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Acura TLX

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Average Retail Price
$17,475 - $23,450

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Poised to compete with segment heavy hitters, the Acura TLX doesn't have what it takes to play in the big leagues. While it is a good overall performer, the TLX lacks the engaging performance and panache found in other upscale sedans.

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2019 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

Acura vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2019 Luxury compact cars Ratings

$17,350 - $23,350
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$13,625 - $32,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$15,100 - $18,675
economy-icon
EPA MPG 27 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$17,500 - $21,050
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,825 - $20,475
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2.4-liter 4 (206 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 9-speed automatic
  • 8-speed sequential
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2021-
Current Generation

The redesigned for 2021 TLX is an sleek sedan that's larger than the competition but not roomier. The standard 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic and together feel energetic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional; the more powerful Type S only gets AWD. The ride is quite comfortable and handling is nimble, but the driving experience is underwhelming. Road and engine noise undermine the premium pretense. Drivers interact with the infotainment display via a touchpad. We found this system very distracting and unintuitive to use. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard. Initially the Technology package was required to get blind spot warning, but it became standard with a refresh in 2024. The refresh also brought a larger infotainment screen with quicker processing and, according to Acura, a quieter cabin. 

2015-2020
2015 Redesign Year

The TLX is Acura's best sedan, but it still doesn't quite measure up to the competition. It's available with either a four- or a six-cylinder engine; all-wheel drive is only available with the V6. The 2.4-liter uses an eight-speed automatic that delivers quick, direct shifts and contributes to the very good 27 mpg overall. The V6 is a gem, with plenty of power, but its nine-speed automatic shifts roughly and uses an annoying pushbutton shifter. Handling is responsive, but not sporty, although the ride is quite comfortable. The cabin is quiet, but rear-seat room is so-so. Featuring two different screens, the infotainment system is unintuitive to use. A generous roster of advanced safety systems includes front-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. A 2018 update makes the AcuraWatch suite of safety equipment standard, as well as adding luxury features and tweaking the suspension and steering.