When you fancy a compact luxury sedan, Acura might not be at the top of the shopping list. But that could change with the redesigned 2021 TLX.
With a new muscular look, the TLX has a wider stance, making for a more-aggressive style than before. Check out the front end, which looks rather racy, with wide-eyed slender LED lighting and a new grill design that is handsome.
The new TLX excels with a new interior. The materials are higher quality than before. It is now a proper luxury car interior. Good heated and ventilated front seats will prove a comfortable place to spend some quality time. The back seats have more space than before, but it’s still a bit tighter than some of the competition. No more confusing dual screens like before. The TLX now sports one central screen that you control with a touchpad — or you can handle many of the functions with your voice. (The top of the line SH-AWD Advance also comes with a great sound system.)
The TLX was always a sporty ride, and the new 2021 model still likes a curvy back road. Its improved ride quality will please on the highway and city roads. The more compliant suspension gives it a greater ability to tackle bumps and the not-so-nice roads around here. Gone is the sweet V-6, but the new turbo four-cylinder engine provides good power and a bit better MPG than before.
Cost: $37,500; as tested, $48,300.
MPG: 21 MPG city; 29 MPG highway. I managed 24.2 in 223 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $2,000 SH-AWD; $4,000 technology package; $4,800 advance package.
Safety: blind spot information system; rear cross traffic monitor; front and rear parking sensors; surround view camera; 10.5-inch head-up display; collision mitigation braking system; road departure mitigation; adaptive cruise control with low speed follow; lane keeping assist system; pedestrian detection; traffic sign recognition; traffic jam assist.
Things to know: Acura remakes the TLX compact sedan, transforming it into a true luxury sedan with good driving dynamics. It wows with a newfound style and does it for a price that’s less than other luxury sedans its size.
Pros:
- An improved interior that is more in-line with a compact luxury sedan.
- Even base models come with a large array of safety technology.
- Price even fully loaded is less than other luxury sedans.
Cons:
- No more V6 engine in the TLX.
- While larger than before, the back seat isn’t as spacious as some of the competition.
- Push-button gear selector is strange to use at first.
