Edmunds Review 2016 Acura Tlx Technology Package Review

2021 Acura TLX Test Drive Review: A-Spectacular Improvement

The Acura TLX first arrived in 2014 when Acura decided to merge the TL and TSX models into one. Sadly, the resulting car never lived up to the reputation prepare by either and ended up forgotten against about of its sedan contemporaries. For 2021, Acura is back with an all-new second-generation TLX. It rides on a new platform and uses the aforementioned Honda Civic Type R-derived 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Acura volition fifty-fifty bring back the legendary Type S name with a new turbocharged V6 variant.

Similar its forebears, the TL and TSX, the 2021 Acura TLX loosely competes with other luxury sedans like the Audi A4, BMW iii Series, and Volvo S60. While many of the competitors enter the fray with rear-wheel-drive, the TLX drives the front wheels or all wheels optionally. Acura has positioned the new TLX to experience slightly larger than a 3 Series simply smaller than a 5 Serial, hoping to attract buyers in the middle of those segments. Has the gamble worked? We drove a 2021 Acura TLX with the sporty A-Spec package to find out.

Read in this review:

2021 Acura TLX Changes: 🚙 What'south the difference vs 2020 TLX?

The 2021 Acura TLX is an all-new arrival and marks the second generation of Acura's luxury sedan. With bold new styling, a new platform, and a torquey turbocharged engine, the TLX seems well-placed to make more of an impression than its predecessor. The sporty sedan has grown in size, existence 2.2 inches wider and with a 3.seven-inch longer wheelbase than before. Underneath the peel, a rigid new body structure sees a l percent jump in torsional stiffness. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine replaces the 2.four-liter naturally-aspirated unit of measurement used previously, with 66 more than horsepower and 98 lb-ft more torque. The rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Bulldoze (SH-AWD) system is available with torque-vectoring technology. Compared to the previous TLX's system, the new 1 offers 40 percent extra torque chapters at the rear. A more luxurious and high-tech cabin offers more than hip and shoulder room than before, while the previous dual-screen infotainment system has been replaced past the True Touchpad Interface with a unmarried 10.2-inch HD display.

Pros and Cons

One of the most stylish new sedans
Upscale cabin with comfy seats
Sharp steering
Communicative, well-balanced chassis
Slap-up value for money

Rear-seat space is defective
Non the quickest sedan around
Touchpad interface takes getting used to
Just average fuel economy
Tires leave a lot to be desired

Best Deals on TLX

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec Package

2021 Acura TLX Advance Bundle

2021 Acura TLX A-Spec Bundle

2021 Acura TLX Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
2.0T	two.0L Turbo Inline-four Gas	10-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Bulldoze	$37,500
Technology Package	ii.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	ten-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Bulldoze All-Wheel Drive	$41,500
A-Spec Packet	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	10-Speed Automatic	Front end-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Bulldoze	$44,250
Advance Package	2.0L Turbo Inline-four Gas	10-Speed Automated	Front-Wheel Drive All-Cycle Drive	$46,300
Type S	3.0L Turbo V6 Gas	x-Speed Automated	All-Wheel Drive	$53,100

2021 TLX Exterior

Styling, as ever, is subjective, although nigh people seem to hold that the new Acura TLX is i seriously good-looking sedan. Longer and lower than before, it impresses with its bold stance, tapered greenhouse, notable rear haunches, and a stretched hood. The Diamond Pentagon grille is large but well-integrated and is flanked by Jewel Centre LED headlights on all models with Hanky-panky DRLs. LED taillights are standard while LED fog lights are equipped on college trims. All versions come with a power moonroof. Wheel sizes brainstorm at 18 inches and go up to 19s on upper trims. On the A-Spec, a gloss black decklid spoiler is standard, while dual exhaust outlets are found on every version.

