2019 Acura TLX Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

A-Spec Appearance package extended to four-cylinder modelNew 19-inch wheel design for certain trimsPart of the first TLX generation introduced for 2015

　　The 2019 Acura TLX remains true to its mission of providing substance over flash. While its European and American competitors battle for brand cachet, the TLX quietly continues offering an expert blend of performance, comfort and reliability. It won't set your pulse alight, but it's no snoozer either, especially when equipped with its optional V6 engine.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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) (Most Popular) - $33,000 MSRP4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $36,200 MSRPTechnology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $36,700 MSRPTechnology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $40,100 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $38,200 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,100 MSRPSH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $45,950 MSRPA-Spec 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $39,400 MSRPA-Spec 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPA-Spec Red 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $39,400 MSRPA-Spec Red 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPAdvance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $43,950 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

　　Acura introduced the TLX in 2015 to replace its TSX and TL sedans, aiming to combine the appeal of both cars in a single model. Largely, it's worked. Today's TLX offers the available power and performance of the older TL and bundles it up inside tidier, more TSX-like dimensions.

　　Last year's model featured a freshened look and a new A-Spec trim level with a sport-tuned suspension. For 2019, the TLX remains the same under the skin but offers a few new treatments, including the A-Spec package for four-cylinder models and a new wheel design for certain V6 trims.

　　Key to the Acura TLX's charm is its authenticity. Although it offers a good measure of performance, especially in the way it takes curves and turns, the TLX isn't trying to match its global competitors in adrenaline output. Instead, it ties together satisfying speed and power, with impressive levels of comfort and convenience. It's still a smart choice if you seek a lot of value from a luxury sedan.

　　

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 2019 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

　　Last year's TLX gained updated styling, and the 2019 edition offers a new sport package. But at its core, the Acura TLX remains true to its mission of providing substance over flash. The TLX won't set your pulse racing, but it offers an excellent blend of performance, comfort and reliability.

　　

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 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD A-Spec (3.5L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

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

　　

Driving

7.5

　　Sport-minded drivers may not like the sluggish downshifts and inability to fully disable stability control. City drivers may not like the heavier steering and stiffer suspension. But both will appreciate the A-Spec's point-and-thrust driving characteristics and running the V6 through the gears.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　Acceleration falls short of the punch provided by the competition's smaller turbocharged engines; its 0-60 mph time is 6.2 seconds. But there's smooth and immediate power delivery nearly all the way to the redline, and the engine makes great sounds.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　The TLX's brake pedal feel is OK, but it has some mild initial grabbiness and an abrupt release that makes it a little hard to modulate at times. In our emergency brake test, we achieved a best braking distance from 60 mph of 113 feet, which is a respectable distance for this class of car.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　The A-Spec's steering effort is just about right. You can feel the heft progressively increase as you turn in for a corner, and the feel increases accordingly. In a turn, feedback is excellent, giving you confidence.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The A-Spec's sportier suspension reduces body roll, which is helpful on twisty roads. Thanks to its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, the TLX handles neutrally on long turns, provided you go in slow and smoothly squeeze the throttle, letting the torque vectoring do the work.

　　

Drivability

6.5

　　The nine-speed transmission is smooth at light loads and quick-shifting during full-throttle acceleration. But it's slow to respond in situations with constant and numerous throttle changes, such as when climbing on a long grade or when having some fun with mildly spirited backroad driving.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The TLX's A-Spec's cabin is surprisingly quiet and comfortable over long distances. The only real downsides are lackluster seat ventilation and air conditioning.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The excellent bolstering and grippy seat material ensure you'll never slide around. The adjustable thigh extension and lumbar support keep pressure points to a minimum.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　Well-balanced between sport and comfort, the A-Spec's suspension calibration is what we expect from Acura. It isolates harsh bumps while transmitting enough road noise and texture to let the driver know what's going on with the tires.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　The TLX's cabin is very quiet during normal driving. Even with the A-Spec's stiffer suspension, road noise and jarring bumps are kept in check. There's also no undue vibration from the powertrain or suspension.

　　

Climate control

6.0

　　It's best to leave the dual-zone system in Auto. It takes some time to reach maximum cooling. The seat ventilation is woefully inadequate, especially considering how warm the seat is normally. Some controls are hard buttons, but full functionality requires using the lower display.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　Its interior design is busy but functional and roomy. The simulated-suede seat material is grippy but also heat-retaining. The use of dual screens, a large control knob and a button shifter is Acura's way of letting you know the TLX is full of tech.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The button-based shift selector isn't as easy to use as a traditional shift lever. The dual-screen display clearly presents all information, but interfacing with the system and knowing what to press to get a specific screen take practice.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　The front doors have two detents that help prevent parking lot dings. Both front and rear door apertures are average-size, but some taller drivers will have to duck down to slide in. The A-Spec's add-on rocker extensions are positioned low so that they don't get in the way.

