2021 Acura TLX Reviews **2024 TLX Reviews (starting page 70)**
#2961
It would make sense if they actually ran 3 Series, S4, IS500 and G70 on the same track, compare the times and then made a conclusion. Type S straight line performance is def WEAK but on the track it would probably smoke my S5, beat S4, G70 and would be close to IS500 as well all for a lot less $$$. 10-14% cheaper is not a minor difference. If you are about tuning and going nuts with power, skip Type S for sure and go German.
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a38965891/2021-acura-tlx-type-s-sh-awd-lightning-lap/
The TLX starts off strong, hanging on for 1.00 g through Turn 1. But it works its Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires so hard that they have only one strong lap in them before getting hot and greasy.
A fast lap in the TLX involves managing turn-in understeer—not surprising for a nose-heavy sedan. The solution is getting back on the power early, as the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system helps rotate the TLX through the corner. Dubbed SH-AWD, it's dialed in for racetrack duty. Step into the accelerator while cornering, and the car pivots productively but doesn't aggressively oversteer like some Audis, which had a similar system.
The brake-by-wire setup is touchy, with the pedal's short stroke making it difficult to modulate the braking force. We often got more initial braking than desired and had to back off.
Speaking of brakes, the TLX's really aren't up to track work. Our car was wearing more aggressive dealer-installed pads, and even with the upgrade, the brakes wore out so quickly that the TLX started each of our three lapping days with a brand-new set of both pads and rotors.
That's not to say that the TLX is a slouch. Consider how it stacks up against the impressive Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V from last year. The TLX and CT4-V trade tenths back and forth through the various sectors, and the Acura's 355-hp turbo V-6 keeps it within a half-second reach of the Caddy.
But the Acura's engine lacks the pull of the CT5-V's 360-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. It's also missing the thrust of the 382-hp inline-six in the BMW M340i and it can't keep up with the 472-hp V-8 in the Lexus IS500, both of which will shrink a TLX in their rearview mirrors.
A fast lap in the TLX involves managing turn-in understeer—not surprising for a nose-heavy sedan. The solution is getting back on the power early, as the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system helps rotate the TLX through the corner. Dubbed SH-AWD, it's dialed in for racetrack duty. Step into the accelerator while cornering, and the car pivots productively but doesn't aggressively oversteer like some Audis, which had a similar system.
The brake-by-wire setup is touchy, with the pedal's short stroke making it difficult to modulate the braking force. We often got more initial braking than desired and had to back off.
Speaking of brakes, the TLX's really aren't up to track work. Our car was wearing more aggressive dealer-installed pads, and even with the upgrade, the brakes wore out so quickly that the TLX started each of our three lapping days with a brand-new set of both pads and rotors.
That's not to say that the TLX is a slouch. Consider how it stacks up against the impressive Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V from last year. The TLX and CT4-V trade tenths back and forth through the various sectors, and the Acura's 355-hp turbo V-6 keeps it within a half-second reach of the Caddy.
But the Acura's engine lacks the pull of the CT5-V's 360-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. It's also missing the thrust of the 382-hp inline-six in the BMW M340i and it can't keep up with the 472-hp V-8 in the Lexus IS500, both of which will shrink a TLX in their rearview mirrors.
Last edited by fiatlux; 04-06-2024 at 02:40 PM.
#2962
It’s been beaten to death, but this car is perfect for a road like Angeles Crest. Shame on Acura for launching this somewhere outside of its elements. Regular roads will mask the weight and braking deficiencies, since you aren’t driving more than 7/10ths, and will emphasize the SH-AWD system as you’d be taking more late apex lines but can get on the gas before the apex.
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MarcoTLX (04-06-2024)
#2963
From that article, the S was 55,445 as tested. The IS500 was 63,620 and there was no comparable 3 series. There was a 2 series and that was still 2 grand more. So 15% more for a 1% difference in a car that's made to be a sport luxury cruiser not a track car. And the IS doesn't have an AWD option which was a must for me.
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#2964
From that article, the S was 55,445 as tested. The IS500 was 63,620 and there was no comparable 3 series. There was a 2 series and that was still 2 grand more. So 15% more for a 1% difference in a car that's made to be a sport luxury cruiser not a track car. And the IS doesn't have an AWD option which was a must for me.
https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparis...veh2=401940159
Someone please convince me why the TLX-S survives where the Stinger GT2 does not!
