The 2021 Acura TLX is all-new from the bones and borrows its engine from the 2021 Acura RDX. The 2021 TLX is available at an MSRP of $37,500 and is available in 1 trim and 3 different packages with varying feature-sets. The prices of these packages range from $2,750 - $4,800 adding on top of the MSRP. The checkout bill also includes a destination charge of $1,025 over and above. The 2021 TLX lineup also includes a Type S trim, with a 355-HP engine and styling over the standard TLX.
A 2.0L, Turbocharged engine powers the 2021 Acura TLX producing 272 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque in an FWD setup. However, AWD is available as a $2,000 option. A properly built TLX would set you back by $45,000 easy. Leasing and finance options with the 2021 TLX include a down-payment of $3,899 for a $369/36-month package. This offer is only valid till 3/1/2021, as per Acura. The 2021 TLX rivals premium Germans like the 2021 Audi A4,the BMW 3 Series, and a fully spec'd 2021 Honda Accord Touring priced at $36,700.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
SH-AWD w/Technology Package 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 10A)
Starting at $43,500 MSRP
(21/24/29)
272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, Premium
10-Speed Automatic
all wheel drive
5
A-Spec Package
power
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
fuel
Premium
mpg
25 combined
$44,250 - $46,250
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
A-Spec Package 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 10A)
Starting at $44,250 MSRP
(22/25/30)
272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, Premium
10-Speed Automatic
front wheel drive
5
SH-AWD w/A-Spec Package 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 10A)
Starting at $46,250 MSRP
(21/24/29)
272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, Premium
10-Speed Automatic
all wheel drive
5
Advance Package
power
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
fuel
Premium
mpg
25 combined
$46,300 - $48,300
Style
Prices
MPG
Engine
Transmission
Drivetrain
Seats
Colors
Advance Package 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 10A)
Starting at $46,300 MSRP
(22/25/31)
272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, Premium
10-Speed Automatic
front wheel drive
5
SH-AWD w/Advance Package 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl 10A)
Starting at $48,300 MSRP
(21/24/29)
272 hp @ 6500 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, Premium
10-Speed Automatic
all wheel drive
5
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.7
Overall Rating
"Slick suspension and killer audio up the TLX’s game." - Motortrend.com
The 2021 Acura TLX is a luxurious version of the 2021 Honda Accord Touring trim with an advantage of 20 extra horses under the hood from the same 2.0L motor. Acura claims the all-new 10-speed Automatic can now skip up to 4 gears as opposed to the old 9-speed auto in the 2020 model.
There are 6 exterior colors on offer with the 2021 Acura TLX. Three out of them are premium colors and bump the MRSP by $500. The 2021 TLX's interior now welcomes a new Acura True Touchpad Interface™ with a 10.2-inch HD display, sports seats with 12-way standard power adjustment (16-way available as an option), and an Integrated Dynamics System with Individual Mode.
7.3/10 Pricing and Features
7.9/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.0/10 Interior
8.0/10 Exterior
8.8/10 Safety
7.5/10 Competition
2021 Acura TLX Pricing and Features
7.3/10
The 2021 Acura TLX starts at an MSRP of $37,500 for the Standard 2.0T trim with FWD - an increase of $1,300 over the 2020 Acura TLX and comprises 4 configurations: Standard, Technology Package (+$4,000), A-Spec Package (+$2,750), and Advance Package (+$4,800). Here's a catch though, if you need the Advance package, you will be compelled to get the Technology Pack as well, raising the MSRP by $8,800!
Acura's torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is available on all trims for an additional $2,000. Exterior options include a $2,982 black-wheel package offering 19-inch Glint black alloy wheels. Premium exterior colors such as Platinum White Pearl, Majestic Black Pearl, and Performance Red Pearl add another $500 to the final bill.
If budget isn't your enemy, the performance-focused 2021 TLX Type S, with Acura's new 355hp 3.0-liter V6 Turbo and standard Super Handling AWD, is the most powerful Acura Sedan ever, and you can get it for $45,000!
