2024 Acura TLX

The TLX has a lot of great attributes and we’re happy to recommend it. We like the way it drives, the amount of equipment for the money, and the superb audio system — to list just a few high points. When 95 percent of our consumer reviews recommend the TLX as well, that’s a great confirmation from the people who have lived with the car for longer. Acura launched this generation of TLX for the 2021 model year and gave it some updates this time around. There are several excellent choices in this class, and the TLX is definitely one of them.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Acura TLX.

A revised grille is one of several cosmetic tweaks, while the TLX gets a tech upgrade with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an enlarged, 12.3-inch center screen. There are new wheel designs and colors as well. Driver assistance features see a few updates, like a new radar and improved ability to recognize various objects. Standard equipment levels rise with wireless phone integration and leather seating surfaces, while the Type S gains a new head-up display.

The TLX model range is simplified for 2024. The Technology trim uses the base engine and has front-wheel drive, the A-Spec trim adds AWD and a sporty appearance package, and the top Type S model has a punchy V6 engine and several other performance and luxury upgrades.

For comparison, the Lexus IS and Genesis G70 start in the low 40s. The Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series begins in the mid-40s. And the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced from about $47K. Before buying a new TLX luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are comfortably above average, just as strong as the Lexus IS after five years.

The regular TLX employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower. It’s capable of propelling the car from standstill to 60 mph in a whisker below six seconds. Although the BMW 330i comes with 255 horsepower, it’s quicker to 60 mph, accomplishing the task in 5.6 seconds. The Genesis G70, meanwhile, keeps up with the BMW 3 Series and enjoys 300 horsepower. We could describe the TLX as a luxury sedan, or as a sport sedan with luxury elements. With a certain agility and poise, it definitely exists to engage the driver, while not being so firm in its ride quality that it upsets the passengers. Every version has sport front seats with lateral cushioning, plus paddle shifters for whenever the driver decides to change gear — instead of letting the (perfectly capable) 10-speed transmission do it automatically.

The 355-horsepower V6 in the Type S is naturally the enthusiasts’s choice, enabling 0-60 mph sprints of just 4.9 seconds. It comes with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system as standard, distributing torque between the front and rear wheels. Through quick corners, we’ve found that the car holds its line with a virtually unshakable resolve. The Type S also has an adaptive suspension as standard, with a greater range of comfort and sportiness than the passive setup in the lower 2.0T models. This suspension is part of the optional Advance package for the 2.0T TLX. One of the many little changes this year is that the Sport+ driving mode in the Type S has improved response to throttle inputs.

Fuel Economy

The TLX’s fuel economy figures are merely average. Front-drive versions achieve 25 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving. All-wheel drive reduces the 2.0-liter engine’s figure by one mile per gallon. For comparison, the rear-drive BMW 330i manages 29 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is standard in the Type S, which returns 21 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is recommended for both TLX engines. More TLX fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

A rotary control takes pride of place in the center console. It selects drive modes, while underlining the car’s intention to provide a thrill or three. The usual luxury stuff is still evident, though. Like high-quality materials, ambient LED cabin lighting, and comfortable spots where the elbows land. Every new TLX gains a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for 2024. The Type S also receives a new, higher-resolution 360-degree camera system.

Our main complaint regarding the TLX’s interior is the touchpad for the infotainment system. It’s similar to the trackpad of a laptop computer, yet doesn’t feel particularly intuitive. No doubt getting used to it will happen over time; it’s just that we’d rather establish a quicker connection. Adults sitting in the back won’t love the 34.9 inches of rear legroom. They’d prefer a roomier German rival, but they should also consider themselves lucky that this is still more space than a Lexus IS. Trunk area of 13.5 cubic feet isn’t especially generous, although it’s still one of the best in the luxury compact sedan class.

A revised grille with a new mesh pattern is one detail that separates the 2024 TLX from last year’s model. There are some different wheel designs, and the base model gains 19-inch alloys as standard. Fresh paint choices include Liquid Carbon Metallic available across the range, while Urban Gray Pearl is offered with A-Spec and Type S variants. The A-Spec also gains a gloss black rear spoiler and two large round exhaust tips. Actually, we’re kind of pleased that Acura hasn’t made any major changes to the styling. It shows that the company thinks the original design is strong.

GPS-linked climate control
Using information from the navigation system in tandem with a solar sensor, this feature helps maintain a consistent cabin temperature. It’s standard in all but the base model.

Wireless charging
Just place a smartphone on the pad in the center console and the recharging process begins. This becomes standard across the range for 2024.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
This system goes beyond just providing extra confidence on slippery roads. It really does bolster the handling of the 2024 TLX with its incredible grip.

ELS audio
Grammy-winning recording engineer Elliott Scheiner (Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters) is the golden-eared expert behind the high-end (yet standard) sound system for the 2024 TLX.

Head-up display
Information projected onto the windshield saves drivers from looking away from the road for timely info. It’s part of the Advance package offered with the 2.0T model and standard in the Type S.

Brembo brakes
Italian company Brembo specializes in high-performance braking systems, with a client list that includes Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. A set of Brembo brakes is standard equipment on the 2024 TLX Type S.

One of the more powerful base engines in the compact luxury sedan class lives under the hood of the 2024 TLX 2.0T. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The more affordable versions have front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Type S models come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard in the Type S. Both engines connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission.


4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2024 TLX compact luxury sedan lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The powertrain warranty is for six years or 70,000 miles. Lexus offers the same arrangements, German rivals have shorter warranties, and Genesis leads the pack in this respect. Complimentary scheduled maintenance over the first two years or 24,000 miles is also included.

Safety Ratings

The current generation of TLX has earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring (upgraded this year).