#2965
Burning Brakes
Acura advertised this car wrong. They advertised it to go up against cars like the M340i, S4, and now the Genesis G70. All with better numbers. Only thing you'll have over them? A couple of interior features like standard heated AND ventilated front seats and remote start. All of them look great but the Type S is more of a sporty daily. The others are more for if you're looking for that raw power in a daily. Acura has never been about squeezing the most out of a engine for the public. Lol. 355hp is plenty for the average person. 382hp(which is more like 395 or even 400) in the M340i is the reason why there are so many found with accidents on the CarFax. 355hp in the AWD Type S is plenty to make it fun, sporty, and(for the right person) plenty to keep up with the usual cars out there.
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MarcoTLX (04-08-2024)
#2966
Acura advertised this car wrong. They advertised it to go up against cars like the M340i, S4, and now the Genesis G70. All with better numbers. Only thing you'll have over them? A couple of interior features like standard heated AND ventilated front seats and remote start. All of them look great but the Type S is more of a sporty daily. The others are more for if you're looking for that raw power in a daily. Acura has never been about squeezing the most out of a engine for the public. Lol. 355hp is plenty for the average person. 382hp(which is more like 395 or even 400) in the M340i is the reason why there are so many found with accidents on the CarFax. 355hp in the AWD Type S is plenty to make it fun, sporty, and(for the right person) plenty to keep up with the usual cars out there.
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Shadow2056 (04-08-2024)
#2967
Burning Brakes
I honestly think the marketing department is by far the weakest link for Acura, and has been for some time. They totally misrepresent the products, leading some potential customers to be disappointed when the products don't live up to the hype and probably driving some potential customers away who would be perfectly happy with the products but who don't resonate with the marketing messages.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
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#2968
Air Vice Marshal
From that article, the S was 55,445 as tested. The IS500 was 63,620 and there was no comparable 3 series. There was a 2 series and that was still 2 grand more. So 15% more for a 1% difference in a car that's made to be a sport luxury cruiser not a track car. And the IS doesn't have an AWD option which was a must for me.
#2969
Burning Brakes
I honestly think the marketing department is by far the weakest link for Acura, and has been for some time. They totally misrepresent the products, leading some potential customers to be disappointed when the products don't live up to the hype and probably driving some potential customers away who would be perfectly happy with the products but who don't resonate with the marketing messages.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
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ELIN (04-08-2024)
#2970
I honestly think the marketing department is by far the weakest link for Acura, and has been for some time. They totally misrepresent the products, leading some potential customers to be disappointed when the products don't live up to the hype and probably driving some potential customers away who would be perfectly happy with the products but who don't resonate with the marketing messages.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
In addition, they breathlessly rave about unimportant stuff and make ridiculous pronouncements that strain (and erode) credibility. Instead of exaggerating and overpromising, the marketing should focus on ACTUAL differentiators and aim squarely at the true target market. For the TLX-S, that's *not* track racers or drag strip competitors. It's people with a fair bit of disposable income who still want value for their money, who want a car that looks and performs better than most others on the road, and that is loaded with creature comforts and nice tech features. But Acura's marketing department seems to want every TV ad, for instance, to just feature the cars (and sport utes, which is even more ridiculous) drifting around tight corners, plowing around sand dunes, and revving like race cars. I get the concept of "aspirational marketing", but when the aspiration is so far from the reality then the marketing is just a fail.
#2971
I think the 6G TLX-S will stay high in the list of best looking sedans ever produced by Honda/Acura for a long while.
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#2972
Internet culture loves to break everything down to just numbers but you're absolutely right most Type S buyers are just looking for something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive or nice back road. I heavily debated between the S4 and TLX-S and went TLX basically just for style alone as everything else was relatively comparable. I definitely don't notice in my day to day life or occasional spirited driving that 'oh shoot I'm just a little bit slower than an S4!' but I definitely notice how beautiful my car is, how much I love driving it and how often I get people complimenting it or asking questions (not that I bought it to impress others but compliments always feel good lol).
I think the 6G TLX-S will stay high in the list of best looking sedans ever produced by Honda/Acura for a long while.
I think the 6G TLX-S will stay high in the list of best looking sedans ever produced by Honda/Acura for a long while.
