2021 Acura TLX Reviews **2024 TLX Reviews (starting page 70)**

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Old 09-22-2020 | 12:51 PM
  #481  
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Acura is on fire....legit! One news after another, this color is just wow! ...Next STOP - MDX!

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Old 09-22-2020 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Acura is on fire....legit! One news after another, this color is just wow! ...Next STOP - MDX!
Ugh o, makes me want to hold off on the new TLX and get this instead.
Old 09-22-2020 | 01:30 PM
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That's cool I guess if your favorite holiday is Halloween...

It looked ugly and tacky when Subaru did it...it still looks ugly and tacky on an Acura. Bleh. The Valencia Red Pearl would have been much better.



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Old 09-22-2020 | 01:35 PM
  #484  
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
That's cool I guess if your favorite holiday is Halloween...

It looked ugly and tacky when Subaru did it...it still looks ugly and tacky on an Acura. Bleh. The Valencia Red Pearl would have been much better.


I guess that's your opinion.
Old 09-22-2020 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Barbecue Tech Tips
Ugh o, makes me want to hold off on the new TLX and get this instead.
I am not a fan of PMC editions, but this color works very well on RDX! Hey, isn't that Acurazine Orange (TM)?
Old 09-22-2020 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
I guess that's your opinion.
Honest question: is there a color Acura could have picked that would have resulted in you not saying that they're on fire? Seems like you think every single choice they make is a great choice. HondaPro Jason needs to watch out, AcuraPro Tony is ready to take over his mantle .

Last edited by fiatlux; 09-22-2020 at 01:43 PM.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
Honest question: is there a color Acura could have picked that would have resulted in you not saying that they're on fire? Seems like you think every single choice they make is a great choice. HondaPro Jason needs to watch out, AcuraPro Tony is ready to take over his mantle .
lol! We all know your intention Keep up the great work!
Old 09-22-2020 | 01:50 PM
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But let me tell you one thing, if you believe this color is sh1t. It's totally fine. You are entitled to like or dislike a color. I personally can't stand that RS5 green color. But that's me. Many people love that color. We all have to acknowledge and separate our opinion from FACTS!
Old 09-22-2020 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
But let me tell you one thing, if you believe this color is sh1t. It's totally fine. You are entitled to like or dislike a color. I personally can't stand that RS5 green color. But that's me. Many people love that color. We all have to acknowledge and separate our opinion from FACTS!
OK fact: the PMC is nothing special. First fact, it's born out of failure. Acura's failure to sell the NSX has resulted in excess capacity at the PMC facility, so to keep people busy they're pumping out these cars. Second fact: while the Valencia Red paintjob is nice on the TLX, that's about the only thing that stands out. Oh wow, you can now get the A-Spec appearance stuff with the Advanced features? Big freaking deal, the Germans have allowed you combine these types of packages for years. To celebrate something like this is just celebrating mediocrity. I guess I can't fault Acura for being mediocre when their fans are satisfied with mediocrity.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 02:02 PM
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As it looks right now now sadly, the PCM Type-S may be the only way to get 360 camera and HUD. Paint job will be free, technically.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by GhostTL09
1. I haven't wanted to own an Accord since "95, best design ever.

2. I would definitely grab a 2020 Aspec for 10k off for the next few years.

3. I can't see myself spending $47k for a KIA, HYUNDIA, GENESIS no matter how nice they look lately.
1. Yep. Loved my 1994 Accord EX-L 2-dr Coupe ... a large 2-door mid-sized with a proper back-seat. Kept it for 19 years (and traded-it for $2500 on 2014-MDX).

2. Yeah, almost bought a 2020-TLX myself.

3. Me either.

Just had to respond and we seem to share very similar views on cars. My situation is ... we already have a new SUV, so I am looking for a nice sedan to finance (not lease) and keep it for 6-8 years.

I've been seeing the new Accords on the roads. Not too bad. I suppose I could get used to the "hatchback (but it's really a trunk)" look.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:04 PM
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Yeah I’d buy that color... if it was a lambo
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
lol! We all know your intention Keep up the great work!
Why the sudden change of heart?

Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Not necessarily! But it would be cool if they add more power, better suspensions and etc to call it PMC. But changing the colour and darken certain area doesn’t make a car performance.
And yet all they did was change the color and black out some trim. No more power, same suspension, etc. And yet suddenly they're on fire? You know what they call people who blindly cheer on everything? Fanboys.

Last edited by fiatlux; 09-22-2020 at 02:08 PM.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by AcuraFan1980
Yeah I’d buy that color... if it was a lambo
That and Indy Yellow are my favorite NSX colors. Key word is NSX. Looks tacky AF on a crossover. Like you're trying too hard to get attention so people will notice your 272hp grocery getter. Might as well stick a few VTEC decals down the side and a "Powered by Honda" windshield banner, and maybe a fartcan exhaust so even blind people will know just how cool your car is.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
this color is just wow! ...
If you like pretty colors, here ... check out this sedan:

Old 09-22-2020 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by pyrodan007
As it looks right now now sadly, the PCM Type-S may be the only way to get 360 camera and HUD. Paint job will be free, technically.
There is _no way_ that I would pay the $60K that a PCM Type-S would cost. You can, quite simply, get so many better vehicles at $60K.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Tesla1856
If you like pretty colors, here ... check out this sedan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YtDunVWSgY
I like the turbo blue, but hard to find in dealers. Navarra blue is not that easy either. Plenty of black and whites, but those are too generic for a sport influenced car. Orange and yellow are a bit too much for me personally.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:38 PM
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I love the color on the RDX! The only thing that's hard to justify, is the cost of owning PMC edition.

Edit: not sure if anyone posted this video yet, but this was a decent review. (shitty wind noise). What I found strange, they weren't allowed to test drive them and even sit in them.. That's odd..


Last edited by 04WDPSeDaN; 09-22-2020 at 02:41 PM.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
Why the sudden change of heart?



And yet all they did was change the color and black out some trim. No more power, same suspension, etc. And yet suddenly they're on fire? You know what they call people who blindly cheer on everything? Fanboys.
Your "contribution" to this forum is just wow! All Acura buyers should consult you
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Old 09-22-2020 | 02:40 PM
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I still don't understand the appeal of a "Performance" CUV or SUV. It's just non sense to have a lifted heavy SUV to go fast. What's the point? That goes for Porsche and everybody else too. It's stupid.
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Tesla1856
If you like pretty colors, here ... check out this sedan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YtDunVWSgY

i won't call it sh1t. I am sure someone out there like it. Who am I to judge people, right?
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
I love the color on the RDX! The only thing that's hard to justify, is the cost of owning PMC edition.

Edit: not sure if anyone posted this video yet, but this was a decent review. (shitty wind noise). What I found strange, they weren't allowed to test drive them and even sit in them.. That's odd..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjIlb2fBrsg
Agreed!

Just for paint, it's too much money to pay. Even for TLX and MDX, I never undertood $5K cost. If Acura had boosted the HP, then fine. But for color, no!
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Your "contribution" to this forum is just wow! All Acura buyers should consult you
Just pointing out hypocrisy and blind fanaticism when I see it .
Old 09-22-2020 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Agreed!

Just for paint, it's too much money to pay. Even for TLX and MDX, I never undertood $5K cost. If Acura had boosted the HP, then fine. But for color, no!
Wait, I'm confused. So Acura is not on fire anymore?
Old 09-22-2020 | 03:09 PM
  #505  
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
Wait, I'm confused. So Acura is not on fire anymore?
Acura is on fire since he is putting you on a very uncomfortable position It seems like you can't get a sleep since TLX and now this. You just want to point the negatives. Brother, believe me, look at the life from a positive side and you will have much more fun! Going from one forum to another to just share your negatives opinions, lead to nothing! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
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Old 09-22-2020 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Acura is on fire since he is putting you on a very uncomfortable position It seems like you can't get a sleep since TLX and now this. You just want to point the negatives. Brother, believe me, look at the life from a positive side and you will have much more fun! Going from one forum to another to just share your negatives opinions, lead to nothing! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Acura is a he now? Wow, what a misogynistic view, especially in this day and age
Old 09-22-2020 | 03:20 PM
  #507  
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
Acura is a he now? Wow, what a misogynistic view, especially in this day and age
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Negativity is a disease. Get well soon! #RESPECT!
Old 09-22-2020 | 03:37 PM
  #508  
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cars.com review: 2021 TLX

