2024 Acura TLX

Up front, the TLX’s grille flows into thin-slit headlights and drops down to take up real estate in the lower front fascia. It’s flanked by air intakes that suggest performance, which is most realized in the Type S model. The angular lines of the nose are only partially echoed on the sides by a rising character line that breaks up what is mostly an otherwise clean profile. The large greenhouse is set back like on a rear-wheel-drive car. The TLX has a pert, upraised tail, thin taillights that stretch from the corners into the trunk lid, and small air vents. 

Quad exhaust pipes give away the Type S, and it also shares a body kit with the A-Spec model. 

Inside, Acura gives the TLX an airplane-style cockpit look with a lot of hard buttons and knobs, the most noticeable of which is a large drive mode dial in the middle of the center stack. Aided this year by larger 12.3-inch screens, it comes off as futuristic. A variety of trim materials, including leather and aluminum, add visual interest, especially if the red leather is chosen. 

Front-wheel drive is standard in the base model, while the A-Spec and Type S get all-wheel drive. 

How fast is the Acura TLX?

It’s not slow in its base form and the Type S is downright quick. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that spins up 272 hp. The power flows through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission to launch the car from 0-60 mph in about six seconds. It has all the power you need to jump out in front of traffic or pass with confidence on the highway, though its exhaust note may be too loud for some tastes. 

The Type S model employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that increases output to 355 hp and cuts the 0-60 mph time by a second or so. It’s strong across the rev range.

Drivers should appreciate the quick, direct steering of every TLX. It has a decent amount of heft, and the Type S is heavier for more stability in sweeping corners. A double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension do a fine job of controlling body motions. A-Spec and Type S models have adaptive dampers that strike a great balance between ride and improved handling. Every version is fun to drive, and the Type S will excel on a twisty road, but it’s not built for track durability.

In the back, riders have decent space and good padding. Headroom is better than the roofline would indicate, and legroom is decent, but at 34.9 inches some midsize cars have more legroom. 

The trunk is just average with 13.5 cubic feet.

Acura outfits the cabin with rich materials, including newly standard leather, and it’s all well assembled.

While the 2024 ratings are available from the NHTSA, IIHS hasn’t completed the full battery of tests on it, so it doesn't earn a Top Safety Pick rating.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, traffic-sign recognition, and a new rear seat belt reminder. An increased radar field for the blind-spot monitors gives a larger field of view and enables lane-change alerts, and the front sensors also have a wider field of view.

Outward vision in the TLX is largely unobscured, though the rear pillars cut off some view to the rear.

The TLX 2.0T costs $46,175 as it adds the equipment from the former Technology package. Standard features include leather upholstery, 12-way heated and power-adjustable front sport seats, a 12.3.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a wifi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, a 13-speaker ELS audio system, ambient interior lighting, a sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

We’re not fans of the infotainment system, which requires manual dexterity on the go to operate a touchpad on the center console that controls a cursor on the center screen. 

Which Acura TLX should I buy?

Buyers have to move up to the SH-AWD model to get all-wheel drive. It costs about $51,000 and comes with Milano leather and synthetic suede upholstery, cooled front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a 17-speaker ELS audio system, LED fog lights, a decklid lip spoiler, and a sport appearance package.

How much is a fully loaded Acura TLX?

The TLX Type S pushes the price to $58,195. It adds a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a body kit, and 16-way power heated and cooled front sport seats.

Opt for the A-Spec version with its body kit and the front-wheel version gets 22/30/25 mpg.

The TLX Type S carries ratings of 19/25/21 mpg with the standard tires or 19/24/21 mpg with the summer performance tires. 

All TLX models use premium fuel.