Although the number of sedan models on the market has diminished, the premium sedan segment remains robustly represented. The Acura TLX is a prime example of this, offering a midsize sedan with seating for five. This second-generation model, which debuted in 2021, receives updates in style and technology for its 2024 iteration, ensuring it continues to hold its ground in a fiercely competitive sector.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Acura TLX showcases a new, sophisticated front fascia, featuring a frameless version of Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon Grille. This refreshment in design language is complemented by two new paint colors: Urban Gray Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic, with the former available on the TLX A-Spec and Type S, and the latter on the TLX with Technology Package.
Interior Space
The interior of the TLX, while aiming for comfort and luxury, presents a mix of spaciousness and constraints. The front of the cabin offers considerable headroom at 37.2 inches, but the rear headroom is slightly less generous at 36.3 inches. Front legroom is ample at 42.5 inches, but the rear legroom is more limited at 34.9 inches, which might be snug for some passengers in this class. The shoulder room measures 58.2 inches in the front and 55 inches in the rear, and hip room stands at 55.8 inches in the front and 54.6 inches in the rear.
The total EPA passenger volume is 93.4 cubic feet, indicating a reasonably spacious interior overall. The trunk space is practical, offering 13.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. The cabin benefits from thicker carpeting, which helps to reduce noise, but the emphasis on interior refinement and layout seems more focused on the driver’s experience rather than overall passenger comfort.
Cabin Amenities
Inside the TLX, luxury and convenience converge. The Technology Package model features Milano Leather seating, while all models boast standard features like a wireless charging pad and dual USB-C charging ports for rear passengers. Enhanced soundproofing methods, including new front fender liners, wheel insulators, and door insulators, particularly in the TLX A-Spec, underscore Acura’s commitment to a serene driving experience.
In-Cabin Tech
Acura has pushed the envelope in in-cabin technology with a configurable 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit Digital Instrument Cluster and a larger, 12.3-inch center screen. The system is now more user-friendly with a faster processor and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Amazon Alexa Built-In.
Driver-Assist Technology
The 2024 TLX is equipped with the comprehensive AcuraWatch suite, featuring advanced driver-assist technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System. The suite has been enhanced with a new front camera and radar system, offering a broader field of view, and an improved blind spot information system.
Performance Matters
At the heart of the 2024 TLX is performance. The entry-level TLX with Technology Package (front-wheel drive) sets the tone with premium styling and performance features. The TLX A-Spec adds torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive for a more dynamic driving experience. The crown jewel, the TLX Type S, boasts an exclusive Type S Turbo V6 engine, enhanced throttle response in Sport+ drive mode, and high-performance summer tires on lightweight wheels.
Trim Levels and Price
The 2024 TLX range starts with the Technology Package at $45,000, followed by the sportier A-Spec at $50,000, and culminates with the high-performance Type S at $57,000. Each trim level offers a distinct combination of features, performance enhancements, and styling cues, making the TLX a versatile choice in the luxury sport sedan market.
Acura TLX Takeaway
The 2024 Acura TLX represents a smart refresh for this model. Its competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Other models in the segment include the Volvo S60, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, and the Cadillac CT4.
Overall, the TLX offers a commendable array of features for its price point. Notably, the optional all-wheel-drive system significantly improves handling, and the optional ELS audio system delivers exceptional sound quality. However, the infotainment system’s touchpad controller can be cumbersome to operate, and the rear seating area may feel somewhat confined. Additionally, when it comes to speed and fuel efficiency, the TLX falls short compared to many of its competitors.
See Also — Manual Happiness: Acura Integra Type S
