When the TSX ceased to exist following the 2014 mannequin yr, Acura misplaced the final actually participating sedan in its secure. Yes, the corporate rolled out the bigger TLX as a alternative, nevertheless it failed to essentially excite audiences with its frumpy, lackluster styling and considerably boring drive character. With the all-new 2021 TLX, Acura hopes to recapture a few of its outdated sedan magic. And with slick seems to be, a wholesome dose of tech and — most significantly — higher on-road manners, the brand new TLX is properly positioned to just do that.
LikeSharp stylingInvolving drive characterAwesome ELS audio system
Don’t LikeMuted gear modificationsAll-season tire gripHefty curb weight
High-style AcuraThe new TLX is Acura’s greatest sedan design execution in fairly a very long time. While I used to be a fan of the corporate’s older TL and TSX fashions, none of these automobiles had been head-turners, however the newest TLX positively is. Based on the 2019 Type S Concept, the TLX boasts a good quantity of perspective with a quick roofline, slim Jewel Eye headlight therapy, hunkered stance and sizeable rear haunches. Compared to the outgoing mannequin, it is 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider and half an inch decrease.In the case of my A-Spec check automotive, the TLX will get a contact extra aggressive with 19-inch split-spoke wheels (18s are customary on the bottom mannequin), a black grille, black window trim, model-specific decklid lip spoiler and foglights.
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec: Sharper efficiency and appears
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Head into the cabin and also you plop into extraordinarily comfy and supportive entrance bucket seats lined with tender Milano leather-based and suede inserts. These seats provide loads of adjustability, permitting me to search out the proper place behind the thick-rimmed steering wheel. While some on the Roadshow workers discover the TLX’s sprint structure busy, I just like the tiered design and like its plethora of conventional, clearly marked buttons to screens or haptic sliders. High marks additionally go to the standard supplies that make up all main parts of the TLX’s cabin. The sprint and door panels characteristic massive swaths of leather-wrapped and contrast-stitched areas, brushed aluminum trim and piano black bits. There’s additionally a serviceable quantity of area in entrance, and there is sufficient legroom for adults in again, although taller people would possibly like a bit of extra headroom. For cargo, a trunk with 13.5 cubic toes of area is able to swallow a number of items.
Strong tech handAcura’s True TouchPad interface runs the TLX’s infotainment software program, providing higher contact accuracy than earlier than, making it simpler to manage navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth. Working by way of the varied screens is intuitive sufficient however coming into nav locations does take a bit of longer than I would like, particularly because the crisp, 10.2-inch heart show is not a touchscreen. I do, nonetheless, recognize the addition of a quantity knob and skip buttons to the appropriate of the touchpad, which make audio changes loads simpler.
The True Touchpad system’s addition of a quantity knob and skip button is welcome.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
Speaking of audio, the A-Spec comes with a completely rocking ELS audio setup. With 17 audio system and 710 watts of energy, you may need to have the best-quality uncompressed audio recordsdata you will get your palms on to really recognize this technique. It sounds magnificent and goes toe-to-toe with something from Bose or Harman Kardon.Acura’s security menu is substantial, with all TLX fashions coming customary with adaptive cruise management, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep help and site visitors signal recognition. My A-Spec packs just a few extra customary goodies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and entrance and rear parking sensors.Back to the efficiency properlyWhile higher seems to be and tech enhancements are necessary, the brand new TLX’s efficiency is the headline right here. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 making 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with the latter obtainable from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The efficiency specs are greater than aggressive in opposition to rivals such because the Audi A4, BMW 330i and Mercedes-Benz C300. Front-wheel-drive is customary on the TLX, however you’ll be able to add the corporate’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system for a further $2,000.The TLX’s turbo I4 is a clean and highly effective operator.
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Routing energy to the wheels in each TLX is a 10-speed automated transmission, constructed in-house for Honda/Acura merchandise. My AWD A-Spec tester is rated to return an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 29 mpg on the freeway.The clean engine gives fast throttle response, vigorous mid-range grunt and pulls onerous all the way in which as much as the 6,800-rpm redline. The transmission, then again, would profit from some fantastic tuning to deal with its barely muted shifts and whereas the handbook shift mode is not horrendous, it’s miles from the very best on this class.Raising this Acura’s dealing with IQ is a chassis that ditches the earlier TLX’s MacPherson strut entrance suspension in favor of a double-wishbone setup. Together with the multilink rear suspension, the brand new TLX is compliant sufficient to absorb small to medium impacts, however can be remarkably competent by way of bends. There’s the smallest little bit of physique roll at nook entry, however then the TLX hunkers down and confidently tracks by way of. The TLX A-Spec is hankering for one thing stickier than its all-season Michelins.
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The fundamental performance-limiting components are the A-Spec’s not-so-trim 3,990-pound curb weight and the Michelin Primacy all-season tires. These are good all-season tires for balanced every day driving efficiency, however you inform the chassis can deal with a lot extra. Plus, the latest-generation SH-AWD system is now able to routing as much as 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle, which the tech can then absolutely distribute to the left or proper wheel. Combined with the well-tuned suspension, the TLX is simply begging for extra grip.Even with the all-season Michelins, the TLX is fast to show in and the steering supplies satisfying really feel and suggestions. The brakes are a bit of grabby with sturdy preliminary chew, however shortly gradual this almost two-ton sedan with confidence. How I’d spec itThe 2021 TLX begins at $38,525, together with $1,025 for vacation spot. To spec my ideally suited model, I’d start by checking the field for the wonderful $2,000 SH-AWD system, given my Midwest residency. From there I’d spring for the $2,750 A-Spec package deal for the sportier seems to be, and this additionally permits me to choice the superior $500 Apex Blue paint job. The A-Spec therapy additionally requires the addition of the $4,000 Technology Package for goodies I’d need anyway like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and stellar ELS audio system. All in, my good Acura sedan would sticker for $47,775 — the very same value as my Performance Red Pearl tester.This 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec wears a $47,775 price ticket, together with $1,025 for vacation spot.
Jon Wong/Roadshow
An entire packageAs a Honda/Acura fanatic, I used to be excited by all of the promising information main as much as the arrival of the 2021 TLX. The styling previewed by the Type S idea, return of double-wishbone entrance suspension and forthcoming TLX Type S all sound nice. Now, after driving the TLX A-Spec and experiencing some acquainted driving traits that made outdated Acura fashions so endearing, I’m much more upbeat about Acura’s future. No, the brand new TLX is not good, nevertheless it’s a robust, aggressive package deal. Acura’s newest sedan gives styling, tech and efficiency that ought to make anybody contemplating an Audi A4, BMW 330i or Mercedes-Benz C300 take a re-evaluation.