Great review, but it won't open since this morning; kind of bizarre; anyway, going to the dealer on Saturday, to check it out
Leaning towards Steel Gray/Red Leather/SH-AWD/A-SPEC
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Old 09-22-2020 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Negativity is a disease. Get well soon! #RESPECT!
While fiatlux can be perceived as being negative, he does bring a dose of realism that can't be ignored. As someone who appreciates the whole story, I like to see both the positives and negatives. Tony, I can appreciate that you're super enthusiastic about Acura and maybe life in general, but instead of telling someone they're diseased ridden when you're backed into a corner, perhaps come back with some valid counterpoints instead?
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Old 09-22-2020 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by ZipSpeed
While fiatlux can be perceived as being negative, he does bring a dose of realism that can't be ignored. As someone who appreciates the whole story, I like to see both the positives and negatives. Tony, I can appreciate that you're super enthusiastic about Acura and maybe life in general, but instead of telling someone they're diseased ridden when you're backed into a corner, perhaps come back with some valid counterpoints instead?
I suppose at least he’s not waving the white flag and showing us where the French in French Canadian came from .

Then again, he never seems to have any facts to back up what he says so I’m not sure how much of an upgrade that is. I try to present objective and factual information to support what I say, but when the history and numbers don’t paint a rosy picture, it’s hard for me to pretend like everything is awesome.
Old 09-22-2020 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Acura is on fire....legit! One news after another, this color is just wow! ...Next STOP - MDX!
Wow, I really like it. But, this is me personally, I would only own that if they came out with a Type S variant with more power under the hood. It's too slow to be that flashy IMO. Something like a Hellcat or an M car, sure! Noooooot so much an RDX A-Spec, lol. I do think it looks quite good though. I wish they honestly went the other direction though. Something like the Audi Nardo Grey ...




This is probably the only color I would take over white. Add some professionally done Kermit green brake calipers (compliments the black and red accents well, and red calipers are overdone ... plus I love green) and oooooh, baby. It makes my baby making parts fizzle just thinking about.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 04:36 PM
  #512  
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Originally Posted by ZipSpeed
While fiatlux can be perceived as being negative, he does bring a dose of realism that can't be ignored. As someone who appreciates the whole story, I like to see both the positives and negatives. Tony, I can appreciate that you're super enthusiastic about Acura and maybe life in general, but instead of telling someone they're diseased ridden when you're backed into a corner, perhaps come back with some valid counterpoints instead?
I will always remain positive and when I bring facts they run away. So the solution is:
inwish these guys a speedy recovery! That’s all.

thanks for your kind message
Old 09-22-2020 | 04:38 PM
  #513  
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
I suppose at least he’s not waving the white flag and showing us where the French in French Canadian came from .

Then again, he never seems to have any facts to back up what he says so I’m not sure how much of an upgrade that is. I try to present objective and factual information to support what I say, but when the history and numbers don’t paint a rosy picture, it’s hard for me to pretend like everything is awesome.
I don't know if you have ever watched The Lego Movie, but the protagonist lives an ignorant life where "everything is awesome", until he finds out, that it really isn't.

Old 09-22-2020 | 04:38 PM
  #514  
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Originally Posted by fiatlux
I suppose at least he’s not waving the white flag and showing us where the French in French Canadian came from .

Then again, he never seems to have any facts to back up what he says so I’m not sure how much of an upgrade that is. I try to present objective and factual information to support what I say, but when the history and numbers don’t paint a rosy picture, it’s hard for me to pretend like everything is awesome.
Lol! What happened to the fact that when I brought to you that A4 doesn’t sell and TLX sold more than A4. What did law can I give you as fact? The RDX is selling well and people are liking it? What do you have to say about that?
Old 09-22-2020 | 04:41 PM
  #515  
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Originally Posted by ZipSpeed
I don't know if you have ever watched The Lego Movie, but the protagonist lives an ignorant life where "everything is awesome", until he finds out, that it really isn't.

