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2021 Acura TLX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Acura TLX highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Long list of standard features
  • Noticeably superior handling with optional all-wheel-drive system
  • Stunning acoustics with the available ELS audio system

Cons

  • Not especially spacious for rear-row passengers
  • Infotainment touchpad controller is not user-friendly
  • Slower off the mark than rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Year
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Redesigned luxury meets performance. 

The 2021 Acura TLX is a well-equipped performance sedan that offers a range of comfort and convenience options to suit your ever-changing needs. The updated-for-2021 TLX is as at home at the valet stand as it is carving through a winding back road.

All Acura TLX years

What is new for the 2021 Acura TLX?

  • The TLX is available in a variety of new trims, including the SH-AWD Technology, Type S, and Type S SH-AWD.
  • The PMC Edition trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • TLX trims have been upgraded with Rear Spoiler and Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment this year.
  • The SH-AWD A-Spec trim now comes with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment.
  • The SH-AWD Advance trim now comes with Head Up Display as standard equipment.
  • The Base trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel, Remote Start, and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2021 Acura TLX trims

Curious how Acura TLX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 272-hp, 280-lb-ft of torque 2.0L

  • Sunroofs

  • Power Seats

  • Smart Key

  • Lane Departure Warning

  • Power Mirrors

  • Automated Cruise Control

  • Front Seat Heaters

  • Leatherette Seats

  • View all Acura TLX Bases in stock

SH-AWD:

SH-AWD A-Spec:

SH-AWD Advance:

  • Includes all features available on the SH-AWD A-Spec

  • Rear Seat Heaters

  • A/C Seats

  • Leather Seats

  • Head Up Display

  • Heated Steering Wheel

  • Blind Spot Monitor

  • Parking Sensors

  • Navigation System



Acura TLX photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Acura TLX

1. Tons of standard features

2021 Acura TLX: Review: Exterior | CarMax

The great thing about the TLX is that you can find just the right spec for your evolving needs. With loads of standard features, even the base model is well appointed. Plus, with a host of options via its various upgrade packages, it also offers a ton of customization. For 2021, expect standard equipment across all trim levels such as LED headlights, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, heated, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker sound system, and aluminum interior trim.

2. Cool A-Spec trim

When it's a cool autumn morning and a long stretch of empty winding road is ahead of you, the TLX is the perfect companion for a spirited drive. Acura delivers race-bred performance in the TLX A-Spec without sacrificing comfort and convenience. With a sport-tuned engine and suspension, plus a sporty exterior and interior upgrades, the A-Spec is sure to make a splash.

3. High-end sound system

Acura has a long-time partnership with award-winning recording engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner. The result is the phenomenal the ELS Studio® sound system. Opt for either the A-Spec and Advanced trim level you'll experience studio sound quality to make those long drives even more enjoyable.

4. The latest technology

2021 Acura TLX: Dashboard | CarMax

Across all 2021 TLX trim levels are a variety of tech-focused features and options. Standard across all trim levels is a system called AcuraWatch. This system includes driver-aid features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor.

5. Available super-handling all-wheel drive

All models of the TLX come standard with front-wheel drive. However, if you opt for the V6 model you'll get Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard. This system directs power and torque to the wheels that are in search of traction. The result is a planted and capable sports sedan that's also fun to drive.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2021 Acura TLX, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV with seating for five. Model years 2016–2018 come standard with a 279 hp, 3.5-L V6 engine paired with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available option. In 2019 Acura redesigned the RDX, swapping the V6 for a 272 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even in the base trim, the Acura RDX has standard leatherette seats for all model years.

2016–2021 Acura RDXs come with the following features:

  • 279-horsepower V6 on model years 2016–2018; 272 hp turbo-four on model years 2019 and later

  • Standard seven-speaker audio system with USB and Bluetooth connections

  • Standard leatherette seats, heated in the front

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

4 customer reviews
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Acura TLX an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Acura TLX 1st out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Acura TLX

Acura TLX features and specs

Advance 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Seat Heaters

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

272

Torque (ft-lbs)

280

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.9

Wheelbase

113"

Overall length

194.6"

Width

75.2"

Height

56.4"

Leg room

F 42.5"/R 34.9"

Head room

F 37.2"/R 36.3"

Front tires

P255/40WR19

Rear tires

P255/40WR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Acura TLX FAQ

More about the 2021 Acura TLX

Color options

Exterior colors

The 2021 Acura TLX is available in six color options:

  • Apex Blue Pearl

  • Lunar Silver Metallic

  • Majestic Black Pearl

  • Modern Steel Metallic

  • Performance Red Pearl

  • Platinum White Pearl

Interior details

  • Optional leather and microsuede inserts for seating surfaces

  • Standard heated and optional cooled seats

  • 13.5 cu-ft of trunk space

  • Luxury interior

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