Having received a major makeover for 2021, the 2022 Acura TLX returns virtually unchanged.
Straddling the line between compact and midsize luxury sedans, it is somewhat of an outlier in the marketplace.
Shoppers considering the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, or Audi A4 should give TLX a look, as should those thinking about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Volvo S90.
The lows include modest fuel economy and a fussy, difficult-to-master touch pad-based infotainment control. However, the highs are many. For example, TLX provides some real value in terms of balancing cost versus content.
We also like its enthusiastic turbocharged engines, athletic handling, standard AcuraWatch safety technology, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and comfy cabin.
Acura separates TLX into five grades: standard TLX, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S.
In reality, the top four trims are packages you may add to the standard TLX. However, for the sake of marketing, Acura treats them as distinct trim levels.
Once you have picked one of the five levels, there are no additional factory options available other than AWD. Adding AWD to any grade except Type S will set you back an extra $2,200. AWD is standard on the Type S.
Well worth the extra bucks, Acura’s AWD system actually improves handing and adds grip even on dry pavement. It’s no coincidence that Acura calls it Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).
We won’t head into the high grass here, but the AWD system’s ability to shift torque to any wheel or wheels is the secret sauce.
Power & Fuel Economy
Providing thrust for most TLX trims falls to a 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. TLX is front-wheel drive (FWD).
A 355-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 powers the Type S. It also gets the 10-speed automatic.
The government-estimated mileage varies a little according to the trim level. Most FWD versions deliver 22 miles per gallon in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in combined driving. The FWD A-Spec drops one mpg from the highway number.
Most AWD versions provide 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined. The Type-S with its V6 and standard AWD posts 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.
2022 Acura TLX ($37,700)
The 2022 Acura TLX starts at $37,700.
The standard TLX comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and a power moonroof.
Other content includes keyless entry with push-button start, heated outboard mirrors with memory, faux-leather seating, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Hill-start assist, two 12-volt power ports, a Homelink transceiver, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are also standard.
Also included are heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a 7-inch driver information display.
The infotainment system is a 10.2-inch color display, a 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Among the technologies in the standard AcuraWatch are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic-jam assist, and driver-attention warning.
Other driver aids are lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
Acura doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for TLX trims. However, there are several dealer-installed accessories.
Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the TLX base price brings the total to $38,745. If you finance with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, the monthly payment works out to $696. See 2022 Acura TLX models for sale
2022 Acura TLX includes:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
- LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on-off, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
- AcuraWatch – This bundle of driver aids includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic-jam assist, and driver-attention warning.
2022 Acura TLX Technology (starting at $41,700)
The 2022 Acura TLX Technology starts at $41,700.
This is where we think the sweet spot is. Technology has loads of bells and whistles yet is very affordable. We would, however, add the SH-AWD.
Technology builds on the standard TLX. It adds 19-inch alloy wheels, all-door keyless entry, perforated leather-trimmed seats, a 13-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and navigation with a 3D view.
Also included are 16-way power-adjustable front seats, two additional USB ports, HD Radio, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and front-rear park assist.
Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the Technology base price totals $42,745. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $768 per month. See 2022 Acura TLX Technology models for sale
2022 Acura TLX Technology includes:
- ELS Studio audio system – This 550-watt system includes 13 speakers.
- Blind-spot monitoring – This radar-based system warns of traffic approaching your flanks. It also includes rear cross-traffic alert to warn of vehicles crossing behind you when in reverse.
- Front-rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumpers detect when an object is close, triggering a warning.
2022 Acura TLX A-Spec (starting at $44,950)
The 2022 Acura TLX A-Spec starts at $44,950.
A-Spec adds to Technology with LED fog lights, black exterior accents, perforated-leather seats with Ultrasuede trim, and ventilated front seats.
Also included are a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, a 17-speaker ELS audio system, and wireless phone charging.
Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the A-Spec base price equals $45,995. With no money down, financing, or 60 months at 3% interest works out to $826 per month. See 2022 Acura TLX A-Spec models for sale
2022 Acura TLX A-Spec includes:
- ELS studio audio system – This 710-watt system boasts 17 speakers.
- Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, these seats help keep you comfortable in hot weather. They are heated, as well.
- Smartphone charging – You can charge any Qi-compatible smartphone without using a cable.
2022 Acura TLX Advance (starting at $46,500)
2022 Acura TLX Advance starts at $46,500.
Advance builds on A-Spec, but you lose the A-Spec appearance elements and the flat-bottom steering wheel.
Advance adds rain-sensing wipers, a windshield de-icer, real-wood interior trim, tri-level heated outboard rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Other content includes an adaptive damper system, upgraded leather seating, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the Advance base price brings the total to $47,545. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% works out to a monthly payment of $854. See 2022 Acura TLX Advance models for sale
2022 Acura TLX Advance includes:
- Adaptive damper system – This is an adaptive suspension that, in a blink of an eye, evaluates the current driving conditions and adjusts the stiffness of the dampers in response. It improves handling and ride quality.
- Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard at the windshield base displays key driver information on the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.
- Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle.
2022 Acura TLX Type S (starting at $52,800)
The 2022 Acura TLX Type S starts at $52,800.
Type S features standard AWD and the V6 turbo.
Type S also adds 20-inch alloy wheels, several unique appearance elements, and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with cushion extenders and side bolsters.
It also adds the Acura Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with five driving modes: Normal, Comfort, Economy, Sport, and Sport+.
Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the Type S base price brings the total to $53,845. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $968 per month. See 2022 Acura TLX Type S models for sale
2022 Acura TLX Type S includes:
- V6 turbo engine – This 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generates 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
- Integrated Dynamics System – Providing the choice of five driving modes (Normal, Comfort, Economy, Sport, and Sport+), the driver can configure the vehicle’s dynamics to their preference.
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats – Not only do these seats offer lumbar adjustments, but they also provide cushion extension for improved thigh support and beefier side bolsters.
