2020 Acura TLX Review

　　

2020 Acura TLX 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.

　　A lot of what we have to say here about the 2020 Acura TLX comes with qualifiers. Whether this is a good thing or bad thing largely relates to the type of sedan you want.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 MSRP4dr Sedan w/Technology Package (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $36,700 MSRP4dr Sedan w/Technology Package (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 w/Red Leather (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) - $39,400 MSRPA-Spec 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPA-Spec 4dr Sedan w/Red Leather (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,800 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,800 MSRPSH-AWD A-Spec 4dr Sedan AWD w/Red Leather (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,800 MSRPSH-AWD PMC Edition 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $48,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The TLX bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury sedans. It starts under the hood with a choice of either a four- or a six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder isn't inspiring, but it's the one we'd pick. While the V6 generates smooth power, and even sounds great doing so, it comes lashed to a nine-speed transmission that often fumbles around for the right gear. The four-cylinder uses a different eight-speed transmission instead and returns a respectable 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving in the bargain (26 mpg in A-Spec guise).

　　Inside, the TLX's cabin is trimmed in quality materials and upholstery. It's not quite the rich premium leather you might find in an Audi, Mercedes or Volvo, but it's assembled well. A roomy back seat and a host of standard infotainment and tech features, including standard driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, round out the TLX's appeal.

　　Acura isn't trying to match its global competitors in adrenaline output. Instead, the TLX ties together value with satisfying levels of comfort and convenience. But there's no denying that paying more gets you a noticeably nicer sedan such as the 3 Series or the C-Class. Alternately, loaded versions of our top-rated sedans such as the Honda Accord and Mazda 6 cost less than the TLX yet provide essentially the same qualities.

　　If you don't need the flash and dash of the Europeans, and regular sedans are just a bit too dull for you, the TLX will likely satisfy. Otherwise, we suggest checking out the competition.

　　

What it's like to live with the TLX?

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 2020 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

　　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.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the TLX drive? We tested the 3.5L A-Spec. Throttle response is immediate, and the V6 makes a nice-sounding snarl when you mat the gas. But acceleration is slower than the competition, even with smaller turbocharged engines. But there's plenty to like about the TLX's handling attitude.

　　The A-Spec's steering effort is just about right. In a turn, feedback is excellent, giving you confidence. 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.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the TLX? The TLX A-Spec offers a secure, sporty interface with firm, grippy and multi-adjustable seats (include thigh extenders) and a ride quality that deftly balances comfort and sport. Bumps in the road and harsh impacts are well-suppressed, and the car shows great composure when tossed from side to side. Active noise cancellation also helps to quiet the cabin.

　　We're less impressed with the climate system. It's best to leave it in Auto, and even then 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

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The TLX's interior design is busy but functional. The dual-screen interface presents a lot of info, but it's a bit overwhelming at first and requires some time to learn the commands and menu structures. A wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustability makes finding a comfortable driving position easy, although large front pillars block what are otherwise good sightlines to the car's front sides.

　　The cabin is just about right for its size. 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 knee room and toe room are excellent for the segment.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The TLX throws up a lot of info on two displays. It's also distracting when interacting with it. For instance, 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. At least the optional ELS system is a truly premium surround-sound upgrade.

　　Built-in voice controls are dated and limited. It's best to stick to Siri and Android voice commands if you have a compatible device. The A-Spec comes with multiple driver's aids, including adaptive cruise control. The latter lags in traffic, but it does OK as long as there are no large discrepancies in speed.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? 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 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. Interior storage includes a moderate-size storage space in front of the shifter, underneath the infotainment system, and a large storage box under the center armrest.

　　There's plenty of room in the back seat for a rear-facing child seat, and the lower car seat anchors are easy to find and access. The top tether anchors, however, require more careful and awkward threading of belts through the rear shelf.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The TLX's V6 engine is great, but the cost for its high-revving nature is efficiency. The EPA says the TLX A-Spec SH-AWD gets 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The four-cylinder TLX is better but, of course, not as fun.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the TLX a good value? The TLX is a bargain, no question. It offers modern tech, responsive powertrains and pleasant manners. But it comes at the expense of the interior polish. Simplified trim and package structures make buying a TLX easy, and warranty coverage is better than average.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The popularity of SUVs means sedans can be more niche-focused. The TLX A-Spec embodies that philosophy with a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, classy upholstery and a muscular V6. While most cars are going to smaller turbocharged engines, Acura forges ahead with this old-school six-cylinder. It sounds and feels fantastic, even if it's not the fastest, cleanest-shifting or most fuel-efficient big engine in the class.

　　The TLX's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and poised handling make it fun and surprisingly practical. Only its transmission and infotainment system need some fine-tuning.

　　

Which TLX does zzdcar recommend?

The A-Spec trims, like the one we tested for our zzdcar rating, are tempting, but we think the lower-priced trim levels are more compelling. At its core, the TLX is a high-value entry-level premium sedan, best embodied by a model such as 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. Gear changes are snappier, too. Adding the Technology package gets you worthwhile amenities and convenience features.

　　

2020 Acura TLX models

Choosing an Acura TLX is straightforward. You can get it with either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine and a couple of option packages.

　　Four-cylinder models are front-wheel-drive only and available in three trims: TLX 2.4L (base trim), TLX 2.4L with Technology package and TLX 2.4L A-Spec.

　　V6 models look similar: TLX 3.5L (base trim), TLX 3.5L with Technology package and TLX 3.5L A-Spec. There's also an additional TLX 3.5L with Advance package. All-wheel drive is optional only for V6 models.

　　Finally, a new handcrafted PMC Edition model debuts for 2020, bundling the features of the TLX Advance package with A-Spec styling elements. The PMC Edition is only available with V6 and all-wheel drive.

　　The base TLX 2.4L comes with a 2.4-liter engine (206 horsepower, 182 lb-ft), 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, walk-away door lock (automatically locks doors after the keyholder walks away from the car), dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, and heated and 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. iPhone users also get Siri Eyes Free voice control when operating outside of Apple 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, hands-free-opening trunk, 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, wider tires, black or red leather upholstery, and unique exterior trim elements such as a dark chrome grille, black 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, keyless door lock/unlock, hands-free-opening trunk, 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. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is required to get the Advance package.

　　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.

　　The new PMC Edition blends Advance package features with A-Spec design elements and PMC Edition exclusive treatments. These include a single, high-intensity paint color (Valencia Red Pearl) otherwise only found on Acura's NSX supercar, unique 19-inch wheels, and black leather upholstery with red stitching and faux-suede inserts. The PMC Edition, which borrows its acronym from Acura's Performance Manufacturing Center, is assembled by hand by the same technicians who build the NSX.

　　

2020 TLX Highlights

Trim: BaseSH-AWDA-SpecSH-AWD A-SpecSH-AWD PMC EditionBase

　　

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