Excellent crash-test scores; quiet interior; roomy rear seat; uncomplicated dash design; impressive handling when equipped with AWD; Acura's ELS Studio audio
Generic styling; uninspiring 4-cylinder engine; no manual transmission; snug rear seat
For 2019, the 4-cylinder 2.4 trim can now be equipped with an A-Spec appearance package that adds a matte-black grille, revised front fascia, Shark Grey 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, aggressively bolstered sport front seats, a thick-rimmed steering wheel and A-Spec interior and exterior styling upgrades. V6 models get new 19-in wheels, while Platinum White Pearl is added to the TLX's color palette.
If you're looking for luxury, power, safety and technology, we suggest moving to the top-of-the-line TLX 3.5 SH-AWD with the Advance package or the performance-oriented TLX 3.5 A-Spec. Other than the Acura name, the base TLX just doesn't provide enough to convince us you couldn't spend the same money or less on a Ford Fusion, Honda Accord or Kia Optima and get more car for your money.
The 2019 TLX features three trim levels: the TLX 2.4, TLX 3.5 V6 and TLX A-Spec. The 2.4 can be equipped with the Technology and A-Spec packages, while the V6 can be equipped with the Technology package, AWD, the A-Spec trim or the Advance package.
The TLX 2.4 ($33,965) includes the advanced Precision All-Wheel Steer (or P-AWS) system, 17-in alloy wheels, Acura Watch (forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation and collision-mitigation braking), adaptive cruise control, a power moonroof, keyless access with push-button start, a rearview monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, jewel-eye LED headlights, Siri Eyes Free, imitation-leather seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat, two LCD view screens (eight inches up top and seven inches on the lower dash), Bluetooth capability, a 7-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, app integration and USB and auxiliary input jacks.
The TLX 2.4 with the Technology package ($37,665) adds rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, voice-activated 3-D navigation, leather seating and the 10-speaker Acura ELS audio system with HD Radio.
The TLX 2.4 with A-Spec Package ($40,365) adds 19-in alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, unique exterior and interior styling cues, a choice of black Alcantara or red leather seating, sport front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and a black headliner.
The TLX 3.5 ($37,165 FWD; $39,165 AWD) includes all the same equipment as the base 2.4, but features the V6 engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission, an electronic push-button gear selector, an 8-way power passenger seat and 18-in wheels.
The TLX 3.5 with the Technology package ($41,065 FWD; $43,065 AWD) includes all the equipment from the Technology package, plus the V6 engine and driver's-seat power thigh support.
The TLX 3.5 with A-Spec Package ($43,765) adds the same features as the 2.4 A-Spec Package (see above) plus the V6 engine.
The TLX 3.5 with the Advance package ($44,915 FWD; $46,915 AWD) adds front and rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging, LED interior lights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, a Surround View camera, remote start, LED front fog lights and 18-in wheels.
The TLX 3.5 A-Spec with the Technology package ($43,795 FWD; $45,795 AWD) adds a performance-tuned suspension, quicker steering ratio (AWD only), 19-in alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, unique exterior and interior styling cues, a choice of black Alcantara or red leather seating, sport front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and a black headliner.
Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TLX 2.4L FWD | $33,000 / $31,342 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 23 / 33 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 2.4L FWD w/A-Spec Pkg | $39,400 / $37,405 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 23 / 32 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 2.4L FWD w/A-Spec Pkg Red Leather | $39,400 / $37,405 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 23 / 32 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 2.4L FWD w/Technology Pkg | $36,700 / $34,847 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 206 | 23 / 33 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L FWD | $36,200 / $34,374 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L FWD w/A-Spec Pkg | $42,800 / $40,626 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 30 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L FWD w/A-Spec Pkg Red Leather | $42,800 / $40,626 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 30 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L FWD w/Advance Pkg | $43,950 / $41,715 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L FWD w/Technology Pkg | $40,100 / $38,068 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD | $38,200 / $36,268 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD w/A-Spec Pkg | $44,800 / $42,521 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD w/A-Spec Pkg Red Leather | $44,800 / $42,521 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD w/Advance Pkg | $45,950 / $43,610 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD w/Technology Pkg | $42,100 / $39,963 | 4 Cylinder / 6 Cylinder | 290 | 20 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic / 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD / AWD4WD |
The TLX comes standard with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control and seven airbags, including front, front side-impact, side curtain and driver's-knee airbags. Also standard is Acura Watch, which includes lane-departure warning and assist, collision warning, collision-mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety equipment includes rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear sonar warning sensors.
In government crash testing, the Acura TLX performed exceptionally well, earning five out of five stars in every category. Likewise, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the TLX top marks in all but the small-overlap front crash test, in which it earned a Marginal score.
Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
Drivetrain | 6 Years/70,000 Miles |
Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia --The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers more power, better handling and styling that just won't quit. However, when it comes to long term reliability and resale, the jury is still out on this Italian stallion.
2019 Infiniti Q50 -- The Q50's styling and interior layout is much more expressive than the TLX's, and its myriad of engine offerings includes three turbocharged options and one hybrid. The Q50's optional Sport packages make it much more fun to drive.
2019 Lexus IS -- The IS can match the TLX for quality, dependability and resale value, and it offers a more powerful base engine. Although the TLX has a stronger V6 than the base IS 300, the IS 350 delivers an additional 16 hp.
Used Lexus GS -- A 2011-2016 Lexus GS will give you more interior space, power and luxury, and it's a better-known commodity in the luxury-car world. There's also a hybrid model.
A $30,000 car budget can either get you a midrange version of a high-volume midsize sedan or a reall...