Acura TLX Type S Reviews/Discussion
09-15-2021, 07:21 PM
#1281
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
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As long as new reviews and new talking points come out, people will continue to discuss the car good or bad. Everything positive has been discussed 50 times over as well, how many times can you praise the car? It goes both ways. By the way yes, I've posted on other forums of cars that I owned. I was all over the Q50 Forums complaining about issues and the shitty transmission. Luckily the car was pretty quick but outside of that it handled like a boat and the tranny sucked and the infotainment would go black on me. If they made a New Q50 Red Sport and it turned out to run a 5 second 0-60 and handled like crap I'd be talking about it on there too. Especially if Infiniti hyped the car up like the second coming. I still own an Acura and have owned plenty of Acura's going back to the Acura Legend, I think we have every right to continue to discuss the car.
Maybe go venture over to the BMW forum and see how much trash is talked on there about the front grilles and the direction of BMW's looks. Not sure why you think it's unique to Acura. People were going crazy on the G80/82 looks in a bad way, the positive is the car performs at near supercar levels so many can overlook the snout. The New 2 Series is getting hammered now too.
Maybe go venture over to the BMW forum and see how much trash is talked on there about the front grilles and the direction of BMW's looks. Not sure why you think it's unique to Acura. People were going crazy on the G80/82 looks in a bad way, the positive is the car performs at near supercar levels so many can overlook the snout. The New 2 Series is getting hammered now too.
So going back over time when I was not pleased with any car I was interested in I had something to say.
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Kense (09-15-2021)
09-15-2021, 07:47 PM
#1282
I'm highly disappointed with the WRX as well. They added plastic cladding and made it look like a cheap wannabe "rugged" off-road vehicle, almost as bad as the Ridgeline HPD asshattery. The power bump was nominal and they put a godd@mn motherlovin' CVT in it. Honda (Civic Si) and VW (GTI) are probably laughing and cheering their asses off. I was disappointed with the TLX-S, but that shit is just absurd.
09-15-2021, 07:52 PM
#1283
Burning Brakes
Did they do a marketing blitz?
I'm highly disappointed with the WRX as well. They added plastic cladding and made it look like a cheap wannabe "rugged" off-road vehicle, almost as bad as the Ridgeline HPD asshattery. The power bump was nominal and they put a godd@mn motherlovin' CVT in it. Honda (Civic Si) and VW (GTI) are probably laughing and cheering their asses off. I was disappointed with the TLX-S, but that shit is just absurd.
I'm highly disappointed with the WRX as well. They added plastic cladding and made it look like a cheap wannabe "rugged" off-road vehicle, almost as bad as the Ridgeline HPD asshattery. The power bump was nominal and they put a godd@mn motherlovin' CVT in it. Honda (Civic Si) and VW (GTI) are probably laughing and cheering their asses off. I was disappointed with the TLX-S, but that shit is just absurd.
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09-15-2021, 08:08 PM
#1285
Suzuka Master
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09-15-2021, 08:58 PM
#1287
Suzuka Master
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I would change off & not consider the current car. Like Himalayan Gray with Sevilla Red. Had a Gray/Red combo in a Coupe a few cars back & it wore well over time - did not get tired of it.
09-15-2021, 09:30 PM
#1288
Senior Moderator
Ugh. Can we get back to discussing reviews? Thank you.
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09-15-2021, 10:16 PM
#1289
Senior Moderator
I just deleted a bunch of posts not relevant to this topic and will continue to clean up when I can. I don't spend a lot of time in this part of the forum, but it's clear things have gotten ridiculous. Topics that don't stay on topic will be closed, or posts removed. Thank you
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F23A4 (09-16-2021)
09-15-2021, 10:23 PM
#1290
On a separate note, given that this car has been out for a while and all the major publications (and popular Youtubers) have had their say, I suspect there's not going to be many new reviews going forward until the MMC, in which case it seems like this thread is going to die out in the next month or so. I suppose there's always the odd head-to-head comparo test here and there to look forwards to.
09-15-2021, 10:26 PM
#1291
Well for one thing, maybe if it wasn't heavier and slower than the competition that isn't even trying to be sporty/performance oriented. Just because it handles well does not make it a performance car. I don't think anyone is going to call a Miata a performance car. If I get to put on my gatekeeper hat for a bit, at a minimum it should be a second faster than a regular ol' family car that has no performance pretenses at all. That means it should be in the 12s in the quarter mile, or at least low 13s. IMO sports car != performance car (not that the Type S is a sports car either...).
use the S4 as an example you suggest that we ignore that absent the lunch gain the Type S is just as fast 13.7 vs 12.8 in the 1/4 mile. Also using your criteria we couldn’t consider the S4 a performance car because it’s not a full second faster than the 2022 A4. I think it’s safe to say the the Type S is a performance car, but in your way of evaluating it’s doesn’t quite make it. Fair enough.
Last edited by Honda430; 09-15-2021 at 10:39 PM.
09-15-2021, 10:34 PM
#1292
So in your view what keeps it from being a performance car is .7 seconds and 200 lbs. Now just to
use the S4 as an example you suggest that we ignore that absent the lunch gain the Type S is just as fast 13.7 vs 12.8 in the 1/4 mile. Also using your criteria we couldn’t consider the S4 a performance car because it’s not a full second faster than the 2022 A4.
use the S4 as an example you suggest that we ignore that absent the lunch gain the Type S is just as fast 13.7 vs 12.8 in the 1/4 mile. Also using your criteria we couldn’t consider the S4 a performance car because it’s not a full second faster than the 2022 A4.
09-16-2021, 09:33 PM
#1293
My understanding is that Acura built 2000 2021 TLX type S vehicles to be used as demos then stopped. Whatever they did next (built 2022 NSX type s..?)I don’t know but they will begin to fill actual customer orders in ? September as 2022 type s models. So must of us who are waiting will get 2022 vehicles.
09-20-2021, 04:53 PM
#1294
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...-flawed-sport/
Reviews of Type S seem to fall into 2 camps - one really liking the handling and the other liking it up to a point.
This one falls into the latter camp.
Reviews of Type S seem to fall into 2 camps - one really liking the handling and the other liking it up to a point.
This one falls into the latter camp.
09-20-2021, 05:10 PM
#1295
Racer
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...-flawed-sport/
Reviews of Type S seem to fall into 2 camps - one really liking the handling and the other liking it up to a point.
This one falls into the latter camp.
Reviews of Type S seem to fall into 2 camps - one really liking the handling and the other liking it up to a point.
This one falls into the latter camp.
09-20-2021, 05:19 PM
#1296
Shots fired!
09-21-2021, 09:57 AM
#1298
Did they do a marketing blitz?
I'm highly disappointed with the WRX as well. They added plastic cladding and made it look like a cheap wannabe "rugged" off-road vehicle, almost as bad as the Ridgeline HPD asshattery. The power bump was nominal and they put a godd@mn motherlovin' CVT in it. Honda (Civic Si) and VW (GTI) are probably laughing and cheering their asses off. I was disappointed with the TLX-S, but that shit is just absurd.
I'm highly disappointed with the WRX as well. They added plastic cladding and made it look like a cheap wannabe "rugged" off-road vehicle, almost as bad as the Ridgeline HPD asshattery. The power bump was nominal and they put a godd@mn motherlovin' CVT in it. Honda (Civic Si) and VW (GTI) are probably laughing and cheering their asses off. I was disappointed with the TLX-S, but that shit is just absurd.
09-21-2021, 10:18 AM
#1299
To add to imbecility - they are releasing a GT trim that will have drive modes, Recaro seats, adaptive dampers, performance tracker, and some other great things - B U T...........Only on the CVT model. If cladding wasn't enough, and adding 3hp (same torque) with additional 400cc displacement, the GT is the final nail in the coffin.
09-21-2021, 10:34 AM
#1300
I think it's a case of having a HUGE disconnect between engineers and bean counters who have the final say. It's people with passion for cars vs people who have no brand loyalty or vision for cars. To them it's all about money, money, money. They'll not just jump brands, they'll jump industries.
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FactoryMatt (09-21-2021)
09-21-2021, 11:39 AM
#1301
I wonder if they're trying to go after the GTI DSG crowd. Perhaps the thinking is that drivers who want the Recaros and adaptive dampers and GT stuff would rather step up to the STI instead of buying a fully loaded WRX (even if it had the 6MT). Realistically I can't imagine that many enthusiasts will pick the WRX GT when a base STI could (probably) be had for not that much more.
Last edited by fiatlux; 09-21-2021 at 11:42 AM.
09-21-2021, 12:20 PM
#1302
I wonder if they're trying to go after the GTI DSG crowd. Perhaps the thinking is that drivers who want the Recaros and adaptive dampers and GT stuff would rather step up to the STI instead of buying a fully loaded WRX (even if it had the 6MT). Realistically I can't imagine that many enthusiasts will pick the WRX GT when a base STI could (probably) be had for not that much more.