Model
Base
Technology Package
A-Spec Package (includes Tech Pack)
Advance Package (includes Tech Pack)
MSRP (FWD)
$37,500
$41,500
$44,250
$46,300
MSRP (SH-AWD)
$39,500
$43,500
$46,250
$48,300
Key Features
10-way power driver seat
Adds or Upgrades features from Base
Adds or Upgrades features from Technology Package
Adds or Upgrades features from A-Spec Package
10.2’’ Head-up display
19 x 8.5” Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Exterior Sport Appearance Package
Power Folding Mirrors with Puddle Light
18-inch alloy wheels
Smart Entry (All Doors)
17-Speaker ELS STUDIO 3D Premium Audio
Surround View Camera System
Power Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function
Milano Leather-Trimmed Seating Surfaces
Milano Leather-Trimmed Seating Surfaces with Ultrasuede® Inserts
Acura Sport Seats with 16-way Power Adjustment and Driver-Position Memory
7-inch instrument cluster
Acura Navigation System with 3D View
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Front Windshield Wiper De-Icer
2021 Acura TLX Maintenance, Reliability and Warranty
The 2021 Acura TLX has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five. Let’s look at its 5-year ownership cost, warranty coverage, and costs per mile (Fuel+Maintenance Cost per 16000 miles of average driving in a year).
2021 Acura TLX Reliability: Ratings, Ownership Costs, and JD Power Report
The Acura TLX scores the highest in terms of quality and reliability among the rivals. Overall, the TLX was rated 79 out of 100 by J.D Power, which is quite an impressive number. In terms of quality and reliability, the TLX received a score of 83, which is exceptional for a vehicle in its class. For driving experience, it was rated 75, for resale 74, and for dealership experience 80, which are all considered great.
On average, the Acura TLX costs about $37,800. The true cost to own varies from $40,000 to around $50,000, which is calculated based on the five-year ownership costs and may vary in different regions.
Particulars
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total
Tax Credit
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Insurance
$1,060
$1,097
$1,135
$1,175
$1,216
$5,683
Maintenance
$264
$777
$596
$1,165
$1,866
$4,668
Repairs
$0
$0
$0
$391
$600
$991
Taxes and fees
$2,654
$389
$325
$273
$229
$3,870
Financing
$1,625
$1,306
$968
$605
$219
$4,723
Depreciation
$2,790
$2,712
$2,217
$2,484
$2,169
$12,372
Fuel
$1,840
$1,896
$1,952
$2,011
$2,071
$9,770
Real cost to own
$10,233
$8,177
$7,193
$8,104
$8,370
$42,077
Thetrue ownership cost for the Acura TLX, over a span of 5 years comes out to be about $42,077. Acura is renowned for making its vehicle reliable and easy to maintain. The maintenance cost of the TLX goes up to $4,668 and considering the fact that the TLX is a luxury sedan with good performance, the maintenance cost is very effective.
2021 Acura TLX Warranty
Acura offers one of the best warranties for powertrain in the market and offers a limited warranty coverage similar to most of the competition. Acura covers the TLX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The only demerit is that it does not offer any complimentary maintenance.
The lack of complimentary maintenance makes the Acura TLX lag behind rivals like Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Mercedes Benz C-class. However, its highest powertrain warranty makes up for it.
Criteria
Period
Limited warranty
4 years or 50,000 miles; whichever comes first
Powertrain warranty
6 years or 70,000 miles; whichever comes first
Roadside assistance
4 years and unlimited miles
2021 Acura TLX: Miles per dollar cost
The miles per dollar for a vehicle is an estimated number, which is a derivative of miles driven during a certain time period and the maintenance costs it took during that time. The average maintenance cost for the new Acura TLX is calculated to be about $4,668 over a span of 5 years. The miles per dollar for the Acura TLX, therefore, comes out to be about 16.06 miles per $1.
The 2021 Acura TLX offers the best value for money with the Technology package. For a bump of $4,000 over the MSRP, this package adds new 19-inch wheels, a 3D Navigation System, Keyless Entry, 7-inch MID display. It also adds on a few advanced Driver-assist systems like Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.
