The 2016 Acura TLX nudges the brand toward the sportier cars it launched with, back in the Integra days, but Honda's premium brand still doesn't compete straight across with German luxury vehicles of the same size.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a new take on luxury that's been a hit due to its excellent styling and array of features, even if its back seat is pretty useless for adults.
The Audi A4 is a perennial favorite for buyers who need all-wheel drive and want a luxury pedigree, though it's about to be replaced with an all-new version.
The mid-size Lincoln MKZ looks modern, handles decently, and is the car keeping its struggling brand afloat by offering premium--if not quite luxury--appeal.
Finally, the striking Chrysler 200 has a dramatic design and the same choice of a four or a V-6 under the hood, though its nine-speed transmission continues to be a problem.
Still, the Chrysler's lower price may balance out its less premium badge, though we're not sure how many buyers will cross-shop the two.
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 2016 Acura TLXBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2016 Chrysler 200Browse Used Listings |  2016 Lincoln MKZBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2016 Acura TLX is light on luxury feel, but it has great interior space, lots of technology, and in its base version, supremely enjoyable performance and handling. |
The 2016 Audi A4 is still a handsome, strong competitor with solid fuel economy and good power from its lone engine, even as the current generation comes to a close. |
The 2016 Chrysler 200 stands out for style, safety, and V-6 power—but rear-seat head room is its downfall. |
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ is missing some heritage, but this luxury sedan is no longer missing the sportier new direction that could do this brand some good. |
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA is tight on rear-seat space, and on value—but long on style and in AMG trim, explosive performance. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $31,695 | $35,900 | $22,115 | $35,190 | $32,050 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 21 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan FWD | CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan LX FWD | 4-Door Sedan FWD | 4-Door Sedan CLA 250 FWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | FrontTrak Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Acura TLX vs. 2016 Audi A4 | 2016 Acura TLX vs. 2016 Chrysler 200 | 2016 Acura TLX vs. 2016 Lincoln MKZ | 2016 Acura TLX vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | |
