TLX has improved a lot, but it is not perfect.
The 2021 Acura TLX arrived earlier this year and was completely redesigned to cope with the crowded compact luxury car market. Acura has kept the outgoing TLX immobile for a long time, so this second-generation model is a major improvement that can provide many things for existing owners. However, in addition to the standard TLX, Acura also plans to bring back its sorely missed Type S brand through a high-performance TLX model specifically for the Audi S4.
The S model is not yet available, but we recently had the opportunity to test the second most sporty option in the TLX series, the A-Spec model. Compared with the standard TLX, it does not provide any significant performance upgrades, but it does enhance the visual appeal through a more sporty appearance and a more vivid interior. 2021 TLX A-Spec has many things to love, but it is not perfect. This is why we like it and why we will wait for the Type S model as soon as possible.
The new TLX may share some familiar design cues with the outgoing model, but it has undergone significant changes in many important aspects. This is still a car based on a front-wheel drive layout, but Acura’s designers gave it the proportions of a rear-wheel drive car. The wheelbase has been extended by 3.7 inches and the body has been extended by 2.2 inches. Most importantly, the horizontal axis ratio (the amount of space between the A-pillar and the front axle) is a staggering 7.8 inches longer.
All these proportional changes add up to create a dynamic design, especially in the A-Spec trim, adding a lot of black trim, rear spoiler and dark gray wheels. The old TLX is not very rudimentary, but this new model is still an obvious improvement.
Despite the increasing size, the interior of the TLX is smaller than its mainstream counterpart, the Honda Accord. The rear seat of the TLX only provides 34.9 inches of legroom, which is less than that provided in the BMW 3 Series. In contrast, the rear of the Accord is as high as 40.4 inches, which is comparable to many full-size cars. There is a similar story behind the rear seats. TLX has only 13.5 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The Accord provides 16.7 cubic feet of storage space, while the 3 Series provides 17 cubic feet of storage space. If you consider practicality, Accord provides more space at a lower price.
Acura's previous dual-screen infotainment system was slow and bulky, and even with the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it was troublesome to use. Acura's new True Touchpad interface first appeared on RDX and is a huge improvement. Like the Lexus remote touch system, it uses a laptop-style touchpad on the center console for control. But unlike the Lexus pad, Acura is easier to use on the move, because clicking on a part immediately corresponds to that area on the screen. It's still not the most intuitive system, but it's in a different league compared to the dual-screen setup.
After liking the RDX A-Spec, we have high hopes for the TLX as an exciting sports car. Unfortunately, we are only partially satisfied. The TLX's basic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which certainly sounds sufficient on paper. Due to some enhancements to the car audio system, literally, it even sounds better than the 2.0-liter turbocharger in the Civic Type R. But on the trot, the size of the TLX makes it feel dull compared to other four-cylinder competitors. Even the inefficient version of the Accord using the TLX engine feels faster.
When twists and turns are required, the TLX can be steered confidently thanks to Acura's impeccable super handling all-wheel drive system, which can provide up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels. The chassis is also very balanced, further inspiring the driver's confidence. Sadly, most of the confidence was washed away by A-Spec's all-season tires. This car is fun and can guarantee summer rubber, but all seasons included in the factory relax at a rate of more than seven tenths.
Starting at $37,500, the TLX is not the cheapest car in the compact luxury car segment. This puts Acura at a slight disadvantage at the basic level, because the TLX has long been a value substitute for European sports cars. However, if customers plan to climb further up the options ladder, TLX's value proposition will begin to emerge. Choosing a well-equipped A-Spec kit will only increase the price of US$2,750. Even after the SH-AWD system is equipped with the price of US$2,000, the price of TLX is still US$46,750. Try to choose a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class with similar options for less than $50,000. Spoiler warning: this is impossible.
Like the upcoming models, we believe that TLX is a good choice for buyers who want to buy a sporty sedan with dynamic design and AWD traction for less than $50,000. But if this is our money, we will stick to the upcoming TLX Type S. TLX Type S will make its debut next year, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the extra charm, the sporty model will also be equipped with a stiffer suspension and summer tires. The Model S starts at about $50,000-roughly the same price as the S4-but we have no doubt that it will include more standard features and is worth the price.