#2973
Adept Acura Enthusiast
I could not agree more. I had a 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T. It was one of the rare late model year imports that had a full 3D digital gauge cluster. I'm the type of person that loves a great balance between tech, performance, looks, affordability and reliability. My G70 was totalled in February this year and the new G70s still do not have a full digital gauge cluster, but some weird half digital/half analog implementation. I didn't like that aesthetic, so I went to look at the '24 TLX Type S. With the addition of the HUD, digital gauge cluster and wireless carplay, it made perfect sense to me. It's about a half second slower 0-60 than the G70, but I don't care. I am not drag racing and I am not taking this car to the track. I wanted, as you stated, "...something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive.." This car is such an awesome daily driver. It feels more solid than the Genesis and from a looks standpoint, I don't think there is a better looking sedan in this segment at all. Is it the most practical, absolutely not. The gas mileage isn't that great, but neither was the G70 and my company pays for my fuel anyway. I do not regret my decision and having always wanted a Type S, I'm happy to finally own one. People who have never driven or owned this car, have no idea what they are genuinely missing out on from a fantastic daily driving sporty car. (Pictures, just because the car is gorgeous)
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AcidZork (04-10-2024)
#2974
AZ Community Team
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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I could not agree more. I had a 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T. It was one of the rare late model year imports that had a full 3D digital gauge cluster. I'm the type of person that loves a great balance between tech, performance, looks, affordability and reliability. My G70 was totalled in February this year and the new G70s still do not have a full digital gauge cluster, but some weird half digital/half analog implementation. I didn't like that aesthetic, so I went to look at the '24 TLX Type S. With the addition of the HUD, digital gauge cluster and wireless carplay, it made perfect sense to me. It's about a half second slower 0-60 than the G70, but I don't care. I am not drag racing and I am not taking this car to the track. I wanted, as you stated, "...something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive.." This car is such an awesome daily driver. It feels more solid than the Genesis and from a looks standpoint, I don't think there is a better looking sedan in this segment at all. Is it the most practical, absolutely not. The gas mileage isn't that great, but neither was the G70 and my company pays for my fuel anyway. I do not regret my decision and having always wanted a Type S, I'm happy to finally own one. People who have never driven or owned this car, have no idea what they are genuinely missing out on from a fantastic daily driving sporty car. (Pictures, just because the car is gorgeous)
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AcidZork (04-10-2024)
#2975
I could not agree more. I had a 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T. It was one of the rare late model year imports that had a full 3D digital gauge cluster. I'm the type of person that loves a great balance between tech, performance, looks, affordability and reliability. My G70 was totalled in February this year and the new G70s still do not have a full digital gauge cluster, but some weird half digital/half analog implementation. I didn't like that aesthetic, so I went to look at the '24 TLX Type S. With the addition of the HUD, digital gauge cluster and wireless carplay, it made perfect sense to me. It's about a half second slower 0-60 than the G70, but I don't care. I am not drag racing and I am not taking this car to the track. I wanted, as you stated, "...something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive.." This car is such an awesome daily driver. It feels more solid than the Genesis and from a looks standpoint, I don't think there is a better looking sedan in this segment at all. Is it the most practical, absolutely not. The gas mileage isn't that great, but neither was the G70 and my company pays for my fuel anyway. I do not regret my decision and having always wanted a Type S, I'm happy to finally own one. People who have never driven or owned this car, have no idea what they are genuinely missing out on from a fantastic daily driving sporty car. (Pictures, just because the car is gorgeous)
#2976
AZ Community Team
From that article, the S was 55,445 as tested. The IS500 was 63,620 and there was no comparable 3 series. There was a 2 series and that was still 2 grand more. So 15% more for a 1% difference in a car that's made to be a sport luxury cruiser not a track car. And the IS doesn't have an AWD option which was a must for me.
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#2977
The S has AWD the other two did not. For the track that usually means added weight and understeer, but maybe better mid corner grip. For me AWD was a necessity as this will be my DD - included in the 10k cheaper price. So the mental exercise is how does the IS350AWD and 340ix stack up? Probably exactly the same story.
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Shadow2056 (04-14-2024)
#2978
[QUOTE=AcidZork;16933432]I could not agree more. I had a 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T. It was one of the rare late model year imports that had a full 3D digital gauge cluster. I'm the type of person that loves a great balance between tech, performance, looks, affordability and reliability. My G70 was totalled in February this year and the new G70s still do not have a full digital gauge cluster, but some weird half digital/half analog implementation. I didn't like that aesthetic, so I went to look at the '24 TLX Type S. With the addition of the HUD, digital gauge cluster and wireless carplay, it made perfect sense to me. It's about a half second slower 0-60 than the G70, but I don't care. I am not drag racing and I am not taking this car to the track. I wanted, as you stated, "...something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive.." This car is such an awesome daily driver. It feels more solid than the Genesis and from a looks standpoint, I don't think there is a better looking sedan in this segment at all. Is it the most practical, absolutely not. The gas mileage isn't that great, but neither was the G70 and my company pays for my fuel anyway. I do not regret my decision and having always wanted a Type S, I'm happy to finally own one. People who have never driven or owned this car, have no idea what they are genuinely missing out on from a fantastic daily driving sporty car. (Pictures, just because the car is gorgeous)
/QUOTE]
The pics are nice, only wish Acura spent as much effort making it fast as it looks although I prefer a bit less flash in the looks I see the appeal in the syling, paricularly if your on the younger side. Once you get used to having the extra power, speed and crisp braking its hard to go backwards. All of what Acura marketed it against are also daily drivers, but it's closer to an A4 in performance than the S4 and the A4 is only rated at 260hp. Acura somehow managed to make a 350 hp car feel like 290 hp. Same issue I had with the first generation TLX which was rated right around 300 hp but felt like way less. I know in the Audi forums there have been some that have said the S4/S5 is actually closer to 390hp but Audi underates it at 345. That and the weight differential may explain the difference in performance.