See All 2021 Acura TLX Outside Photos

Dimensions

The 2021 Acura TLX is 2.two inches wider than the version it replaces, 0.half dozen inches lower, and the wheelbase has been stretched past 3.vii inches. With a length of 194.6 inches, the TLX is nearly nine inches longer than German competition similar the BMW 3 Serial and just 1.ii inches shorter than the bigger five Series. Other central dimensions include a 113-inch wheelbase, a tiptop of 56.4 inches, and a width of 75.2 inches. The curb weight starts at 3,709 pounds for the base of operations variant in FWD guise and goes upwards to 4,028 for the Advance Package with the SH-AWD system.

Length 194.vi in
Wheelbase 113.0 in
Meridian 56.iv in
Max Width 75.2 in
Front Width 64.0 in
Rear Width 64.half dozen in
Curb Weight 3,709.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

On the base TLX, shoppers tin select from 1 of six colors. The no-cost options are Lunar Argent Metal, Modern Steel Metallic, and Fathom Blue Pearl. At $500 each, there is likewise Royal Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Performance Red Pearl. The striking shade of Apex Blue Pearl requires adding both the Technology and A-Spec packages, which increases the price by $6,750, excluding the $500 of the color itself. Another color, Phantom Violet Pearl, requires the Engineering Package and the Ebony interior. This is one of the most unusual colors on offer just really works well with the car'south sleek lines. Withal, if you really want to stand out, nothing beats Apex Blue Pearl or Operation Cherry-red Pearl.

Performance Cherry-red Pearl
Majestic Black Pearl
Platinum White Pearl
Phantom Violet Pearl
Apex Blue Pearl
Tiger Middle Pearl
Lunar Silver Metal
Modernistic Steel Metal
Fathom Blue Pearl

TLX Sedan Performance

The previous TLX's base engine wasn't exactly a ball of fire, so the new 2.0-liter turbo-four's much-improved torque output is welcome. Along with 272 horsepower, the power constitute delivers 280 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers correspond an extra 66 hp and 98 lb-ft over the previous ii.four-liter base engine. Power goes to the front wheels past default, while Acura'southward Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is available across all trim levels. According to independent tests, the TLX will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in simply under six seconds, although it'due south not quite equally quick as competitors like the less powerful BMW 330i. The Honda Accord with its own 2.0-liter turbo engine is as well quicker because of a lighter curb weight. Acura does not publish the top speed for the TLX Nevertheless, the TLX will exist fast enough for most, and for buyers willing to wait a flake longer, the V6-powered Type S is all the same on the way with even more power.

Engine and Transmission

Until the Blazon Southward arrives in the US market, the Acura TLX range exclusively makes apply of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder VTEC engine with 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Only ane transmission, a 10-speed automatic with sequential SportShift paddle shifters, is available. This new engine produces even more than torque than the previous model's V6, and in Sport mode, the car becomes fifty-fifty more responsive. Effectually town, the powertrain allows for polish and fuss-free progress. The ten-speed automated manual shifts gears smoothly in more relaxed driving. It doesn't hold onto gears too equally it should when pushing the car harder but that tin be contradistinct with a special sport setting on the manual. Overall, it's a major improvement over the old TLX'southward nine-speed. As we institute in our Acura TLX review, once in comfort manner, the engine is refined enough, simply you'll hear more of it in Normal and Sport modes. A turbocharged V6 engine will be added to the lineup in the near hereafter.

Engines

ii.0L Turbo Inline-iv Gas, 3.0L Turbo V6 Gas
Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

Handling and Driving Impressions

Though it was far from the best sedan in its class, in that location was a lot to like about the previous TLX. Acura has managed to bear over what we enjoyed in the last TLX while improving a lot of what nosotros didn't. The new dedicated Acura sedan platform offers tremendous residuum through the corners, which is only made meliorate by the Super-Treatment All-Bicycle-Drive (SH-AWD) system. Even though the TLX is a front-cycle-drive car at centre, it tin send up to 70% of the engine'due south torque to the rear wheels, helping it rotate like a rear-wheel-drive sedan. The automobile tin likewise split the torque upwardly to 100% between the left and correct rear wheels, helping to yaw the automobile around tighter bends.