09-21-2021, 01:54 PM
#1303
Looks like Acura listening to people about their trim levels. With the refreshed RDX.
Aspec now will be available with the technology package. Hopefully this will be an option for the type s.
The RDX also gets Wireless Apple CarPlay which should have come on the type S from the start.
Aspec now will be available with the technology package. Hopefully this will be an option for the type s.
The RDX also gets Wireless Apple CarPlay which should have come on the type S from the start.
09-21-2021, 02:23 PM
#1304
Looks like Acura listening to people about their trim levels. With the refreshed RDX.
Aspec now will be available with the technology package. Hopefully this will be an option for the type s.
The RDX also gets Wireless Apple CarPlay which should have come on the type S from the start.
Aspec now will be available with the technology package. Hopefully this will be an option for the type s.
The RDX also gets Wireless Apple CarPlay which should have come on the type S from the start.
09-22-2021, 07:43 AM
#1306
Senior Moderator
09-22-2021, 09:01 AM
#1307
Racer
⬆️ Well, there's 3 wasted minutes I'll never get back.
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10-01-2021, 03:46 PM
#1308
AZ Community Team
Acura Type S Turbo V6 - Development Story
Wasn't sure this video had been posted yet
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10-01-2021, 03:51 PM
#1309
sikk. thanks. why i like honda.
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Legend2TL (10-04-2021)
10-04-2021, 10:14 AM
#1310
AZ Community Team
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10-04-2021, 10:00 PM
#1311
not a great showing here. hard to beat the Alpha FR chassis in the GM car for handling. a little concerned it didn't handly beat the hyundai on 'dynamics'.
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
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10-05-2021, 09:38 AM
#1312
AZ Community Team
not a great showing here. hard to beat the Alpha FR chassis in the GM car for handling. a little concerned it didn't handly beat the hyundai on 'dynamics'.
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
GM/Cadillac did a wise moving away from FWD platforms of the 2000's. The Alpha and Zeta chassis have worked out well for GM
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10-05-2021, 03:22 PM
#1313
not a great showing here. hard to beat the Alpha FR chassis in the GM car for handling. a little concerned it didn't handly beat the hyundai on 'dynamics'.
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...n-test-review/
On the flipside, the more I see that new G70, the more I like it. Damn.
Hopefully PRL can work some magic and really open up that neutered J30.
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FactoryMatt (10-05-2021)
10-05-2021, 03:27 PM
#1314
^yeah, same chassis basically as the camaro 6 gen. The 1LE is an M3 killer and probably one of those cars you want to have in your garage when they stop making ICE cars. should be a solid investment and a really unique drive i never understood why you see so many Chargers and Challengers (warmed over daimler chassis) when the camero is a comparative scalpel. sorry for digression mods...
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F23A4 (10-06-2021)
10-13-2021, 06:26 AM
#1315
MotorWeek's Type S review is up...
They got a 5.1 sec 0-60, and a 13.7 @102mph 1/4-mile, without rollout. For reference, in the Civic Type R they got a 5.4 sec 0-60 and a 14.1 @102mph.
10-17-2021, 06:39 PM
#1316
Autoguide -
https://www.autoguide.com/manufactur...of-rediscovery
After a few days with the 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I was still conflicted. It’s true that this is a sportier sedan than the brand has built in at least a decade. It’s got the looks and the sound. I don’t even really care that it’s slightly down on power or straight-line performance.
But the TLX is also compromised. It’s too heavy, which affects the ride, which affects the steering, which affects the fun. A transmission that isn’t flipping through gears like channels would be a boon, too. Like a four-door Japanese take on a fourth-gen Camaro, the TLX is also huge outside while not being particularly spacious inside.
https://www.autoguide.com/manufactur...of-rediscovery
After a few days with the 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I was still conflicted. It’s true that this is a sportier sedan than the brand has built in at least a decade. It’s got the looks and the sound. I don’t even really care that it’s slightly down on power or straight-line performance.
But the TLX is also compromised. It’s too heavy, which affects the ride, which affects the steering, which affects the fun. A transmission that isn’t flipping through gears like channels would be a boon, too. Like a four-door Japanese take on a fourth-gen Camaro, the TLX is also huge outside while not being particularly spacious inside.
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BEAR-AvHistory (10-17-2021)
10-17-2021, 10:09 PM
#1317
Autoguide -
https://www.autoguide.com/manufactur...of-rediscovery
After a few days with the 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I was still conflicted. It’s true that this is a sportier sedan than the brand has built in at least a decade. It’s got the looks and the sound. I don’t even really care that it’s slightly down on power or straight-line performance.
