2018 Acura TLX Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What’s new

　　The most obvious change to the 2018 Acura TLX is the sedan's face-lifted front end. More advanced driver safety aids are now standard across the board, the infotainment interface has been revised for quicker responses, and both transmissions have been retuned. There's also a new sporty A-Spec trim level this year.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Acura introduced the TLX in 2015 to replace its TSX and TL sedans, aiming to combine the appeal of both of those cars with a single model. Since then, we've found the TLX exhibits an agreeable demeanor. It's not particularly exciting, but it doesn't have any huge drawbacks either.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) 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

　　$172/mo  for TLX Base

　　TLX Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $33,000 MSRP4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $36,200 MSRPTechnology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) (Most Popular) - $36,700 MSRPTechnology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $39,900 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $38,200 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $41,900 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $45,750 MSRPA-Spec 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPA-Spec Red 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPAdvance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $43,750 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,800 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec Red 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This year's 2018 TLX is a little more dynamic. Though it's the same sedan under the skin (it continues to be based on the Honda Accord), Acura has freshened the TLX's styling to bring the sedan up to date with the company's current design themes. Changes elsewhere are relatively modest. Beyond the additional feature content, the TLX's updated two-screen infotainment system has quicker responses and more logical operation, and the retuned transmissions are said to improve shift refinement. There's also a new A-Spec trim level that gets a sport-tuned suspension and its own special styling elements.

　　Overall, though, the TLX is much like it has been. It's a smart choice if you want a lot of value from your luxury sedan but probably not the best if performance is a priority.

　　

What it's like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD for a full year, logging 20,000 miles. We found the TLX to be a well-appointed luxury sedan with a refined ride and ample motivation from the optional V6 engine. We weren't a fan of its nine-speed transmission, however, especially in the earlier generation models. Check out our long-term TLX test to learn more.

　　Note that the 2018 Acura TLX differs from our long-term TLX in that it has received a cosmetic face-lift inside and out and has a revised infotainment interface. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.5 / 10

　　With a face-lift and more standard equipment, the 2018 Acura TLX reinforces its value appeal in the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It trades flash for substance and flies under the radar of a lot of shoppers. It's a smart pick but won't quicken your pulse.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Acura TLX 2.4L with Technology (2.4L inline-4 | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current TLX has received some revisions, including a cosmetic face-lift inside and out, retuned transmissions, standard driver assistance features and a revised infotainment interface. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's TLX.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.5 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　Overall performance is modest from the small-engine TLX. Handling is enhanced by four-wheel steering, but the front-drive TLX lacks the composure and speed of its V6-powered, AWD big brother.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　With only 206 hp on tap, the four-cylinder TLX lacks the power to spin its tires off the line. Sixty mph arrives in 7.4 seconds, which is on the slow side for the segment. None of the drive modes will hold gears at redline.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Around town, these brakes are perfectly average. Easy to modulate and never grabby.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　The steering response is good in most situations. Weight is appropriately tuned, but feel is lacking. Rear-wheel steering enhances performance in most normal situations, though it can be awkward in long, steady corners.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The TLX's chassis tuning and four-wheel steering generally enhance handling. However, the TLX's low-grip all-season tires hurt overall performance.

　　

Drivability

6.5

　　It's easy to drive and easy to live with both around town and on the freeway. Multiple drive modes allow tuning to suit your needs between Economy and Sport+. No obvious drivability problems.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The TLX has an appealing balance of ride and handling despite the lack of adjustable suspension dampers, which are available on many rivals. It's a comfortable sedan for both commuting and long road trips.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The well-padded driver seat gives enough support for moderate driving but also provides ample comfort for multi-hour trips. The rear seat provides generous legroom, but taller passengers will lack headroom.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The TLX manages to absorb road irregularities without being too floaty or bouncy on the highway. We could be comfortable here for hours.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　Active noise cancellation, an acoustic glass windshield and triple door seals are effective in keeping road and wind noise outside the TLX's plush cabin. The four-cylinder sounds good racing to redline, and it's never coarse.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　Though the TLX's interior isn't groundbreaking, it is well built from quality materials. Infotainment controls aren't as practical or easy as some competitors, but they offer similar functionality. Space and visibility are TLX strengths.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The dual-screen layout allows ample information display (e.g., maps and audio simultaneously), but single-knob control lacks functionality and intuitiveness of many rivals.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　Nothing outstanding in this area. Easy entry and exit front and rear with large enough door apertures. The seat height is reasonable up front and doesn't stand out as either too high or too low. Average for the class in this regard.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　Ample leg- and headroom in the front seats. Rear-seat legroom is impressive. Rear headroom, however, might be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet. Overall, the TLX will be plenty comfortable for four average-size adults.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　The TLX's front roof pillars aren't massive or at such an acute angle that they cause forward visibility problems. The rear pillars are bigger and can hide a vehicle if it's in the wrong place, but the optional blind-spot warning system helps.

　　

Quality

6.0

　　Though it lacks the high-end luxury feel of some competitors, the TLX still offers a package that's well assembled and appealing inside and out. All knobs and buttons feel high-quality.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　Small-item storage, as in most Acura products, is excellent.There are many cubbies of various sizes in the dash, console and door panels. Trunk size exceeds that of most competitors. It also has a 60/40-split folding rear seat that folds nearly flat.

　　

Which TLX does zzdcar recommend?

　　Though you might be tempted by the A-Spec for 2018, this entry-level premium sedan is most compelling in its lower-priced trim levels. As such, we like the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It enhances the TLX's value and feels lighter and more maneuverable than the more powerful V6 version when driving around turns. The four-cylinder TLX also has a more cooperative transmission than the V6 model. Stepping up to the Technology package gets you worthwhile amenities and convenience features.

　　

2018 Acura TLX models

　　Picking a 2018 Acura TLX is straightforward. Acura offers the TLX with one of two engines, a four-cylinder or a V6, and a couple of option packages. Four-cylinder models are front-wheel drive only and are available as either TLX 2.4L or TLX 2.4L with Technology package. The base V6 model is the TLX 3.5L. You can also get the TLX 3.5L with Technology package, TLX 3.5L A-Spec and TLX 3.5L with Advance package. All-wheel drive is available for all TLXs with the V6.

　　The base TLX 2.4L comes with a 2.4-liter engine (206 hp, 182 lb-ft) and an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats.

　　For 2018, all TLXs are equipped as standard with a suite of driver assistance features collectively labeled AcuraWatch. This includes lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control.

　　You'll probably like getting the extra convenience features of the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It adds keyless entry for the rear doors, leather upholstery, automatic wipers, a climate control system that compensates for sun direction, navigation, a 10-speaker premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

　　TLX 3.5L models are, appropriately enough, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp, 267 lb-ft) that's connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Beyond what comes with the base four-cylinder variant, the 3.5L gets 18-inch wheels and more power adjustments for the front passenger seat.

　　 

　　The TLX 3.5L with Technology package offers the same features as the Technology package on the four-cylinder version plus revised leather upholstery and a power-extending thigh support for the driver seat.

　　For people who want all the creature comforts, the TLX 3.5L with Advance package awaits. It has all of the Technology package items plus parking sensors, remote engine start, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a surround-view camera system and a heated windshield.

　　New for 2018 is the TLX 3.5L A-Spec, which has the features of the Technology package and some of the features of the Advance package, plus a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering, sport front seats and some cosmetic tweaks.

　　

2018 TLX Highlights

Trim: BaseTechnology PackageSH-AWDA-SpecA-Spec RedAdvance PackageSH-AWD A-SpecSH-AWD A-Spec RedBase

　　

Base MSRP	$33,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$172/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles