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2021 Acura TLX

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Make
Acura
Model
TLX
Year
2021
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Acura TLX OEM Exterior Primary Photo
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Used Car Price Range
$25,499 - $42,575
$25,499 $42,575
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $37,500
2021 Base 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $39,500
2021 Technology Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $41,500
2021 Technology Package 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $43,500
2021 A-Spec Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $44,250
2021 A-Spec Package 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $46,250
2021 Advance Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $46,300
2021 Advance Package 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $48,300
2021 Type S 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $52,300
2021 Type S w/Performance Tire 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $53,100
Expert Rating
3.5 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

What's New

Acura was once known for having some of the sportiest sedans on sale. For the 2021 model year, Acura’s shifting from being known as a value brand to one that’s known for making cars that are exciting to drive. It may seem like an odd decision, but with consumers moving to crossovers and SUVs, going all out with sporty vehicles seems like a great idea to save the body style. All of this change starts with the all-new 2021 Acura TLX.

For 2021, the TLX enters its second generation with a new body, improved engines, new tech features, and a performance-oriented Type S trim. All of the changes are meant to take the TLX, which was lagging behind in the class, to the top. Regardless of whether that works or not, it’s nice to see Acura return to its roots with the TLX.

Choosing Your Acura TLX

Acura offers the TLX in four trim levels: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. Additionally, the automaker will come out with the sporty Type S trim in the near future, but information on that model is scarce at the time of writing. Prices start at $39,025 including destination for the base model and go up to $47,825 for the Advance.

Engine Choices

The TLX starts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming Type S gets a 3.0-liter turbo V6.

Engine TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder272 hp280 lb-ft25 mpg
3.0L Turbo V6355 hp354 lb-ftNot Yet Rated

Front-wheel drive is standard with the four-cylinder, with all-wheel drive available for $2,000.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

All TLX models can seat up to five passengers and have a trunk that can hold up to 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Acura TLX

Safety Features

Acura’s bolstered the TLX’s list of standard features for the 2021 model year. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams are all standard.

The Technology and above also come with front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance adds a surround-view camera.

Connectivity

Every TLX comes with a 10.2-inch center display, a 7-inch multi-information display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wi-fi, satellite and HD radio, and two front USB ports. The Technology and above get navigation, while the same goes for the A-Spec and a wireless charging pad. The Advance is further equipped with a 10.5-inch head-up display.

In terms of audio speakers, the base model gets 10, the Technology 13, and the A-Spec and Advance 17.

Acura TLX

TLX - From $39,025

The base TLX comes better equipped than ever before. LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, leatherette upholstery, 12-way power front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a moonroof are standard.

Technology - From $43,025

Stepping up to the Technology model brings leather upholstery with contrast stitching, 19-inch wheels, GPS-linked climate control, 13 audio speakers, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors.

A-Spec - From $45,775

Ticking the box for the A-Spec brings dark chrome exterior trim pieces, LED fog lights, a black spoiler, and a rear diffuser. A-Spec sport seats, ventilated front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, an ebony headliner, and wireless charging are also standard.

Advance - From $47,825

The Advance builds on the Technology and further brings an adaptive damper system, LED puddle lights, power-folding exterior mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 16-way power front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wood trim, the surround-view camera, and the head-up display.

Compare TLX Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

There’s really no bad choice with the 2021 Acura TLX, as it’s still one of the most value-oriented sedans in the class. Even going with a fully-loaded Advance sees you spending a lot less than a similarly-equipped competitor.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Handsome outside
  • Comfortable inside
  • Great handling
  • Powerful new engine
Cons
  • Relatively small trunk
  • Middling efficiency
  • Clunky infotainment interface
Expert Rating
3.5 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

New sedan on the block. The 2021 Acura TLX would like you to know that it’s no longer a dressed-up Honda Accord. Acura’s midsize sedan gets a full redesign this year, and the result is a major improvement over the last generation.

The changes start with a new platform, which stretches the wheelbase by 3.7 inches. Much of that goes to the hood, which is long and low. What’s underneath is new, too – in a bid to unseat the sport sedan hegemony, the TLX ditches last year’s MacPherson struts in favor of a double-wishbone strut up front.

The rear decklid is fashionably short. It looks great, but it covers a relatively small trunk that can only carry 13.5 cubic feet of luggage. That’s less than rivals like the Lexus ES or BMW 5-Series, though better than the miserly Cadillac CT5. Thankfully, the rear seats fold down for some extra room.

Stylish and supportive. Count us fans of the TLX’s new look. The long, creased hood gives the impression (if not the reality) of a rear-wheel-drive car. A rising beltline creates an athletic stance, and the new nose gathers everything together at a diamond-shaped grille.

The interior is equally attractive, with materials that punch above the TLX’s price point. Wood and metal trim are employed to good effect, and the plunging center stack adds some drama. Fit and finish are excellent. Every TLX gets a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, which sits nicely atop the dash.

The seats are another highlight. Standard front seats are spacious, heated, and 12-way power adjustable. We particularly like the rear seats, which have a long seat that provides more thigh support than most modern cars. Rear leg room is up 0.4 inches over last year’s model, and while passengers over 6 feet may feel cramped, most adults won’t mind.


Acura TLX

Newly sporty. The Acura TLX gets an engine upgrade, and it’s substantial. Compared to last year’s base engine, the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is up 66 horsepower to a total of 272. That’s comparable to the previous generation’s optional V6, and it’s strong power for the class.

Unlike rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the TLX starts with front-wheel drive. If you can, we’d recommend making the $2,000 jump to all-wheel drive. In addition to adding all-weather confidence, it can shuttle up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels and move torque to the outside wheel for better handling.

The new suspension pays dividends as well, making the TLX a real contender among sport sedans. Steering is quick and stable, and the chassis is agile and responsive. AWD improves cornering, but even FWD TLX models are enjoyable.

The TLX’s greatest mechanical weakness is fuel economy. The EPA estimates that it will do up to 25 miles per gallon combined, or 24 mpg with all-wheel drive. That’s mediocre for the class, and it looks even worse against new hybrid competitors like the Lexus ES 300h or Volvo S60 Recharge.

Safe and simple. Acura benefits from its Honda parentage, and the TLX comes with an admirable suite of safety features. The front airbags are a next-generation design intended to reduce injuries in angled front collisions. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a driver attention monitor come standard, which is more than the CT5 can say.

The rest of the features are divided among a simple but sensible lineup. If it were our money, we’d upgrade to the Technology trim and add AWD, which keeps price to a reasonable $45,000.

Lexus has promised that the sporty Type S trim will debut in the spring of next year – with a 355-hp V6 under the hood, it should be a formidable performer.

Our only complaint about the features is the infotainment software, which is controlled through a touchpad in the center console. It’s an awkward interface, and it takes some getting used to.

Even so, the Acura TLX is a tempting value – it’s a competitor to the 5-Series at less than the price of a BMW 3-Series. Against comparably priced rivals from Lexus and Cadillac, its trim and features set it apart.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Acura TLX is a welcome return to form for the midsize sedan. Aside from a tight trunk and some finicky software, it hits all the right notes: sharp handling, willing performance, and a premium interior. Especially with all-wheel drive, it deserves consideration against the sport-sedan establishment.

Check prices for the 2021 Acura TLX »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 272 HP / 280 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd Sequential SportShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
22 / 31 / 26 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 272 HP / 280 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
22 / 31 / 26 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank
15.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$61
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
13.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
93 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
194.6 "
Exterior Width
75.2 "
Exterior Height
56.4 "
Front Headroom
37.2 "
Rear Headroom
36.3 "
Front Legroom
42.4 "
Rear Legroom
34.9 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,709 Lbs.
Wheel Base
113 "
Turning Radius
20.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Black Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated, Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers
Body-colored / Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
10
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt / Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking System (cmbs) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System (lkas) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Traffic Jam Assist Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Advanced Pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2021 Acura TLX for Sale

22 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Acura
Base
Color: Gray
Mileage

11,014 mi

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Acura of Alhambra (19 mi)

Phone: (626) 380-9170
Acura
w/ Technology Package
Color: Black
Price

$25,499

Mileage

87,225 mi

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Carson Honda (11 mi)

Phone: (800) 474-8435
Acura
Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
Color: Platinum White Pearl
Price

$27,365

Mileage

31,830 mi

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Acura of Sherman Oaks (18 mi)

Phone: (424) 935-5616
Acura
Base 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
Color: Fathom Blue Pearl
Price

$27,499

Mileage

38,942 mi

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AutoNation Acura South Bay (8 mi)

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