2019 Acura TLX

Overview

The 2019 Acura TLX is too subdued to be called a sports sedan, but that's okay, because it boasts equal amounts of comfort and capability. Its attention-grabbing front end has bejeweled headlights and a broad grille, but the rest of its bodywork looks less inspired. Still, every TLX is packed with desirable driver-assistance and infotainment features. All models ride and handle well, but more power and sharper responses to driver inputs would enhance the experience for those who love to drive. Although this Acura is an affordable luxury sedan, its even-keeled character doesn't fascinate as much as the most compelling of its competitors.

What's New for 2019?

The TLX enters 2019 with the smallest of updates. Along with a new 19-inch wheel option that's available with certain trim packages, the base four-cylinder engine can now be paired with the aggressive-looking A-Spec package. That model includes exclusive exterior styling such as 19-inch wheels and dark chrome trim. Inside, a set of heated and cooled front seats are highlighted by numerous red and black accents. Too bad the four-cylinder version doesn't receive the steering and suspension tuning included on the V-6 A-Spec.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'll gladly grab the more powerful V-6 engine and all-wheel drive for the significantly quicker acceleration and all-weather motivation they provide. Too bad we can't have the sporty A-Spec model without the Technology package, which adds upgraded infotainment and more driver assists—making the true cost a pricey investment. As a result, we'll stick with the V-6 with all-wheel drive and add parking sensors and a heated steering wheel. Those two options nicely complement several snazzy standard features, including a dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated, power-adjustable front seats, and proximity entry.

Engines, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Stirring V-6 growl, all-wheel drive improves handling, accurate steering and supple ride.
Dislikes: Transmission is slow to downshift, missing the intangibles that define a true sports sedan.

The standard 206-hp four-cylinder pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is offered only with front-wheel drive but includes a rear-wheel-steering system that can turn the rear wheels slightly for improved cornering. The V-6 develops 290 horsepower routed through a nine-speed automatic. The V-6 is available with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that can shuttle power to each wheel separately as needed, which improves traction and handling. So equipped, our all-wheel-drive test car promptly responded to all manner of throttle inputs, and an audible growl answered our heavy right foot. Too bad the automatic hesitated to downshift when we called for a quick pass at highway speeds.

Although Acura markets the TLX as a sports sedan, the car feels too comfortable and refined to be called such—and that's okay. The solid brakes and responsive steering boost driving fun—but only to a point. While the four-cylinder model now can be had with the sporty A-Spec package, only the V-6 version receives the quicker A-Spec steering setup and stiffer suspension. The TLX can be fun to drive quickly, but it still trails competitors such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Audi A4 that have sharper handling and more responsive powertrains.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The TLX is available with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder or a more powerful, less frugal V-6. The former has among the best EPA ratings of the rivals we tested, while the latter ties the Jaguar XE for the worst numbers. These were confirmed during our real-world highway testing where the four-cylinder earned 37 mpg and the V-6 earned 31.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: A-Spec package spruces up the interior, responsive touchscreens, impressive luggage capacity.
Dislikes: Least back-seat space among similar rivals, two display screens make infotainment confusing to use.

Understated quality is better than low-grade ostentation. This point is proved inside the TLX's cabin, with its quality materials and comfortable seats. The sedan has competitive interior space, although its back seat is the tightest among similar rivals. While it's not the most luxurious interior in the class, remember that the TLX is also one of the least expensive cars in the segment.

Acura's infotainment setup, with separate upper and lower display screens, is a double-edged sword. Although two displays show more information and can handle more operations at one time than a single screen, the system can be distracting and confusing to use. We appreciate the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but outdated infotainment graphics and a single USB port are unbecoming.

Generous luggage space and plentiful interior storage establish the TLX as one of the better travel companions in this class. Its average-size trunk is shaped so efficiently that it held as many carry-on suitcases as more voluminous rivals, and there's a massive rubberized bin hidden under the cargo floor.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The TLX earned an excellent five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the TLX once again was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The lineup still includes a host of standard driver-assistance technology, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are bundled only with the Technology package. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The TLX has one of the best powertrain warranties in the class. Its limited warranty is similar to most rivals, but neither it nor the Mercedes-Benz C-class offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance