2024 Acura TLX Review: Redefining Luxury and Performance
Acura TLX 2024 Review: Luxury, Performance & Design. Discover the latest in safety, tech, and driving experience. Ideal for enthusiasts.
The 2024 Acura TLX offers the speed and excitement of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan. Its stylish design, innovative features, and fine-tuned engine make the TLX a truly impressive luxury sedan, perfect for driving enthusiasts. The base Technology trim comes with standard front-wheel drive, and the A-Spec and Type-S trims come with SH-AWD, Acura’s all-wheel drive system.
The Technology and A-Spec trims come standard with a 272-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and delivering 280 lb-ft of torque. The S-Type trim features a zestier turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which packs 355 horsepower. Compared to other luxury sedans like the Cadillac CT5 or the Audi A6, the TLX offers similar performance at a reasonable price.
Design
The 2024 Acura TLX sees few changes beyond an updated grille, yet it still lives up to Acura's high standards and signature design philosophy of purposeful design. Known for meticulous attention to detail, Acura highlights the TLX's beauty in its enchanting jewel-eye LED headlights, Chicane daytime running lights, taillights, and the iconic Diamond Pentagon grille. Equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, 13-inch brakes, a rear spoiler, and a front diffuser, the TLX both looks and drives like a dream.
The TLX’s cabin showcases Acura’s sleek and refined aesthetics. At first glance, the two-tone leather seats and large 12.3-inch infotainment screen exude luxury, and the appeal grows the longer you look. A large digital gauge cluster above the steering wheel includes a speedometer, RPM meter, and G-meter. Other notable cabin features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Head-Up Display, and a wireless charger.
The TLX offers ample storage space, with pockets in each door, a sunglasses holder, a center console compartment, and a large trunk. The interior is quieter than any previous stock TLX model, which is ideal for soft conversations and sleeping babies.
Sadly, the TLX has a few drawbacks. The back row is somewhat cramped, offering limited legroom. And, yes, Acura’s trackpad system is still the only way to navigate its infotainment screen. It's distractingly difficult to use, especially compared to more accessible and user-friendly touchscreen infotainment screens in its competitors.
Engine, Performance, and Handling
The Acura TLX is a true-performance vehicle. The Technology and A-Spec trims feature a quick and responsive 272 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 280 lb-ft of torque, offering an enjoyable and zippy driving experience. The Type-S trim steps it up with a more powerful 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, boasting 355 horsepower and accelerating from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.
The Type-S handles exceptionally well thanks to its 13-inch Brembo performance brakes and Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD). The all-wheel-drive system on the TLX efficiently distributes power to optimize performance.
Fuel efficiency varies based on the drivetrain. Front-wheel drive models achieve 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel drive models get 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
Both the IIHS and NHTSA have awarded the TLX high safety scores. This is due in part to its plethora of driver assistance systems and innovative safety features, all part of the AcuraWatch suite, designed to prevent collisions by accurately recognizing the characteristics of oncoming objects.
The AcuraWatch suite includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- Advanced Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Hill Start Assist
- Next-Generation ACE™ Body Structure
- Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
- Blind Spot Information (BSI) System
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Pricing and Value for Money
TLX pricing is straightforward, with three trim levels ranging from $45,000 to $57,000. We recommend the A-Spec for the best value, starting at an MSRP of $50,000. It has SH-AWD, leather heated and ventilated seats, keyless access, ambient cabin lighting, a moonroof, and an ELS 3D premium sound system. However, if you can stretch your budget by an additional $7,000, the extra horsepower and torque from the Type-S are worth it. But remember, choosing a trim level within your budget is more important than extra horsepower.
The 2024 Acura TLX is an exquisite car. Its quiet and well-thought-out interior, paired with an athletic and flashy exterior, helps it stand out in the crowded luxury performance sedan market. While it does have some issues, such as a tricky trackpad system and a cramped back row, these seem minor once you step on the gas. Overall, the TLX is reliable, responsive, and a lot of fun.
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FAQ
Is the Acura TLX a reliable car?
It is an extremely reliable car. Acura is known for producing some of the most reliable cars available today.
What are the negatives of the Acura TLX?
The 2024 Acura TLX's main drawbacks are a cramped back row and a tricky-to-use trackpad navigation system.
Is it worth buying an Acura TLX?
The Acura TLX is an excellent car, offering both performance and luxury to the driver, all at a reasonable price.
