system with voice commands and a navigation system. Safety The ILX with the AcuraWatch Plus Package has many safety features to love. This combination comes with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking for front collision mitigation, and lane departure warning along with lane keep assist. All models come standard with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control, and you'll also get front-seat side air bags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is a standard feature in all models. There is a lot to love about the ILX, whether you are looking for luxury features at an affordable price or a sedan with a distinct look and plenty of room inside for passengers and cargo. Image via Acura.com

Natural Bridge Caverns Located just outside of San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is a tourist hotspot. It's one of the largest caverns in Texas and was formed around 20 million years ago from faults and underground water, which carved out the passages visitors see today. You'll marvel at the numerous layers of limestone that encompass this natural beauty. There are plenty of onsite activities as well, including Discovery and Adventure tours, an open-air maze, mining for gems and fossils, ziplining, and the opportunity to see the world's largest bat flight. Book a school or group tour, visit the gift shop, and pick up a souvenir photo to commemorate your visit. more Caddo Lake State Park Nestled in Karnack, Texas, is Caddo Lake State Park, where you'll find beautiful cypress trees, Spanish moss, and a slew of waterways. The lake itself is home to more than 70 fish species and is one of the few natural lakes in the state. It reaches a depth of around eight to 10 feet and is perfect for fishing. This park encompasses 26,810 acres and offers activities such as paddling, hiking, picnicking, and boating. If you're looking to stay the night, you can also take advantage of the 46 campsites and historic cabins available. Padre Island National Seashore Padre Island National Seashore is considered the world's largest undeveloped barrier island and spans 70 miles along the Texas coastline, separating the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre. Located on North Padre Island, about 25 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, this seashore is a safe haven for the Kemp's ridley sea turtle and almost 400 bird species. The brilliant blue waters and serene environment make it perfect for a summer getaway. Hueco Tanks State Park Located just over 30 miles north of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park offered sanctuary for ancient Native Americans who survived the dry temperatures of the land by collecting the rainwater nestled in the basins, or "huecos." Today you can explore boulders adorned with pictographs dating back thousands of years and learn more about the park's history with a trip to the interpretive center. Visitors can explore all that this 860.3-acre area has to offer by hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching as well as taking advantage of the self-guided tours, 20 campsites, and gift shop. Hamilton Pool Preserve The Hamilton Pool Preserve dates back thousands of years and was formed when the upper surface of an underground river collapsed. It can be found in Dripping Springs, Texas, and offers tourists a gorgeous pool with a shaded area, a 50-foot waterfall that cascades down into the canyon, and a glimpse at the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, wildflowers, and rare plant species native to the area. If you don't feel like swimming, you can enjoy a nice picnic or strap on your boots and go for a hike. With so much to explore across Texas, which natural attraction will you visit first? Image via Pixabay.com

1. Size and Exterior Styles The TLX is longer and wider than other vehicles in its class, giving passengers extra room to spread out. This compact sedan offers nearly the same amount of space you'd get in a midsize vehicle. It comes in three trim levels, starting with the base, which includes LED headlights, heated side mirrors and a sunroof. Opt for the Technology and Advance trims if you want more features. more 2. Engine and Performance You get a choice between two engines with the TLX. First, there is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. Acura pairs this with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission for quicker shifting, and it has front-wheel drive. There is also a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. If you want the Advance package, you need to choose the V6 engine, but you can get the Technology package with either engine. 3. Safety Features You'll find plenty of safety features in the TLX. It comes standard with anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control. It is fully equipped with air bags, and it comes with a multiview rear camera. You can add additional safety systems, such as pre-tensioning front seat belts and both front and rear parking sensors. Other active safety features including blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert and mitigation. 4. Technology The infotainment system in the TLX features a dual-screen design. It has a lower screen that allows you to control the radio and climate inside the car, while another screen above it displays vehicle status information and the navigation map. All models come with Bluetooth connectivity and keyless ignition, and the standard audio system comes with satellite radio and USB connections. You can add Siri Eyes Free, and the Technology Package gives you rain-sensing wipers along with the added safety technology. 5. Interior A good reason to upgrade to the TLX is the amount of space in the cabin. This vehicle has more room than other cars in the compact segment, with plenty of legroom for backseat passengers. All seats are comfortable, and the rear seats are plush with the seatbacks set at a nice angle. You'll find 13.2 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, providing plenty of room for gear if you need to pack for a weekend getaway or just bring groceries home. These are a few reasons to upgrade to the 2017 Acura TLX. This compact sedan packs a big punch, from its sporty look to the available V6 engine with plenty of power. You'll also get the latest safety technology if you choose the Technology package. Image via Acura.com