But the TLX is also compromised. It’s too heavy, which affects the ride, which affects the steering, which affects the fun. A transmission that isn’t flipping through gears like channels would be a boon, too. Like a four-door Japanese take on a fourth-gen Camaro, the TLX is also huge outside while not being particularly spacious inside.
https://www.autoguide.com/manufactur...of-rediscovery
After a few days with the 2021 Acura TLX Type S, I was still conflicted. It’s true that this is a sportier sedan than the brand has built in at least a decade. It’s got the looks and the sound. I don’t even really care that it’s slightly down on power or straight-line performance.
But the TLX is also compromised. It’s too heavy, which affects the ride, which affects the steering, which affects the fun. A transmission that isn’t flipping through gears like channels would be a boon, too. Like a four-door Japanese take on a fourth-gen Camaro, the TLX is also huge outside while not being particularly spacious inside.
10-17-2021, 10:29 PM
#1318
For reference, the Camaro has a whopping 1 cu.ft. more passenger space more than the GT86, a car 20 inches shorter and 5 inches narrower. Plus the greenhouse for the Camaro is particularly bad, making it feel even more claustrophobic and smaller than it already is.
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ELIN (10-18-2021)
10-18-2021, 07:11 AM
#1319
The visibility from within the Camaro is down right dangerous, probably worse than a Nissan 370Z and just slightly better than a Panzer. While one of the highlights of the TLX, however, is that it has likely the best visibility in its segment, which is quite surprising since it's also the best exterior design in its segment.
10-29-2021, 04:41 AM
#1320
Safety Car
Cars.com
https://www.cars.com/articles/2021-a...ry-joy-441468/EXPERT REVIEW
2021 Acura TLX Type S Review: A Sensory Joy
By Joe BruzekOctober 28, 2021
The verdict: Through an array of technological wizardry, the Acura TLX Type S makes you grin in the corners without frowning in the straights.
Versus the competition: Most luxury brands have ditched affordable performance versions of their mainstream sedans, but the TLX Type S is a compellingly frugal option — if not as fire-breathing as some.
Redesigned for 2021, the TLX compact luxury sedan has impressive dynamics and a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but it longs for more. The TLX Type S is just that, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a stack of goodies in a refined performance package that doesn’t break the bank. Including destination, the sedan starts at $53,845 — fully loaded.Related: 2021 Acura TLX Review: Subtle Changes, Big Improvements
Acura has been a quirky brand over the past decade, with beak-nosed sedans and SUVs, dual-screen multimedia systems and hybrids that don’t do much for fuel economy. Now, it seems to be finding its stride with its latest offerings in terms of styling, performance and value. The TLX isn’t without its quirks — most Acuras, for example, still lack a touchscreen for their multimedia systems — but the Type S is so good I can see past that miss.
6 Cylinders, 1 Turbocharger
2021 Acura TLX Type S | Cars.com photo by Joe BruzekAt the heart of the Type S is a 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger to make 355 horsepower, up 83 hp over the TLX’s turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The execution is very BMW-like, with minimal turbo lag despite Acura not choosing twin turbos — a setup prized for responsiveness. There is some lag, but it’s negligible in performance modes that make use of all 10 gears in the Type-S-specific 10-speed automatic transmission.Driving the Type S is a sensory joy: angry pops on upshifts, gurgles on downshifts and whooshing acceleration noises from the turbochargers. The V-6 has a natural, refined hum during acceleration — at least I think it’s coming from the V-6. My ears might be fooled by the augmented engine sounds Acura pipes through the TLX’s stereo system; the digitized sound is so seamless and pleasing, however, that being synthesized isn’t a downside. The execution is far more refined than in the 2020 and 2021 Civic Type R, where it’s easy to pick out the artificial booming frequencies from the door speakers.
Mechanically, the TLX Type S has flaps in its mufflers that open in different driving modes to increase volume, and the end result of this mechanical/electrical trickery is a genuinely pleasing auditory experience (to me, anyway). That’s in contrast to the 2022 Genesis G70, whose 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 has a rather nondescript soundtrack. In less sporty cars, this much investment into drivetrain sound might be wasted effort, but a performance car’s soundtrack is a large part of feeling connected to the car, and the Type S doesn’t disappoint.