2021 Acura TLX Depreciation Rate
According to the studies, a used 2017 Acura TLX provides the best value for a used vehicle. The net used value is based on factors like price decline percentage, the percentage of the original price paid, the percentage left of reliable years, and the number of years left. With a 2017 TLX, you have to pay only 54.51% of the original price.
Here are the key changes for the Acura TLX over the last five years:
2015: all-new model
2016: no significant changes
2017: no significant changes
2018: refreshed exterior styling; previously optional AcuraWatch safety features became standard/ support added for standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto/ A-Spec trim debuted
2019: no significant changes
2020: no significant changes
2021: fully redesigned (start of the second generation)
2021 Acura TLX Engine and Performance
7.9/10
"Acura's much-improved TLX sports sedan is a set of summer tires away from realizing its full potential." - Caranddriver.com
2021 Acura TLX Engine: Power, 0-60, Quarter-mile, Top Speed, and Handling
The 2021 Acura TLX is powered by a 2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque with a Front-Wheel-Drive configuration as standard. The AWD is available as a $2,000 option which is a trustworthy setup borrowed from the 2021 Acura RDX. Both FWD and AWD models are paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift with paddle shifters on both trims.
2021 Acura TLX gets a new 2.0L turbocharged engine making 272 HP
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 with a 12-volt hybrid system
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Transmission
10-speed shiftable automatic
10-speed shiftable automatic
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
AWD
RWD
Power
272 hp @ 6,200 RPM
252 hp @ 6,500 RPM
201 hp @ 5000 RPM
255 hp @ 5000 RPM
Torque
280 lb-ft @ 2,500 RPM
273 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM
236 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM
295 lb-ft @ 1550 RPM
0-60 MPH
5.9 sec
5.7 sec
5.6 sec
5.7 sec
Quarter Mile
14.5 sec
14.2 sec
14.0 sec
14.1 sec
Top Speed
164 MPH
125 MPH
130 MPH
130 MPH
The 2021 Acura TLX's 12.6-inch brake rotors up front and 12.2-inch brake rotors in the rear help it to come to halt from 60-0 MPH in 118 ft. The brake pedal is precise and fairly responsive. The added weight is a let down from a driver's perspective, but for the laid-back drivers, the 2021 TLX would surely surprise you with its overtakes.
New Control Arms improve the 2021 TLX's Ride and Handling!
As standard, the TLX drives its front wheels, while the Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is available as an option. Unlike other AWD technologies, it can push 70 percent to the rear wheels, and of that, 100 percent can be split to either side. This AWD setup makes the TLX corner better, creating the right balance between ride and handling dynamics. Adaptive Dampers are also available with the $8,800 Advance+Technology Package.
The 2021 Acura TLX gets an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway and 25 MPG combined. Upgrading to the AWD setup will drop the gas mileage of the 2021 TLX to 21/29 MPG for city/highway.
2021 Acura TLX gets a dedicated eco mode
The TLX also gets a big appetite of 17.2 gallons, which is the second largest in the segment, just coming in after the BMW 3 Series. However, since the engine isn't the most fuel-efficient, the real-life range is less than what's offered with the BMW and Mercedes.
"The cabin still has plenty of room up front and a comfortable rear seat with thigh support not found in most cars these days." - Thecarconnection.com
2021 Acura TLX Interior: Seating Comfort, Infotainment, and Features
Inside, the 2021 Acura TLX now features a sporty design language, very similar to the 2021 RDX's interior, including aluminum accents and contrast stitching on the seats. The low and expansive dashboard of the 2021 TLX is wrapped in open-pore wood, and full-grain Milano leather, with the analog instrument gauge cluster on the left and rotary drive modes selector in the middle.
2021 Acura TLX offers great lumbar support and comfort
The improved dimensions of the 2021 TLX sedan offer more space inside. The TLX's wider body design enables true first-class seating comfort for both, with best-in-class hip and shoulder room (+0.5 in. and +0.7 in. over the 2020 model respectively). The legroom at the back is disappointing as compared to the 2021 Honda Accord Touring's interior, which is a shame considering that the 2021 TLX is longer by 2.4 inches.
