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 Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 272 hp | 280 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
3.0L Turbo V6 | 355 hp | 354 lb-ft | Not 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.