　　

Driving position

8.5

　　There is an excellent adjustability range for both the seat and steering wheel, but those with wider torsos may feel restricted due to seat bolstering. You can sit low or high in the car without issue.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　You never feel as if you're in a big car, and the TLX doesn't make you feel claustrophobic either. The center console armrest and the door armrest are at the same height, and rear kneeroom and toe room are excellent for the segment. The width of the rear seat, though, is marginal.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Although the TLX has a tall rear deck and thick front roof pillars, visibility is satisfactory.

　　

Quality

6.0

　　Acura generally has better-than-average build quality. Our test car had a misplaced door trim panel and a creaky center console. All parts are good quality, but there are a lot of overlapping panels and junctions that demand a high degree of manufacturing and assembly capability.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　The TLX's efficiently laid-out interior and trunk prove you don't need an SUV to have a functional day-to-day vehicle. The 60/40-split folding rear seats allow for even more cargo capacity. Storage spots inside the car aren't cavernous, but they are sufficient and easy to access.

　　

Small-item storage

8.0

　　There is a good array of storage options, including a moderate-size storage space in front of the shifter, underneath the infotainment system, and a large storage box under the center armrest. The door pockets are small, but you can still put large 1-liter bottles in them.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　Trunk space is good for the class, with a deep, low floor. The trunk shape works well for longer pieces of cargo; wide items will have to be Tetrised in. The deep compartment below the trunk floor can hold three to four grocery bags. The 60/40-split rear seats fold down, though the aperture is small.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　The three upper LATCH tethers are easy to spot but are difficult to thread into due to lack of clearance with the rear glass and parcel shelf. The lower LATCH anchors are hidden behind the seat material but are easy to access. They allow you to place child seats in any seating position.

　　

Technology

7.0

　　Acura's solution to info overload is to display data on two screens. It's logical, but it causes distraction when interacting with it. The screen that looks as if it's controlled with a knob is actually a touchscreen, while the screen that should be a touchscreen is controlled with a knob.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.0

　　The dual-screen setup is effective but takes time to get used to. The lower screen handles audio, climate and connectivity, while the upper screen handles navigation and drive info. The graphics are crisp. Audio quality is average for the class, with muted mids and good volume.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.5

　　The upper screen displays Apple CarPlay or Android Auto information, but it's controlled using the knob below the lower screen, leading to mild visual disconnect. Bluetooth pairing is quick and easy, with an accessible USB port in the cubby below the infotainment system.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　The TLX A-Spec is equipped with lane keeping assist, lane departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with front collision mitigation, and a rearview parking camera. Adaptive cruise control is slow to adjust in traffic.

　　

Voice control

6.0

　　A relic of the past, Acura's built-in system requires strict adherence to vocabulary and sentence syntax to be effective. It works on both navigation, climate control and radio controls. Thankfully, it allows a pass-through for Siri and Android voice commands, which work a lot better.

　　

Which TLX does zzdcar recommend?

　　Don't be tempted by the A-Spec trims; we think this entry-level premium sedan is most compelling in its lower-priced trim levels, such as the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It enhances the TLX's value and actually feels lighter and more maneuverable than the more powerful V6 version. The four-cylinder TLX also has a more cooperative transmission than the V6 model. Adding the Technology package gets you worthwhile amenities and convenience features.

　　

2019 Acura TLX models

　　Choosing a 2019 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 available in three trims: the TLX 2.4L, the TLX 2.4L with Technology package and, new for 2019, the TLX 2.4L A-Spec. The base V6 model is the TLX 3.5L. You can also get the TLX 3.5L with Technology package, the TLX 3.5L A-Spec and the TLX 3.5L with Advance package. All-wheel drive is available for the V6-equipped TLX.

　　The base TLX 2.4L comes with a 2.4-liter engine (206 horsepower, 182 pound-feet), an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and front-wheel drive. Standard features include LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery and heated, power-adjustable front seats.

　　TLX tech conveniences include Bluetooth, two display screens (upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch touchscreens), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a seven-speaker audio system with satellite radio and a USB media interface. Apple iPhone users also get Siri Eye Free voice control when operating outside of CarPlay.

　　All TLXs come with a standard set of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch. This suite includes lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control.

　　You'll probably like 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 adjusts for sun direction, navigation, a 10-speaker premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The TLX 2.4L A-Spec offers the same features as the Technology package, but it adds 19-inch wheels, simulated suede seat inserts, and unique exterior trim elements such as a matte-black grille, decklid spoiler, lower diffuser, dual exhaust and LED foglights.

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

　　The TLX 3.5L with Technology package mirrors the features available on the four-cylinder, but with contrast leather trim and stitching as well as power-extending thigh support for the driver's seat.

　　Maximum creature comforts await with the TLX 3.5L with Advance package. It builds on the Technology package features with front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, touchless locking and unlocking and trunk opening, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, LED ambient cabin lighting, wireless device charging, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a surround-view camera system and a heated windshield.

　　The TLX 3.5L A-Spec combines the Technology package features with some Advance package features, along with a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering and unique exterior trim pieces.

　　

2019 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