Model
2021 Acura TLX
2021 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
2021 Audi A4
2021 BMW 3-Series
Front row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
37.2/58.2/36.3
39.5/58.3/42.3
37.3/55.9/41.3 inches
38.7/56.0/42.0 inches
Second row (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
36.3/55.0/34.9
37.3/56.5/40.4
37.4/54.5/35.7 inches
37.6/54.6/35.2 inches
Cargo Capacity
13.5 cu. ft.
16.7 cu. ft.
12 cu. ft.
13 cu. ft.
The 2021 Acura TLX comes with a 10.2’’ display above the dash replacing the previous dual 8’’ and 7’’ touchscreen infotainment display powered by an upgraded infotainment software. The infotainment is now controlled by a trackpad along with physical buttons and steering mounted controls. The 2021 TLX also comes standard with smartphone mirroring tech including Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
2021 Acura TLX gets an all-new Infotainment System
The 2021 TLX gets the latest generation of AcuraLink with in-car Wi-Fi and a range of available cloud-based services like emergency roadside assistance, remote ignition, remote lock and unlock, vehicle tracking, and so on. For audiophiles, Acura offers the premium ELX sound System along with an additional wireless charging pad on side of the center console.
The notable infotainment system features on the 2021 Acura TLX include:
True Touchpad Interface with 10.2-inch High-Mounted HD Display
"Outside, it's longer and wider, with a longer hood and more aggressive proportions. In person, the TLX certainly looks the part." - Edmunds.com
2021 Acura TLX Exterior: Dimensions, Wheelbase, and Features
The 2021 Acura TLX sports a bolder and more upright diamond pentagon grille flanked by new Jewel Eye LED headlights with four LED elements, and bright-white "Chicane" LED daytime running lights. New to the 2021 TLX's Exterior color pallet for 2021 is a distinguished Phantom Violet Pearl color exclusive to the Technology pack only.
Dimension-wise, the 2021 TLX is longer than the 2020 TLX by 3.9 inches, and the wheelbase has increased effectively by 3.7 inches. The new TLX is also wider by 2.2 inches than the previous model and sits 0.2 inches lower than it. The Front Track width has also swelled by 1.2 inches and the rear by 1.5 inches. To sum it up, the bigger span of the 2021 TLX translates to the increase in stability of the vehicle at high speeds.
Model
2021 Acura TLX
2021 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
2021 Audi A4
2021 BMW 3-Series
Curb Weight
3702 lbs
3131 lbs
3627 lbs
3560 lbs
Length
194.6”
192.2
187.5”
185.7”
Width
75.2”
73.3
72.7”
71.9”
Height
56.4”
57.1
56.2”
56.8”
Ground Clearance
5.9"
N/A
NA
5.4”
Wheelbase
113.0”
111.4"
111.0”
112.2”
Acura's highly popular A-Spec sport package continues with the 2021 Acura TLX as well, adding distinctive sport appearance upgrades inside and out. Unique exterior A-Spec features include Shark Grey 19-inch wheels, gloss black accents front to rear, darkened headlight and taillight treatment, and a pronounced rear decklid spoiler.
2021 Acura TLX Exterior Features and Color options:
Full-LED Exterior Lighting
18"/19" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
LED Fog Lights
Power Folding Mirrors with Puddle Light
Front Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Exterior Color Options - Performance Red Pearl/ Modern Steel Metallic/ Apex Blue Pearl/ Majestic Black Pearl/ Lunar Silver Metallic/ Platinum White Pearl
The 2021 Acura TLX has not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS but it is a safe car with ample standard safety tech features. However, the old Acura TLX received a 4-star safety rating by NHTSA. There has been only one recall in the TLX's span - the 2019 model has been recalled once due to issues with the timing belt, where the nearest Honda dealerships replaced the timing belts of vehicles free of charge.
The 2021 TLX's body structure design uses Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) approach. This allows the 2021 Acura TLX to have improved rigidity and safety, thanks to the additional high-strength steel in essential locations, and a new protective front door ring on each side of the car.