/QUOTE]
The pics are nice, only wish Acura spent as much effort making it fast as it looks although I prefer a bit less flash in the looks I see the appeal in the syling, paricularly if your on the younger side. Once you get used to having the extra power, speed and crisp braking its hard to go backwards. All of what Acura marketed it against are also daily drivers, but it's closer to an A4 in performance than the S4 and the A4 is only rated at 260hp. Acura somehow managed to make a 350 hp car feel like 290 hp. Same issue I had with the first generation TLX which was rated right around 300 hp but felt like way less. I know in the Audi forums there have been some that have said the S4/S5 is actually closer to 390hp but Audi underates it at 345. That and the weight differential may explain the difference in performance.
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MarcoTLX (04-15-2024)
#2979
Adept Acura Enthusiast
Its cool I still like how quickly the S can take off from a stand still the AWD definitely helps in conjunction with the Turbo V6 in that department.
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#2980
I have had 2 RDX's, 2007 type S. Two TLX V6's and still have a 10th generation civic coupe so I was a pretty loyal Acura guy for a long time. Although the civic I bought for my daughter but she now has a new S5 sportback and gave that car back to me but it's also a great car.
Last edited by jhb31; 04-18-2024 at 05:02 PM.
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MarcoTLX (04-19-2024)
#2982
As I stated above the 1st gen tlx was around 300, I couldnt remember exactly what it was but 290 sounds right. It's been a while. My 3rd gen type as at something like 285 hp felt way faster than the 1st gen TLX AWD V6 which I traded it in on. The 2007 had 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. Not fast by todays standards or probably back then either. Frankly i was pretty happy with the 3rd gen type S, the 1st gen tlx was a dissapointment. I was holding out forever for a new type S but got tired of waiting and test drove an S5 and it was an eye opening experience. I knew as soon as i pulled out of the dealer and hit the gas on the test drive I was leaving with the car. Probably if they had the type S sooner I wouldn't have gone on the test drive and have one but I also wanted to get back to a coupe which is getting harder and harder to find these days.
I have had 2 RDX's, 2007 type S. Two TLX V6's and still have a 10th generation civic coupe so I was a pretty loyal Acura guy for a long time. Although the civic I bought for my daughter but she now has a new S5 sportback and gave that car back to me but it's also a great car.
I have had 2 RDX's, 2007 type S. Two TLX V6's and still have a 10th generation civic coupe so I was a pretty loyal Acura guy for a long time. Although the civic I bought for my daughter but she now has a new S5 sportback and gave that car back to me but it's also a great car.
#2983
Senior Moderator
#2984
Senior Moderator
I could not agree more. I had a 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T. It was one of the rare late model year imports that had a full 3D digital gauge cluster. I'm the type of person that loves a great balance between tech, performance, looks, affordability and reliability. My G70 was totalled in February this year and the new G70s still do not have a full digital gauge cluster, but some weird half digital/half analog implementation. I didn't like that aesthetic, so I went to look at the '24 TLX Type S. With the addition of the HUD, digital gauge cluster and wireless carplay, it made perfect sense to me. It's about a half second slower 0-60 than the G70, but I don't care. I am not drag racing and I am not taking this car to the track. I wanted, as you stated, "...something pretty and enough power for the occasional spirited drive.." This car is such an awesome daily driver. It feels more solid than the Genesis and from a looks standpoint, I don't think there is a better looking sedan in this segment at all. Is it the most practical, absolutely not. The gas mileage isn't that great, but neither was the G70 and my company pays for my fuel anyway. I do not regret my decision and having always wanted a Type S, I'm happy to finally own one. People who have never driven or owned this car, have no idea what they are genuinely missing out on from a fantastic daily driving sporty car. (Pictures, just because the car is gorgeous)
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