Acura brought back double-wishbone front suspension for this new TLX, giving drivers amend command over the forepart. Nosotros even enjoyed the variable-ratio steering system and Electric-servo restriction arrangement from the NSX, both of which felt natural in each driving fashion. The TLX feels soft and compliant in comfort mode and if you plough the drive manner selector into Sport style, the adaptive pause and steering system tighten up without compromising the ride. It's a pretty great driving experience that'southward let down by the all-season tires. Although the chassis and SH-AWD system give you the conviction to push the TLX through bends, the tires will scream out in cloy if you do then. Enthusiast drivers may want to opt for summertime rubber or wait for the Blazon S, which will include them as standard. The A-Spec might tide over some buyers, but it is more than of an appearance bundle than a true functioning variant.

TLX Gas Mileage

In FWD guise and without the A-Spec package, the Acura TLX will return EPA-rated gas mileage estimates of 22/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined, dropping marginally on the highway to 22/30/25 mpg when the A-Spec upgrade is equipped. With AWD, the TLX will manage 21/29/24 mpg in all trims. In reality, nosotros struggled to fifty-fifty match the 24 mpg combined figure, averaging but 21 mpg during our testing period. By comparison, the cheapest BMW 330i returns a much more efficient 26/36/thirty mpg, just perhaps this isn't a big surprise since the iii Series is a smaller and lighter vehicle. At to the lowest degree the new Acura improves on the similarly powerful V6-engined TLX from last year, which returned best figures of 20/31/24 mpg in FWD guise. With a 15.8-gallon gas tank, the new TLX's range sits between 379 and 395 miles in mixed driving conditions.

Fuel Tank Capacity

15.9 Gallons
Fuel Economic system

City/Hwy: 22/31 mpg

* 2021 Acura TLX FWD Base of operations

New Acura TLX Sedan Interior

Like the exterior, Acura has designed a absurd and sophisticated motel that has many sporty touches. A chunky middle panel houses the touchpad interface for the new infotainment arrangement, the electronic gear selector, and the big central bulldoze mode selector. Although a fully digital musical instrument cluster is missing, we have no complaints about the stylish and articulate standard dials. From the stitching to the soft-touch on materials on the dashboard and doors, everything feels premium and fabricated to last, although there are some harder plastics lower down. The interior won't win any awards for spaciousness, though, as rear-seat space is just average. On the base model, leatherette-trimmed seats and 12-way power-adjustable forepart chairs are standard, along with dual-zone climate control. Higher-spec variants enjoy Milano premium leather or, on the A-Spec, leather with Ultrasuede inserts.

Run across All 2021 Acura TLX Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

In all trim levels, the TLX offers seating for five with two people upwards front end and three squeezed into the back. Acura's strategy of sizing the TLX betwixt the boilerplate compact and midsize sedan hasn't translated much into the back seat, which only offers a middling 34.ix inches of legroom. Rivals similar the Audi A4 and BMW three Series both offering more than space for rear occupants. Rear headroom is at least generous and front-seat passengers have plenty of space. The standard sports seats hug well and feel smashing, and standard 12-style adjustment makes it easy to discover an ideal driving position with a commanding view.

