2024 Acura TLX Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Acura TLX looks a lot like an Integra that's eaten Thanksgiving dinner with two separate families. Given its larger footprint and available all-wheel drive, it's a completely different bird from the Integra, though. The four-door TLX starts with front-wheel drive and a 272-hp turbocharged inline-four engine. Moving up to a TLX Type S unlocks all-wheel drive (also optional for Advance trim) and a 355-hp turbocharged V-6. Both powertrains use a 10-speed automatic, but the significantly peppier V-6 gets to 60 mph a full second quicker than the four-cylinder. The TLX's size straddles the line between compact and mid-size, so it feels slightly roomier than the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series but lacks the rear-passenger legroom of larger competitors such as the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-series. The Type S performance-oriented model nails steering and brake feel, but its excitement is somewhat dulled by its 4201-pound heft.

What's New for 2024?

Acura gives the TLX a mid-cycle refresh for 2024. A redesigned front bumper is maybe its most obvious change, but on paper, the TLX's starting price grows higher too as Acura has squashed its entry-level Base trim. The rest of the lineup gets a new gauge cluster and infotainment screen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The TLX also earns Urban Gray Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic paint options and three new wheel options.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 355-hp Type S occupies the top spot in the TLX lineup in both performance and price. While its verve makes it our favorite, its price only adds to its attractiveness—especially compared with the BMW M340i. Pricing for the all-wheel-drive Bimmer starts higher than the Type S, and its sticker balloons to well over $60,000 when fully equipped. The Type S is less expensive and comes standard with luxuries such as adaptive dampers, leather upholstery, and an ELS premium audio system. We'd also opt for the Performance package that brings unique 20-inch wheels on summer tires for maximum cornering grip and stopping power.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The regular TLX features a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder lashed to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura's all-wheel-drive system, which is called SH-AWD and shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional. The TLX's terrific chassis tuning made it very entertaining to drive and proved that Acura can still build a sports sedan. This sentiment is especially true of the higher-performance Type S, which boasts a 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed auto, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the regular TLX, it's available with stickier summer tires on 20-inch wheels. Our latest test drive showcased its gutsy engine, engaging steering, terrific body control, and strong brakes. However, it does have a firm ride that doesn't mask road imperfections, and it didn't feel as nimble as shorter, sporty competitors such as the Audi S4.

0-60 MPH Times

The 0-60 mph time for our base, turbo four Acura TLX test car was 5.9 seconds, while the TLX Type S, with the turbo V-6 delivered a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The front-drive TLX is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with SH-AWD see those figures drop to 21 mpg city and 29 highway. The TLX Type S is rated at up to 19 mpg city and 25 highway. The all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model we ran on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, earned 30 mpg. For more information about the TLX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the TLX has an expressive design that highlights its sporty character. These include attractive analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector in the middle of the dashboard. Solidified by Acura's excellent build quality, the TLX also boasts nicer cabin materials than its predecessor, including open-pore wood and real aluminum. Although the sedan feels spacious from side to side, the back seat feels smaller than some competitors in this class. Still, its highly adjustable front seats and excellent forward visibility reward drivers. The TLX also offers myriad interior colors, distinct leather upholstery, and desirable features, including a head-up display and customizable ambient-lighting settings that are each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks, such as "Pacific Coast" and "Suzuka."

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every TLX features a 12.3-inch infotainment system that's primarily controlled through a touchpad on the center console. Some functions can also be manipulated via steering-wheel buttons and physical controls next to the touchpad. There's also a padded resting place for your wrist below the touchpad that makes it more comfortable to operate. The TLX comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who want the fanciest ELS sound system and a wireless charging pad will have to opt for the Advance package.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every TLX comes standard with AcuraWatch, which includes a host of driver-assistance technology. The sedan also has new equipment, such as traffic-sign recognition and a driver-awareness monitor. For more information about the TLX's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura provides one of the longer powertrain warranties on the market, and its limited warranty aligns with most of the TLX's rivals, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes C-class.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles.

More Features and Specs