2021 Acura TLX Type S | Cars.com photo by Joe BruzekWhat is a little disappointing is that all that power is tasked with motivating a portly 4,200 pounds of car (even with Acura’s optional lightweight wheels). That’s hundreds of pounds heavier than comparable luxury AWD sports sedans, including the Audi S4 (3,847 pounds), Genesis G70 3.3T (3,887), BMW M340i (3,849) and Mercedes-AMG C43 (3,836). All of these cars have more favorable power-to-weight ratios. In previous testing, we clocked an AWD BMW M340i hitting 60 mph in just 3.89 seconds, while Acura reports a 0-60 time of “around 5 seconds” for the Type S. Driving the Type S right after the G70 3.3T we recently evaluated, the Acura feels more modest than that car, which offers harder kick-you-in-the-seat-of-your-pants acceleration.10 Gears, All Good
Though it looks on paper like a carryover transmission from parent company Honda, the TLX Type S’ 10-speed automatic offers a drastically different experience versus the unit offered in the Odyssey minivan, MDX SUV, Accord sedan and even the base TLX. Mechanical and programming changes strengthen the transmission and quicken shifting, contributing a sense of directness and responsiveness that’s more akin to a dual-clutch automatic than, say, the Odyssey’s unresponsive 10-speed. There’s a consistent shift firmness across the gears — unlike, say, the Ford Mustang GT’s 10-speed, which can get mushy on light throttle even in the most aggressive driving mode. Turned up to the driver-selectable Sport Plus mode, the TLX Type S shifts so hard you can feel the entire drivetrain shudder in response. The programming is aggressive, but it feels worthwhile considering the resulting positive engagement, quick paddle-shifter response and minimal gear hunting.Acura says the 10-speed in the Type S has a new torque converter, stronger internal gears, improved clutches and a transmission-fluid cooler to handle the extra power. The mechanical changes pair with unique programming for 40% faster downshifts and 30% faster upshifts in Sport Plus mode.
2021 Acura TLX Type S Handling With Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive
There’s something odd about how the TLX Type S drives with its mechanical torque-vectoring AWD — it’s not bad, just unnatural. Throw it into a corner and you can feel the rear outside tire pushing from the back to help the nose rotate toward the apex. It’s an unusual experience, but it lets the Type S do things you wouldn’t think it could — without sacrificing ride quality. The standard adaptive shock absorbers with adjustable firmness have driver-selectable settings for comfort, but even in their most aggressive modes (Sport and Sport Plus offer the same damping), ride quality never feels harsh. My Type S wore optional lightweight 20-inch wheels ($800, which saves 21 pounds total) with Pirelli P Zero high-performance summer tires.It’s hard to tell the Type S is based on a front-wheel-drive chassis considering its neutral balance and heft. If you really romp into a corner, the car rotates itself and slides out the back, allowing you to use throttle to power out of the corner. It’s interesting because you can plow into a corner too hot, then get on the throttle early (unintuitively, I might add) to rotate the car back on line. This torque-vectoring effect is most prominent in the Sport Plus driving mode.
The steering communicates everything the car is doing quite well, too, which isn’t typical in this class. Acura’s trick AWD pairs with a double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension. It’s a sporty configuration that shares some credit for the balance.
An electro-servo braking system replaces the vacuum-assisted brake booster with an electronic brake-by-wire assist. It’s an exceedingly common approach these days, but the hard brake pedal takes getting used to in normal driving because it’s difficult to modulate smoothly. The pedal has more precision and accuracy during aggressive use, however; it feels more natural in those situations than when driving around town.
TLX Type S Vs. the Competition
Just prior to the arrival of the TLX, I reviewed the updated 2022 Genesis G70 Sport Prestige with rear-wheel drive. It’s the most performance-oriented G70, and it’s a very good car that’s priced similarly to the TLX Type S. Pitting the two performance versions against each other, I’d lean toward the Acura. The Type S comes across as more of a dedicated performance car than the G70 3.3T even though it doesn’t feel as outright quick. The way the TLX Type S handles, steers and manages power through its transmission and AWD is completely seamless. The multimedia control system is a pain to use versus the touchscreens you’ll find elsewhere in the class — have fun using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without a touchscreen — but the Type S is so robust in other areas, I was less put off by that here than I was in the regular TLX.But what about the A4/S4, 3 Series and C-Class? While base prices for those cars’ uplevel engines run in the $50,000 to $56,000 range — where the TLX’s $53,000 starting price falls — the Type S is loaded with standard equipment that’s mostly optional on these competitors: adaptive cruise control, adaptive shocks, a head-up display and more. The result is that, in Cars.com’s national new-car listings for September 2021, the Type S had an average list price of $53,825 versus $62,880 for the S4, $61,495 for the M340 and $66,332 for the C43.
While the Type S may not be as quick as its competitors (the
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