2023 Acura TLX Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

While the Acura TLX isn’t quite a Japanese BMW 3 Series, it’s still a simple sports sedan with well-coordinated movements, good braking, some steering feel, and a beautifully appointed cabin. A 272-hp turbocharged inline-four powers the standard TLX; front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available. The fully loaded TLX Type S uses a flashy 355-hp twin-turbo V-6 and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Both engines bolt to a 10-speed automatic. While the TLX is a bit posh for the segment, it feels light on its feet. Although the Acura is similar in size to other mid-size luxury sedans such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, it doesn’t offer rear-seat riders as much legroom. The TLX has the communicative feel that discerning drivers will appreciate and a price that makes it an affordable alternative to its German rivals.

What’s new for 2023?

Acura sprinkles handcrafted extras from its Performance Manufacturing Center into a new TLX Type S PMC Edition for 2023. This special edition is available in three colors previously used on the NSX: Curva Red, 130R White and Long Beach Blue. The rarest of this exclusive edition will only be sold in Gotham Gray with only 50 to be produced. Exterior PMC details include a Berlina Black roof, antenna, door handles and exhaust tips. Copper-colored 20-inch lightweight wheels also inspired by the NSX are exclusive to this model. And there’s some carbon fiber, too: the TLX Type S PMC Edition decklid spoiler, rear diffuser and interior trim pieces are made from the expensive material. All 2023 Acura models now come with a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan for the first two years and free access to the AcuraLink connectivity plan for the first three years.

Prices and which one to buy

The 355-hp Type S tops the TLX lineup in both performance and price. While its former attribute makes it our favorite, its price only adds to its appeal, especially compared to the BMW M340i. Prices for the all-wheel drive Bimmer start a bit higher than the Type S, but its bottom line balloons to over $56k when fully equipped. The Type S is cheaper and comes standard with luxuries such as adaptive dampers, leather upholstery and an ELS premium sound system. We’d also opt for the $800 Performance package that brings unique 20-inch wheels on summer tires for maximum cornering grip and stopping power.

Engine, transmission and performance

The regular TLX features a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura’s all-wheel-drive system, which is called SH-AWD and shuffles power between the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional. Unfortunately, our test car’s two tons of curb weight reduced its acceleration times. While it hit 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, it’s slower than similar setups in this segment and even the less powerful, albeit lighter, Honda Accord 2.0T we tested. Still, the TLX’s terrific chassis tuning made it very entertaining to drive and proved that Acura can still build a sports sedan. This sentiment is especially true of the higher-performance Type S, which boasts a 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed automatic, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the regular TLX, it’s available with tougher summer tires on lighter 20-inch wheels. Our first ride showcased its bold engine, engaging steering, tremendous body control and strong brakes. However, it has a firm ride that doesn’t mask road imperfections, and it didn’t feel as nimble as shorter sportier rivals like the Audi S4.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The front-drive TLX is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with SH-AWD see those numbers drop to 21 mpg city and 29 highway. The TLX Type S is rated at up to 19 mpg city and 25 highway. The all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model we drove on our 75 mph fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regime, earns 30 mpg. For more information on fuel consumption, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, comfort and cargo

Inside, the TLX has an expressive design that emphasizes its sporty character. These include attractive analogue gauges and a prominent rotary drive mode selector in the center of the dashboard. Solidified by Acura’s excellent build quality, the TLX also boasts nicer cabin materials than its predecessor, including open-pore wood and genuine aluminum. Although the sedan feels roomy from side to side, the rear seat feels smaller than some competitors in this class. Still, its highly adjustable front seats and excellent forward visibility reward drivers. The TLX also offers numerous interior colors, distinct leather upholstery and desirable features, including a large 10.5-inch head-up display and adaptive ambient lighting settings each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks, such as “Pacific Coast” and “Suzuka.”

Infotainment and connectivity

Every TLX features a 10.2-inch infotainment system that is primarily controlled by a touch panel on the center console. Some functions can also be manipulated via steering wheel buttons and physical controls next to the touch panel. There is also a padded rest for your wrist under the touch panel which makes it more comfortable to use. The TLX comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who want the finest ELS sound system and a wireless charging pad will have to opt for the Advance package.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Every TLX comes standard with AcuraWatch, which includes a host driver assistance technology. The sedan also has new equipment, such as traffic sign recognition and a driver awareness monitor. For more information on the TLX’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Cover

Acura offers one of the longest powertrain warranties on the market, and its limited warranty is in line with most of the TLX’s competitors, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes C-Class.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles.

More features and specifications