Perhaps you’re right! But I got a beautiful life brother. Staying positive and happy! When I don’t like something, especially a car brand. I leave that forum and join what I like.
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Old 09-22-2020 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Tony Pac
Lol! What happened to the fact that when I brought to you that A4 doesn’t sell and TLX sold more than A4. What did law can I give you as fact? The RDX is selling well and people are liking it? What do you have to say about that?
And I told you, you can’t conflate sales figure with how good a car is. The Camry and Accord sell better then both of these cars combined; are they better than those cars? But by all means, keep trying to push a false equivalency.
Old 09-22-2020 | 04:51 PM
  #517  
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Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
I love the color on the RDX! The only thing that's hard to justify, is the cost of owning PMC edition.

Edit: not sure if anyone posted this video yet, but this was a decent review. (shitty wind noise). What I found strange, they weren't allowed to test drive them and even sit in them.. That's odd..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjIlb2fBrsg
Yeah it was posted and the reviewer didn't even know the current trim he was reviewing. Giving people wrong information. Real professional
Old 09-22-2020 | 04:53 PM
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Wait, what? The A4/S4, at least in the US, is just about neck and neck with sales compared to the TLX, minus the initial year of the TLX launch. With the new price increase of the TLX SH-AWD (to make it apples to apples with Audi which has Quattro standard), it's literally within a few hundred dollars of each other. Let's be honest with ourselves, the main reason people buy Acura over the Germans is because they're cheaper. Now that they're basically similarly priced, I think we're going to see the 2G make no to little improvement of sales numbers compared to the 1G.
Old 09-22-2020 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by leomio85
Wait, what? The A4/S4, at least in the US, is just about neck and neck with sales compared to the TLX, minus the initial year of the TLX launch. With the new price increase of the TLX SH-AWD (to make it apples to apples with Audi which has Quattro standard), it's literally within a few hundred dollars of each other. Let's be honest with ourselves, the main reason people buy Acura over the Germans is because they're cheaper. Now that they're basically similarly priced, I think we're going to see the 2G make no to little improvement of sales numbers compared to the 1G.
No no, you got it wrong. They buy the TLX because it’s a better car, not just because it’s cheaper. Look at the sales numbers!
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Old 09-22-2020 | 05:28 PM
  #520  
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Below is the Review...they probably took is off since the embargo is still active. But I was able to copy the cached version from google.

2021 Acura TLX Review: Subtle Changes, Big Improvements

By Aaron Bragman

September 21, 2020

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{{credit}}Acura gets you, America — they know you’ve given up on sedans in favor of SUVs. But that doesn’t mean they’re giving up on you, especially since 30% of buyers still want a traditional sedan, according to the company. Acura also realizes that this means sedan buyers are now a much more focused group with specific vehicle desires that they’re not seeing fulfilled in today’s SUVs.

It’s for them that the company has redesigned and repositioned its latest TLX luxury sports sedan — people who are specifically seeking a sports sedan for themselves and maybe one other person in their lives, not a family hauler that sometimes needs to be an entertaining ride. The new TLX is first and foremost a driver-oriented sports sedan, with Acura’s newfound focus a pleasing gamble for people who still like sitting low in a vehicle.

Related: 2021 Acura TLX: Elevated Style, Escalated Price
2021 Acura TLX Specs & Reviews Find a 2021 Acura TLX Near You

Carefully Disguised as a Rear-Wheel-Drive Car

The new TLX sits on a new Acura-dedicated platform, according to the company, but the newness of this platform goes beyond its brand specificity. The design details are very interesting — the car looks longer, lower and wider than it did before, with the proportions of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It’s not one, however; it’s still very much a front-wheel-drive platform with optional all-wheel drive, but Acura has done things like stretch the wheelbase by 3.7 inches and increase the dash-to-axle ratio (the distance between the base of the windshield and the envisioned center point of the front wheels) by a whopping 7.8 inches. These give the new TLX a long-hood, short-trunk look that you most often see on RWD cars like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Alfa Romeo Giulia.

