2021 Acura TLX | Review & Road Test

For the latest Acura TLX pricing and information: https://www.kbb.com/acura/tlx/ The latest TLX is not showy. Instead, it has a tasteful shape with just enough visual interest to looks special. More than that, the low, wide stance implies sporty potential. And I’m pleased to announce that the implication is true. The TLX has a spirited side waiting to be unlocked. From a power perspective, the base turbocharged 2-liter engine has plenty of hutzpah (272hp, 280 lb-ft). Choose the Type S and the numbers look even better (355hp, 354 lb-ft). But power is only part of the equation. What really works for me is how the TLX steers. The ratio feels slow on-center but the further you turn the wheel, the quicker it steers. The result is a car that’s both stable and playful. Ride quality is also outstanding, especially on our Advance model test car with its adaptive dampers. Meanwhile, the 10-speed automatic transmission does a fine job delivering smooth shifts while responding quickly to driver inputs. If I have a dynamic complaint it’s the brake pedal. I like the firm feel but changes in pressure don’t lead to fully predictable changes in deceleration. Unlike many of its rear-drive luxury car competitors, the TLX comes standard with front-wheel drive. However, Acura’s super handling all-wheel drive is available for $2,000. The system can send up to 70% of the engine's power to the rear tires and 100% of that power to either rear tire. By overdriving the outside rear tire Super Handling all-wheel drive can help rotate the car in corners. And where cars are concerned, rotation often equals fun. And if you’re curious, here are some fuel economy numbers. (FWD 22city/31hwy) (AWD 21city/29hwy) A base 2021 Acura TLX runs about $38,500 including destination charges. That’s a big jump versus the previous TLX but it is a much better car and that sum includes a moonroof, heated power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access with pushbutton start, LED lighting, various drive modes, and a largely inoffensive automatic engine start-stop system that saves fuel when stopped. Also standard is Acurawatch, a suite of safety and convenience tech. And now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the TLX’s cabin, which channels elements from Acura’s NSX supercar. The center stack and hooded gauge cluster arrangement jump out first. But it’s the NSX-style steering wheel I love the most. The ergonomics when held in the correct 9 & 3 positions are outstanding. Elsewhere the interior matches the exterior’s understated initial impression but, the more time you spend inside, the more the TLX charms. It also feels more luxurious than the previous TLX. I’ll also praise the front seats. They’re firm and supportive but with a pleasing layer of cushiness on top. Trunk space lands at a middling 13.5 cu-ft, though a wide passthrough and easy-to-drop rear seats make it easy to carry larger loads. Glance at the instrument panel and you’ll find super intuitive climate and seat controls. You might also recall that Acura’s previous 2-screen solution infotainment solution is gone. Now there’s a single 10.2-inch screen controlled by Acura’s True Touchpad Interface. In simplest terms, where you touch on the pad correlates with what is highlighted on the screen. Upper right, upper right. If you’ve used competitive cursor-style touchpads, this will take some getting used to. Especially since that True Touchpad philosophy doesn’t apply to Apple CarPlay, which you navigate like a traditional cursor. Just know, if this seems odd at first, time will help. Plus, it’s got this beefy hand rest for comfortable inputs. Another TLX ergonomic win! Oh, and one weird observation. The system’s page swap sound reminds me of a shaker sample from a 1980s Casio keyboard. If you’d like the fanciest of fancy TLXs, that’ll cost you roughly $50k but you’ll enjoy leather seating, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, natural wood trim, heated rear seats, and a 17-speaker ELS audio system that some folks love but, to my ears, sounds just OK. There’s also an A-Spec package which imparts the TLX with racy vibes inside and out. Obvious alternatives to the Acura TLX include the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That Genesis G70 is awfully tempting, what with its slight price advantage and rear-drive chassis. Even so, the TLX has a lot going for it. Composed road manners, compelling value, strong resale figures, and its new-found spirit of excitement. You know, among luxury cars there are plenty of predictable choices that can help tell the world you’ve “made it”. The Acura TLX is different. It’s a subtler version of luxury. And the longer I live, the better that sounds. 00:00 2021 Acura TLX 0:05 Exterior 0:25 Driving Impressions & Engine 2:00 Price 3:13 Interior 5:45 Trim Levels 6:10 Competitors