2021 Acura TLX Competition
7.5/10
2021 Acura TLX Vs Audi A4
The 2021 Audi A4 comes with a clean interior and offers a comfortable ride. It blends luxury with spicy performance and capability, unlike the Acura that is high only on performance. However, its small trunk and cumbersome touchscreen are the major demerits against the Acura TLX. Furthermore, some people might find the conservative exterior of the Audi A4 to be boring. That said, the 2021 Acura TLX looks quite good.
2021 Audi A4
2021 Acura TLX Vs BMW 3-Series
The 2021 BMW 3-Series ranks among the top of the compact sport sedans with its impressive technology and performance packed behavior. The 3 Series fills up the flaws of the 2021 TLX - it is enjoyable and punchy under the hood. However, the 2021 Acura TLX has a bigger exterior than the Bavarian and the sheer luxury offered by the 2021 Acura TLX remains unmatched. The choice is yours!
2021 BMW 3-Series
2021 Acura TLX Vs Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
Although the 2021 Honda Accord sits a segment below its Acura cousin, its Touring trim is just as expensive as the Standard 2021 TLX. The 2021 Accord is more spacious inside offering loads of room and is also quicker to accelerate to 60 MPH by 0.2 seconds. However, the 2021 TLX's available Adaptive suspension on offer commands a better ride experience. So, it is safe to say, that people on a budget can go for the Accord Touring over the 2021 TLX considering it offers more for the bargain.
2021 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T
2021 Acura TLX Final Verdict
The 2021 Acura TLX satisfies drivers’ desires for utility and practicality without cutting corners for performance. The TLX tries hard to impress and shows what it can do in the crowded sport sedan segment. With a snazzier interior, it competes better against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Moreover, the best-selling sedan of Acura is now more powerful and comes with an enhanced chassis. Although the infotainment is tricky to use and the interior isn’t much bigger, it features a sharper design and a sporty interior. That said, the Acura TLX now plants its flag among the competition with a racy design and higher power which makes it definitely worth the wait.
Acura TLX comes with a standard FWD setup. Nevertheless, you can upgrade it to an AWD setup for an additional $2,000.
How much will the 2021 Acura TLX cost?
The 2021 Acura TLX will start from an MSRP of $37,500.Available in over 4 trim levels, or should we say packages, viz. Base, technology package, A-Spec package, and Advance Package, the price goes upto around $48,300 for the top-range TLX Advance model. For AWD TLX, $2000 adds to the cost.
Is the Acura TLX expensive to maintain?
No, it is not expensive, as the average annual cost for repair and maintenance of the TLX amounts up to $440, which is way less than what other cars in the segment cost.
What are the rivals of the 2021 Acura TLX?
Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mercedes Benz C 300, and Infiniti Q50 are among the premium cars which can be considered as the TLX's competition.
How fast does the 2021 Acura TLX go from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2021 TLX with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Pros - Luxury interior, different drive modes, Apple carplay
Cons - Price, ground clearance, better front splitter
Overall Review
9 /10 Overall Rating
There are goods and bads about this car. I love the drive modes that lets you decide the kind of drive you're up for and then there is the ground clearance that never really makes me happy. It sits lower to the ground and easily brushes off with the road when going over potholes or droops
9/10
Features
8/10
Interior
10/10
Design
10/10
Safety
8/10
Reliability
7/10
Deal Value
6/10
Dealer Review
DC
David K. Chronister
2020 Acura TLX
A-Spec 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)
7
User Overall Rating
Posted On: October 7, 2020
Easy but not thrifty to drive
Pros - Easy going transmission, seats are comfortable, and nimble in handling.
Cons - Consumes more gasoline.
Overall Review
7 /10 Overall Rating
Transmission works like a dream, easy and smooth. Mileage is on the bad side. Handling is the best part especially felt in city where it just drifts through the traffic or in those back lanes
There are goods and bads about this car. I love the drive modes that lets you decide the kind of drive you're up for and then there is the ground clearance that never really makes me happy. It sits lower to the ground and easily brushes off with the road when going over potholes or droops
by Eddy B. Kinney
7
User Overall Rating
Easy but not thrifty to drive
Transmission works like a dream, easy and smooth. Mileage is on the bad side. Handling is the best part especially felt in city where it just drifts through the traffic or in those back lanes