{{credit}}It definitely makes an impact on the TLX’s overall looks. While the styling is no great departure for the class (you could slap an Infiniti or even a Buick badge on the TLX and nobody would question the decision), it turns the TLX’s looks from “warmed-over Honda” to “segment-appropriate sports sedan.” Its best view might be from the side, where you get a good sense of just how “cabin-rearward” this front-drive Acura now is. It’s a successful restyle and the first bit of truly attractive, desirable rolling sculpture to come out of Acura in some time.

Going After the Remaining Enthusiasts

As good as the new TLX looks, we’ve often been disappointed by similar efforts that don’t deliver on the advertising. That’s not the case here: Acura has done its homework and delivered a proper sports sedan, designed to entertain its driver through an engaging driving experience (when you want it to). The overall sense is one of smoothness, in everything from the power delivery and chassis balance to the ride quality and astonishing quiet in the cabin. Not only does the new TLX no longer look like a warmed-over Honda, it no longer feels like one, either. The improvements to chassis rigidity combine with an improved weight distribution and redesigned double-wishbone front suspension to deliver a buttoned-down, properly premium driving experience, one that feels amazingly cushy in terms of ride quality but still delivers tight responses and proper body roll control.

{{credit}}What’s all that mean? It means that when you want to attack some twisty roads or highway on-ramps at elevated speeds, the TLX responds with eagerness. When you want to just sit back and cruise in serene, relaxed comfort, the TLX does that, too.

Acura changes up some of the suspension equipment depending on which of four trim levels you get: base TLX, Tech, A-Spec and Advance. All trims except the Advance get a standard sport suspension, and the Advance gets an electronic Adaptive Damper (shock absorber) system. Both are tuned to the softer side of the sports sedan spectrum, with the base suspension coming across as compliant and well damped, yet still keeping the TLX well under control on sweeping bends or quick transitions even on broken pavement.

The adaptive dampers in the Advance trim really do change the feel of the vehicle when you select between Normal, Sport and Comfort modes on the drive mode selector. Comfort is especially cushy, turning the TLX into a limousine-like ride I’ve experienced only in much larger, more expensive luxury cars. But even Sport mode’s firmer settings are still considerably softer than what you’d find in a comparable Mercedes-Benz or BMW with an adjustable suspension. That’s OK — it allows you to enjoy the car’s newfound torsional stiffness without being beat up by an overly aggressive suspension in the process. Suffice it to say that Acura has made a noticeably well-prepared base on which to build what is sure to be an extraordinary Type S high-performance trim.

Gone Is the Old V-6 Engine

Regardless of which trim you choose, the only powertrain option (for now) is a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC-equipped four-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque. This engine replaces both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 in the old TLX, meaning that the base cars get a massive bump in performance, while the higher-trim cars see two cylinders and a few horses go missing, but an improvement in peak torque. The only transmission is a standard 10-speed automatic replacing last year’s nine-speed, with either standard front-wheel drive or optional torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), available on all trims.
2021 Acura TLX
Cars.com photo by Steven PhamYou won’t miss the old V-6 given how good this new turbo 2.0-liter engine is. It’s perfectly matched to the new 10-speed automatic, featuring smooth shifts and predictive behavior that always has the engine where it needs to be for producing either plenty of grunt or smooth sailing. It’s accompanied by some interesting sounds, however — it’s obvious that the exhaust noise is piped into the cabin (it appears to be coming from two directions, with two different notes, when you really floor it), as it doesn’t sound like a four-cylinder engine at all. It sounds more like a V-6 has been recorded and played back for occupants, which makes sense given the extraordinary level of sound deadening the TLX displays under all conditions. I don’t mind it, however, as it lends a snorty sound and feel to the engine, further reinforcing the TLX’s newfound focus on sporting pretensions. Later on, a new 3.0-liter V-6 will be introduced with the arrival of the top Type S performance trim, but that’s not arriving until early 2021 and was not yet available for test drives.

