AcuraTLX

　　

2023 Acura TLX Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　, rating written byKurt NiebuhrManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The second-generation Acura TLX was introduced just a few years ago, vastly improving what was a fine but mostly unexceptional sedan. New tech, new driver aids and updated powertrains accompanied new interior and exterior styling. What sets the TLX apart is that it offers all this tech, performance and premium features for much less than its rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$181/mo  for TLX Base

　　TLX Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,850 MSRP4dr Sedan w/Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $43,850 MSRP4dr Sedan w/A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,600 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD w/A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $48,800 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) - $51,050 MSRPType S 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,550 MSRPType S 4dr Sedan AWD w/Performance Wheel & Tire Package (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $56,350 MSRPType S PMC Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $62,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Not much changes for 2023 Acura TLX, though there is a new Type S PMC Edition. The PMC Edition can be had in three exclusive paint colors that were formerly reserved for the now discontinued Acura NSX. It also comes with special 20-inch copper-painted wheels, a black-painted roof, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler and diffuser, and distinctive contrasting seat stitching.

　　Despite an ever-growing shift toward SUVs, there are quite a few competitors in this class. Rivals from Europe include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Volvo S60, a car that offers a similar mix of features and value. The Genesis G70 and Lexus IS are in the same boat, offering premium features at competitive prices.

　　The TLX isn't as quick as some and not as affordable as others, but there's no one area where the TLX is truly flawed. Check out our Expert Rating below to see more of the strengths and weaknesses of the Acura TLX.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the TLX drive? We tested the TLX A-Spec, which has the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Our vehicle also came with all-wheel drive. At our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is a bit better than rival midsize luxury sedans with base four-cylinder engines.

　　On the upside, the all-wheel-drive system contributes to more agile and controlled body motions while you're navigating tight turns. The steering lacks communication, but turn the drive mode selector to Sport and the wheel gains some heft, which feels better suited to spirited driving.

　　The 10-speed transmission is a massive improvement over the last-gen nine-speed automatic, though it still isn't quite perfect. It shifts early under light throttle and feels a little lazy in the Normal and Comfort drive modes. But it keeps the turbo boost at the ready when you have Sport mode selected and need responsive acceleration.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the TLX? In addition to enjoyable performance, the TLX also delivers a comfortable driving experience. The front seats are nicely padded and the rear seats are angled back for a relaxed seating position. That said, the front seats aren't highly adjustable, and the side bolsters provide little support for performance driving.

　　The ride achieves a great balance between suppleness and composure over a variety of road surfaces, though sharp-edged road bumps can send a prominent thunk through the cabin. Noise is well abated. It's a pretty quiet vehicle overall, even though instrumented testing shows the TLX is a few decibels louder on the inside than rivals. The climate control system is easy to use, and we like that the A-Spec's heated and ventilated front seats can be set to an automatic mode that adjusts the amount of heating or cooling based outside and desired interior temperatures.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below