Seating capacity

5-seater

Front Leg Room 42.5 in
Forepart Head Room 37.2 in
Rear Leg Room 34.nine in
Rear Caput Room 36.3 in

Interior Colors and Materials

A range of five interior colors are offered, but these differ in availability according to the called trim and the selected exterior color. These cabin colors are Ebony, Parchment, Espresso, Graystone, and Red. As an example of color combinations, the base trim in Lunar Silver Metallic exterior paint can only be had with an Ebony interior. Selecting Apex Blue Pearl pigment automatically adds two packages, plus either an Ebony interior with red dissimilarity stitching or a red interior. On the lower two trims, brushed aluminum trim inlays are standard, while the A-Spec gets geometric patterned brushed aluminum and the Advance package adds authentic open-pore wood trim. Seating material begins with leatherette on the base model while all others take perforated Milano premium leather with dissimilarity stitching. On the A-Spec, the sport seats have Ultrasuede inserts. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard but the A-Spec has a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

TLX Torso and Cargo Infinite

Although the TLX is longer than earlier, this is more than to do with Acura'southward quest to meliorate dynamics and styling than as a means of freeing up interior and cargo space. For this reason, the trunk is restricted to 13.5 cubic feet of book. That falls curt of the 17 cubes in the BMW three Series and the 16.7 cubes in the more affordable Honda Accord, simply information technology's better than what you get in the Genesis G70. For a weekly store, the trunk does offering sufficient space, though, merely extended trips away for 4 occupants means that yous'll need to pack more intelligently. A 60/40-separate-folding rear seatback is standard for larger items.

Inside, there are reasonable storage solutions for odds and ends. Along with a useful centre console storage compartment, the door pockets are generously sized and hands accessible. 2 well-sized cupholders in the front and two cupholders integrated into the rear centre armrest take care of water bottles and java cups, while the available wireless charging pad comfortably accommodates increasingly large smartphone devices.

TLX Infotainment and Features

Features

Even the base model is well-equipped merely Acura's available packet upgrades that build on top of each other add more luxury and convenience items. The entry-level TLX boasts 12-fashion power-adjustable front seats with heating, including power lumbar back up. Both front end occupants can have advantage of a dual-zone climate control system, while the driver has admission to a keyless access system and push-button ignition. Other standard features include a power moonroof, ambience LED motel lighting, and an electronic gear selector. Safety features include the obligatory rearview photographic camera, while the AcuraWatch condom suite packs in collision mitigation braking, adaptive prowl control, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. Higher upwards in the range, the TLX comes with a heated steering cycle, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, sixteen-mode power-adaptable forepart seats with power side bolsters, and a head-upwardly warning. A environs-view camera system displays images of the TLX's surroundings and is a standard feature with the Advance Parcel.

Infotainment

Acura has thankfully retired its dual touchscreen infotainment system, at present using the True Touchpad Interface that first debuted in the RDX crossover. The system lives on a nicely-sized 10.2-inch HD display that is dissever into ii sections. Those sections are controlled using a console-mounted touchpad with what Acura calls "Absolute Position" mapping. Instead of having to scroll a pointer similar the Lexus touchpad, Acura's system immediately responds to wherever you put your finger. In simple terms, Acura's system is much easier to use but however requires a learning curve.

Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Automobile come as standard features, as does Bluetooth connectivity for your phone. The applied science package adds congenital-in navigation with existent-time traffic and an Acura ELS Studio Premium Audio System with 13 speakers including a subwoofer. We felt that the ELS Studio organisation sounded fantastic when fed loftier-resolution sound sources only just average when listening to standard MP3 files or satellite radio.

TLX Problems and Reliability

As a brand new inflow, the 2021 Acura TLX's reliability tape has not yet been established, and so more time is needed to publish a rating in this aspect.

Forth with a class-standard four-year/50,000-mile limited vehicle warranty, the TLX comes with an above-boilerplate six-year/seventy,000-mile powertrain warranty. This cover is complemented by a 5-yr warranty for outer body rust-through regardless of mileage covered, forth with roadside assistance for iv years or 50,000 miles, depending on which one comes showtime.

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
6 Years \ 70,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Help:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles

TLX Safety

Until the IIHS and the NHTSA evaluate the new Acura TLX for crashworthiness, no safety rating exists for the 2021 sedan. With a plethora of condom features, we do expect strong results from these safety reviews.

US NHTSA crash examination result

Overall Rating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating
Rollover Rating

Key Safety Features

As standard, every Acura TLX sedan is equipped with eight airbags to proceed the commuter and passengers protected in the event of an blow. The suite includes dual front, front end side, side curtain, and front genu airbags. Added to the airbag count are expected safety systems like tire-pressure monitoring, colina-showtime assist, and traction control. A multi-view rear camera with dynamic guidelines is standard, merely the Accelerate Package introduces a surround-view photographic camera organization. The AcuraWatch suite of driver-help technologies encompasses adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, route difference mitigation, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, forward standoff warning, and lane deviation warning. The Applied science Package adds forepart/rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alarm. A head-upwards warning system is reserved for models equipped with the Advance Package, as is a 10.5-inch head-up display.

Verdict: 🏁 Is the 2021 Acura TLX a adept motorcar?

Having driven the previous TLX A-Spec, we knew exactly what to expect from this new model; a sporty appearance with plenty of softness. Truthful enthusiasts will want to wait for the TLX Blazon-S, which should be a closer rival for models like the Audi S4 and BMW M340i. Every bit it stands, the engine in the base TLX feels quicker than the numbers imply, but it will be left for dead by all of the High german four-cylinder options. At least the Honda engine sounds meliorate here than it does in Type R, thanks to some help from the speaker organization.

This new Acura TLX presents a different proposition than the previous model. It's more expensive than before cheers to a massive increment in standard ability, so now the TLX must contend with other value-conscious options in the segment like the Genesis G70 and Volvo S60. The TLX offers more than power than those two, but still lives on a level playing field due to a weight disadvantage. It's not the ultimate driver's car in the segment, nor is it the best value anymore. The new TLX improves in many areas, including styling and interior quality, simply it withal suffers from the same lack of make sensation as earlier. Will customers actually consider an Acura on the aforementioned level equally an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes? That's not for us to make up one's mind, but at least Acura's improvements make the TLX worthy of consideration for buyers that want a good bang for their buck and lots of features.

🚘 What'south the Price of the 2021 Acura TLX?

The 2021 Acura TLX has a starting toll in the United states of america of $37,500, a $4,500 increase over the entry-level previous-gen TLX car. It brings the TLX into much closer contention with German rivals like the Audi A4, which starts at $39,100. With the Technology Package, the Acura TLX will cost $41,500, while the A-Spec Bundle increases the MSRP to $44,250. Finally, the Advance Package will cost $46,300. Upgrading from the standard FWD system to the SH-AWD setup will add $2,000 to the cost. All prices exclude tax, licensing, and registration costs, forth with Acura's destination charge of $one,025. The highest Acura TLX price you tin pay is over $54,000 for the Advance Bundle with AWD and all the available accessories.

2021 Acura TLX Models

Dissimilar traditional trims, the Acura TLX is offered with a multifariousness of packages that build on peak of each other. In full, there are iv models in the range: Base, Engineering Parcel, A-Spec Package, and Accelerate Package. All versions are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, a power plant that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. By default, FWD is standard, but Acura's SH-AWD system is optionally bachelor to all configurations.

The base TLX starts things off with 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and Jewel Center LED headlights. This is the only trim with leatherette instead of leather seats, simply they look proficient and offer heating and 12-fashion power-adjustability in front. Other features include dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker sound organization, and a 10.2-inch HD dual-content central display. Adaptive prowl control and traffic jam assist are among the default safety inclusions.

The Technology Bundle adds 19-inch alloy wheels, while inside it gets perforated Milano leather seats with contrast stitching. Farther to this, this variant boasts GPS-linked climate command, an Acura/ELS audio system with xiii speakers, navigation, forepart/rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

The A-Spec Package requires calculation the prior bundle commencement, then adds several exterior and interior trim enhancements. Its specs include 19-inch Shark Grayness alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a decklid spoiler, and matte black window trim. Inside, the Milano leather seats receive Ultrasuede inserts. A 17-speaker audio system and wireless charging are included, also.

