2021 Acura TLX review
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
From $29,998*
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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
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Acura TLX generation from 2015 to 2025
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 similaritiesBase:
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
SH-AWD:
Includes all features available on the Base
No significant upgrades found on the SH-AWD
SH-AWD A-Spec:
Includes all features available on the SH-AWD
No significant upgrades found on the 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
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
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.
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
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is a luxury three-row SUV that recently received a refresh in 2017. Its cabin is finely appointed with premium materials and provides a quiet, comfortable ride. The standard engine in the 2017–2019 MDX is a 290-hp V6 engine. There's also a hybrid model powered by a 3.0L V6 available from 2017 onward. Those that feel Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are a must should look for a 2018 or newer model as they become standard in the 2018 model year. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system is also an option on the 2017–2019 MDX. The MDX is a good choice for families that are looking for something a little more upscale. Standard features on the 2017 Acura MDX include:
Collision-mitigation braking system
Lane-departure warning
Adaptive cruise control
LED headlights
Acura RLX
Acura's RLX sedan offers great features and performance. Take a look at 2017–2019 models and you'll find seating for five and a very generous 14.9 cu-ft of storage in the trunk (11.6 cu-ft in hybrid models). Acura gave the TLX a refreshed exterior and updated interior for the 2018 model year, for these models and newer, you can expect standard tech and features like:
Leather-trimmed interior with 12-way power front seats
LED headlights
Dual seven-inch and eight-inch displays with navigation
14-speaker ELS audio system
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Ratings & reliability
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 TLXAcura TLX features and specs
Curious how Acura TLX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
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 42.4"/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
The 2021 Acura TLX is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Advance: 22 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- Base: 22 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- Technology: 22 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- A-Spec: 22 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Type S: 19 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Technology: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD A-Spec: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD Advance: 21 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Acura TLX received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Acura TLX as 0 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
The 2021 Acura TLX has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Acura TLX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Acura TLX Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Acura TLX:
- Advance
- Type S
- Rear Spoiler
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Rear Seat Heaters
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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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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