The Acura TLX and the TL earlier than it have all the time been higher-end variations of the Honda Accord, with various levels of success in making the leap to luxurious automobile. Acura rethinks that method for 2021 by giving the TLX a platform of its own, a powerful turbo-4, and a sportier, extra engaging design. That technique earned it a finalist spot in Motor Authority‘s Finest Automotive To Purchase 2021 competitors.
The obvious adjustments for the brand new TLX are within the seems to be division, the place a 7.8-inch stretch between the sprint and the entrance axle offers the automobile the sharper proportions of a rear-drive sedan. The automobile can be longer, decrease, and wider, with a well-integrated shield-like grille and flowing fender haunches that every one conspire to create a sportier vibe than we have seen for the reason that Legend within the Nineteen Nineties.
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD
Acura goes for sporty dealing with and emotional efficiency as properly. The brand new platform returns to a double-wishbone entrance suspension that Acura says supplies a greater tire contact patch. For the primary time, the corporate additionally gives adaptive dampers on the Superior mannequin to stability experience and dealing with. An additional boon to dealing with is Acura’s Tremendous Dealing with All Wheel Drive system that may ship 70% of the out there energy to the rear axle and all the rear-axle torque to the surface wheel in turns to offer what’s in any other case a front-drive automobile the texture of a rear driver.
The adjustments create playful, spirited dealing with with fast steering and minimal physique lean. Whereas the brand new 57/43 entrance/rear weight stability is an enchancment, it is nonetheless not as balanced as rivals just like the BMW 3- and 5-Collection and which means it will not rotate as properly throughout aggressive cornering.
A brand new 2.0-liter turbo-4 base engine replaces each a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and a V-6. It is a huge enchancment over the earlier 4-cylinder and its 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque are a few match for the V-6 although with higher gas economic system. Acura injects some emotion into the engine by bringing the sound ahead and enhancing it in some modes. It isn’t a very wealthy sound and a few patrons will discover it too loud. They will not be disenchanted with the engine’s efficiency, because the 0-60 mph run ought to take about six seconds. We’re additionally trying ahead to the 354-hp Type S model due subsequent yr, which ought to drop the 0-60 mph instances into the four-second vary.
2021 Acura TLX
2021 Acura TLX
2021 Acura TLX
The TLX’s playful energy and sharp strikes are complimented by a better high quality cabin with coloration palettes that vary from sporty crimson and black to serene white and tan. Supplies match German rivals, but it surely takes time to discover ways to management the infotainment system with its haptic touchpad.
Sleeker, sportier, and extra luxurious, the brand new TLX elevates Acura to a extra premium place available in the market. The TLX is now a worthy various to the German rivals it emulates and at a greater value.
Will that propel the TLX to change into Motor Authority‘s Finest Automotive To Purchase 2021? Test again on Jan. 4 once we reveal our winner, together with the champs from our sister websites, The Automotive Connection and Inexperienced Automotive Reviews.