Finally, the Advance Package comes with natural wood trim, 16-way power-adaptable front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, LED puddle lights, and a head-upwardly display.

See All 2021 Acura TLX Trims and Specs

Additional Packages

Acura's unique package structure takes the place of typical standalone package upgrades on other brands and is the main means of accessing more features. At $4,000, the Technology Package is the first upgrade with Milano leather upholstery, navigation, and 19-inch wheels among its features. Depending on how much you lot're willing to stretch your upkeep, the Technology Package could be the sugariness spot in the range. At $two,750 more than, the A-Spec Package adds sporty exterior and interior trim but requires the Technology Package first. The $4,800 Advance Bundle likewise requires the Applied science Package and adds equipment like 16-way ability front end seats and heated rear seats. Nevertheless, the A-Spec and Accelerate packages can't be combined. Outside of these packages, the chief upgrade is going from FWD to AWD which adds $two,000 to the bill.

🚗 What Acura TLX Model Should I Buy?

Optioning a 2021 Acura TLX is a minefield of pick package combinations, but nosotros volition try to simplify past explaining how we'd option one up. Fifty-fifty though it doesn't improve performance, we'd still add the A-Spec Package for $two,750 because it jazzes up both the exterior and interior while adding useful features like the ELS Stusio 3D premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a wireless phone charger. Opting for the A-Spec automatic tacks on the $4,000 Technology Package, which adds a slew of useful toys including blind-spot monitoring. No thing if you live in a cold climate or somewhere information technology never snows, nosotros call back Acura's SH-AWD organisation is a prissy addition for $2,000. As-described, the TLX rings information technology at a reasonable $46,750.

2021 Acura TLX Comparisons

Acura

Honda

Competitor	Horsepower	MPG	Price (MSRP)
Acura TLX	272 hp	22/31 mpg	$37,500
Acura ILX	201 hp	24/34 mpg	$27,300
Honda Accord	252 hp	22/32 mpg	$26,120

2021 Acura TLX vs Acura ILX

The ILX is Acura'south smallest sedan. Starting at a base toll of $25,950, it's over $ten,000 cheaper than the new TLX and then represents a much more affordable step into the Acura lineup. The ILX comes with a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, so it isn't as strong of a performer equally the TLX which uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four. While AWD is bachelor to the TLX, this isn't an option on the ILX. On the road, the new TLX is a much more than enjoyable sedan to drive than earlier, and while the ILX is okay to drive, it suffers from a lack of racket suppression. As the TLX is bigger, information technology's no surprise that it has a bigger trunk and more leg- and headroom for passengers seated at the back. The ILX isn't a bad choice for shoppers on a tighter budget, just the TLX is easily a meliorate auto.

See Acura ILX Review

2021 Acura TLX vs Honda Accord

Is the TLX's premium badge actually worth the coin? With pricing beginning at $24,770, the Honda Accordance is affordable and large plenty for most families. In fact, the Accord is significantly more all-around in some aspects than the TLX. For case, the Honda provides a significant 5.5 inches of actress rear-seat legroom, and then information technology's a much better choice for carrying passengers. The Honda besides has a larger torso. The smaller-capacity 1.v-liter turbocharged engine in the Accordance returns best economy numbers of 30/38/33 mpg, making information technology far more efficient than the TLX's all-time of 22/31/25 mpg. Just with simply 192 hp, the more powerful TLX is quite a bit peppier by comparison. Then again, the Accord can exist specced with a 252-hp two.0-liter turbocharged engine and it'll nevertheless be cheaper than the TLX. On the dynamic front, the TLX handles with newfound confidence. This, together with the TLX's more luxurious motel and the availability of high-tech features, makes information technology the more desirable of these two vehicles. For the commuter, the Acura is the piece of cake choice.

Run into Honda Accord Review

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