2024 Acura TLX Type S

　　

2024 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.

　　, rating written byDan FrioManager, 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 2024 Acura TLX is a sedan that gives you a little bit of everything. It's roomier than the typical small luxury sedan but not as big as a midsize model. That middle ground applies to pricing too. But you do get a lot for your money. For example, the TLX comes standard with a sunroof, heated seats, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, features that typically cost extra in competing sedans. The TLX is also sharply styled and backs it up with enjoyable performance, especially in the 355-horsepower Type S version.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Acura TLX Type S 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 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

　　$218/mo  for TLX Type S

　　TLX Type S

　　Type S 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $57,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The TLX's infotainment interface

Acura has yet to announce what's changing for the 2024 TLX as of our review's publication. But considering that this latest-generation TLX debuted for 2021, some mild styling updates are possible, as are revisions to the car's standard and optional features. Unfortunately, we'd guess that the TLX's infotainment touchpad controller is here to stay. Prone to laggy and slow responses, it's very distracting to use while driving. You can read more about it in our test team's full Expert Rating.

　　

Competitors to consider

The BMW 3 Series is a top small luxury sedan to check out. It has easier-to-use technology features than the TLX as well as an available plug-in hybrid model. Mercedes' recently redesigned C-Class is another benchmark pick. We also recommend the Genesis G70 and Volvo S60.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year model and may change slightly once complete information about the 2024 TLX becomes available.

　　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 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