2021 Acura TLX: Review, Design, and Price
Starting at $38.545
Overview
The new Acura TLX pursuits to reclaim the performance photograph that once helped Honda's luxury brand stand out. Along with a stylized sketch that looks faithful to the thinking car, the 2021 TLX marks a return to the shape of sorts by resurrecting the revered Type S high-performance nameplate. While it's going to feature a gutsy faster V-6 engine, the everyday model has a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder. Acura additionally presents each mannequin with its wonderful Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which has grown to be a business enterprise staple. A new committed platform with an extra sophisticated chassis enhances the car's trip and dealing with in contrast with the outgoing model. Likewise, the 2021 Acura TLX receives a snazzier interior that helps it better compete in opposition to rivals, such as the BMW 3-series and Cadillac CT5.
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| 2021 Acura TLX: Front View |
What's New for 2021?
Acura gives its best-selling TLX sedan a full remodel for 2021. The latest era used to be nicknamed the "Seven-Second Knockout" in the course of development, due to the fact the employer intends it to be extensively greater thrilling than the version it replaces. The sports activities sedan positive aspects an extra distinct presence from longer, lower, and wider proportions. It additionally provides greater effective engines, an up to date model of SH-AWD, and enhanced chassis components. The storied Type S model additionally rejoins the lineup for the first time seeing that the 2008 TL, and we've got been informed the badge will proliferate to different Acura models, too.
One of the exceptional attributes of the 2021 TLX is that it is a wonderful price in contrast with luxurious competitors. To take gain of this, we would choose the base model. This skill we're caught with 18-inch wheels and leave out on many of the fancier features that come with the Advance and A-Spec packages. However, deciding on one requires a different one and provides $7550 to the backside line. Although the Technology package consists of 19-inch wheels, actual leather upholstery, several driver assists, and a host of infotainment upgrades, we do not think it is well worth $4000. Instead, we'd only opt for the $2000 SH-AWD device that will help maximize the sedan's agility and all-weather traction.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The ordinary TLX points a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder lashed to a 10-speed computerized transmission. Front-wheel force is standard, and Acura's all-wheel-drive system, which is referred to as SH-AWD and shuffles strength amongst the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional. Unfortunately, our take look at the car's two-ton curb weight diminished its acceleration times. While it hit 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, that is slower than similar setups in this segment and even the much less powerful, albeit lighter, Honda Accord 2.0T we tested. Still, the TLX's splendid chassis tuning made it very wonderful to power and proved that Acura can nonetheless construct a sports sedan. This sentiment is especially proper of the higher-performance Type S, which boasts a 355-hp rapid 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed auto, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the ordinary TLX, it's handy with stickier summer-season tires on lighter 20-inch wheels. Our first force showcased its gutsy engine, attractive steering, top-notch body control, and strong brakes. However, it does have a company trip that does not mask road imperfections, and it didn't sense as nimble as shorter sporty opponents such as the Audi S4.
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| 2021 Acura TLX: Interior |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the front-drive TLX will earn up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Models outfitted with SH-AWD see those figures drop to 21 mpg city and 29 highway. For comparison, Acura's ratings closely align with front-drive-based rivals such as the VW Arteon. However, the all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder 3-series is considerably more efficient. The TLX Type S is rated at 19 mpg in metropolis and 25 highways. We haven't tested the Type S on our 75-mph toll road fuel-economy route yet, which is the phase of our tremendous checking-out regimen, but we've got run the everyday model and saw 30 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the TLX has an expressive sketch that highlights its sporty character. These consist of alluring analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector in the center of the dashboard. Solidified by way of Acura's wonderful construct quality, the TLX additionally boasts nicer cabin substances than its predecessor, consisting of open-pore wooden and actual aluminum. Although the sedan feels spacious from side to side, the back seat feels smaller than some rivals in this class. Still, its noticeably adjustable front seats and exceptional forward visibility reward drivers. The TLX additionally gives myriad interior colors, distinct leather upholstery, and desirable features. The latter consists of a large 10.5-inch head-up display and customizable ambient-lighting settings that are each named after iconic using locations and racetracks, such as "Pacific Coast" and "Suzuka".
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| 2021 Acura TLX: Dashboard |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every TLX features a 10.2-inch infotainment gadget it really is specifically managed through a touchpad on the middle console. Some features can additionally be manipulated by way of steering-wheel buttons and bodily controls subsequent to the touchpad. There's also a padded resting place for your wrist beneath the touchpad that makes it greater cozy to operate. The TLX comes trendy with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who favor the fanciest ELS sound machine and a wi-fi charging pad will have to choose from the Advance package.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every TLX comes preferred with AcuraWatch, which includes a host of driver-assistance technology. The sedan also has new equipment, such as traffic-sign awareness and a driver-awareness monitor. For extra records about the TLX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety facets include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot display and rear cross-traffic alert
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Acura offers one of the longer powertrain warranties on the market, and its limited warranty aligns with most of the TLX's rivals, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes C-class. However, the business enterprise doesn't offer any complimentary maintenance.
- The limited guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled preservation
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Acura