Stopping is also a positive event, with new electronically controlled brakes that Acura says were inspired by the ones used on the NSX supercar, which allows them to tune the brake pedal force and feedback. While I was not able to really get the brakes hot enough to test them for fade or feel with repeated aggressive use, they felt fine in normal operation in around-town and back roads use, without any artificial feel or wonky progression that can sometimes accompany electronic brake-by-wire systems.

An Upgrade to the Interior

The new TLX is more expensive than the outgoing one (more on that in a minute), but you never feel like you’re not getting what you’re paying for given the upgraded materials and technology in the cabin. The car is obviously designed to be focused on the front occupants only — they have the comfiest seats and more space between the driver and passenger, with all the soft-touch materials, hand-stitched dash coverings, real wood and real metal trimmings you can stuff into the interior. The backseat suffers from the new cab-rearward packaging changes that have made the TLX look like a RWD car — backseat legroom is pitiful, barely better than the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s completely unusable backseat, and headroom isn’t much better. I was unable to position the driver’s seat where I normally sit and then sit behind it without moving it forward; my head was hard up into the headliner, as well. The new TLX is meant to be driver-focused in more ways than just providing an entertaining experience — it’s also driver-focused in terms of who you bring along. If you’re looking for a vehicle to bring along the whole family, Acura will happily show you the new RDX SUV that features a number of the same new sporty features the TLX employs … but chances are, if that describes your needs, you were already looking at one anyway.

{{credit}}My test drive involved the two top trim levels of the TLX, the A-Spec (which features a more aggressive sport appearance package) and the Advance (which is a more sophisticated look but also features the electronically adaptive suspension). Both interiors have details to recommend them: The A-Spec’s beautiful red leather and metallic trim is striking, but the orange-on-silver gauges are as hard to read here as they are in the RDX. My preference is for the Advance’s more traditional interior colors, featuring beautiful light wood and more legible gauges. It’s a definite upgrade to the cabin and in keeping with Acura’s repositioning of the TLX upmarket, meaning that it’s gunning for more premium offerings such as the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series or even 5 Series. The difference between prior TLX models and this new one is that I’d actually put the new TLX up against these luxury stalwarts without reservation. That’s not something I’d do with prior versions.

{{credit}}All TLX models feature Acura’s new True Touchpad Interface control panel for the multimedia system — the standard 10.2-inch display atop the center console is just a display, not a touchscreen (not that you could really reach its far-off location anyway). The system itself works reasonably well, with easy-to-read displays and menus, but we’re still not entirely sold on the remote touchpad being the best way to control it. Anything that adds a layer of distraction between my brain and the system is troublesome, and while this remote control pad is better than Lexus’ remote control, I still really just want to be able to touch the dang screen and have it do what I want. I suspect that familiarity would breed acceptance with this system — as someone who gets into dozens of cars a year, I don’t find that it lends itself to quick use, but if you live with it awhile, I suspect it becomes more second nature. The same can be said with Acura’s push-button transmission selector, which feels awkward at first, but probably gets easier and more intuitive the more you live with it.

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Pricier but Worth It

2021 Acura TLX
Cars.com photo by Steven PhamWe’ve already reported on how the new 2021 TLX will see a $4,500 bump to its base price, which is a considerable increase — but given the change in the vehicle’s positioning and equipment, it’s not like you’ll wonder what the extra cash is for. The much more powerful base engine and new transmission alone justify a big portion of that increase, but you also get a considerable amount of safety technology as standard that costs thousands of dollars more on competitors if they offer it at all. The base price for a 2021 TLX is $38,525 (including destination fee) and includes items like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and road- and lane-departure mitigation. That price also includes full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch wheels, sport seats with 12-way power adjustment and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Major options become standard as you progress up the ladder of premium trim levels, with items like a 13-speaker ELS Studio audio system or 17-speaker ELS 3D audio system available, 19-inch wheels, 16-way power seats, heated and ventilated seats, and more. A top-spec TLX Advance Package will come in “comfortably equipped” according to Acura at $49,325, thousands less than competitors.

The combination of impressive driving sophistication, top-notch on-board technology, classy cabin materials and excellent value pricing should put the new TLX on the shopping list for anyone still considering a proper sports sedan over an SUV.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
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