2018 Acura TLX

2018 Acura TLX Review

“Value remains key to the 2018 Acura TLX's appeal.”
7.5 / 10
Edmunds overall rating
author
by Jason Kavanagh
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

Acura introduced the TLX in 2015 to replace its TSX and TL sedans, aiming to combine the appeal of both of those cars with a single model. Since then, we've found the TLX exhibits an agreeable demeanor. It's not particularly exciting, but it doesn't have any huge drawbacks either.

This year's 2018 TLX is a little more dynamic. Though it's the same sedan under the skin (it continues to be based on the Honda Accord), Acura has freshened the TLX's styling to bring the sedan up to date with the company's current design themes. Changes elsewhere are relatively modest. Beyond the additional feature content, the TLX's updated two-screen infotainment system has quicker responses and more logical operation, and the retuned transmissions are said to improve shift refinement. There's also a new A-Spec trim level that gets a sport-tuned suspension and its own special styling elements.

Overall, though, the TLX is much like it has been. It's a smart choice if you want a lot of value from your luxury sedan but probably not the best if performance is a priority.

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What's new for 2018

The most obvious change to the 2018 Acura TLX is the sedan's face-lifted front end. More advanced driver safety aids are now standard across the board, the infotainment interface has been revised for quicker responses, and both transmissions have been retuned. There's also a new sporty A-Spec trim level this year.

We recommend

Though you might be tempted by the A-Spec for 2018, this entry-level premium sedan is most compelling in its lower-priced trim levels. As such, we like the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It enhances the TLX's value and feels lighter and more maneuverable than the more powerful V6 version when driving around turns. The four-cylinder TLX also has a more cooperative transmission than the V6 model. Stepping up to the Technology package gets you worthwhile amenities and convenience features.
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Trim levels & features

Picking a 2018 Acura TLX is straightforward. Acura offers the TLX with one of two engines, a four-cylinder or a V6, and a couple of option packages. Four-cylinder models are front-wheel drive only and are available as either TLX 2.4L or TLX 2.4L with Technology package. The base V6 model is the TLX 3.5L. You can also get the TLX 3.5L with Technology package, TLX 3.5L A-Spec and TLX 3.5L with Advance package. All-wheel drive is available for all TLXs with the V6.

The base TLX 2.4L comes with a 2.4-liter engine (206 hp, 182 lb-ft) and an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats.

For 2018, all TLXs are equipped as standard with a suite of driver assistance features collectively labeled AcuraWatch. This includes lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam control.

You'll probably like getting the extra convenience features of the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It adds keyless entry for the rear doors, leather upholstery, automatic wipers, a climate control system that compensates for sun direction, navigation, a 10-speaker premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

TLX 3.5L models are, appropriately enough, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp, 267 lb-ft) that's connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Beyond what comes with the base four-cylinder variant, the 3.5L gets 18-inch wheels and more power adjustments for the front passenger seat.
 
The TLX 3.5L with Technology package offers the same features as the Technology package on the four-cylinder version plus revised leather upholstery and a power-extending thigh support for the driver seat.

For people who want all the creature comforts, the TLX 3.5L with Advance package awaits. It has all of the Technology package items plus parking sensors, remote engine start, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a surround-view camera system and a heated windshield.

New for 2018 is the TLX 3.5L A-Spec, which has the features of the Technology package and some of the features of the Advance package, plus a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, quicker steering, sport front seats and some cosmetic tweaks.

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Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Acura TLX 2.4L with Technology (2.4L inline-4 | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current TLX has received some revisions, including a cosmetic face-lift inside and out, retuned transmissions, standard driver assistance features and a revised infotainment interface. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's TLX.

Edmunds Scorecard

Overall7.5 / 10

Driving

7.5 / 10

Acceleration7.0 / 10
Braking7.0 / 10
Steering8.5 / 10
Handling8.0 / 10
Drivability6.5 / 10

Comfort

8.0 / 10

Seat comfort8.0 / 10
Ride comfort8.5 / 10
Noise & vibration8.5 / 10
Climate control6.0 / 10

Interior

8.0 / 10

Ease of use7.0 / 10
Getting in/getting out8.5 / 10
Driving position8.5 / 10
Roominess8.0 / 10
Visibility7.0 / 10
Quality6.0 / 10

Utility

7.0 / 10

Small-item storage8.0 / 10
Cargo space8.0 / 10

Technology

7.0 / 10

Audio & navigation7.0 / 10
Smartphone integration8.5 / 10
Driver aids7.5 / 10
Voice control6.0 / 10

Driving7.5

Overall performance is modest from the small-engine TLX. Handling is enhanced by four-wheel steering, but the front-drive TLX lacks the composure and speed of its V6-powered, AWD big brother.

Acceleration7.0

With only 206 hp on tap, the four-cylinder TLX lacks the power to spin its tires off the line. Sixty mph arrives in 7.4 seconds, which is on the slow side for the segment. None of the drive modes will hold gears at redline.

Braking7.0

Around town, these brakes are perfectly average. Easy to modulate and never grabby.

Steering8.5

The steering response is good in most situations. Weight is appropriately tuned, but feel is lacking. Rear-wheel steering enhances performance in most normal situations, though it can be awkward in long, steady corners.

Handling8.0

The TLX's chassis tuning and four-wheel steering generally enhance handling. However, the TLX's low-grip all-season tires hurt overall performance.

Drivability6.5

It's easy to drive and easy to live with both around town and on the freeway. Multiple drive modes allow tuning to suit your needs between Economy and Sport+. No obvious drivability problems.

Comfort8.0

The TLX has an appealing balance of ride and handling despite the lack of adjustable suspension dampers, which are available on many rivals. It's a comfortable sedan for both commuting and long road trips.

Seat comfort8.0

The well-padded driver seat gives enough support for moderate driving but also provides ample comfort for multi-hour trips. The rear seat provides generous legroom, but taller passengers will lack headroom.

Ride comfort8.5

The TLX manages to absorb road irregularities without being too floaty or bouncy on the highway. We could be comfortable here for hours.

Noise & vibration8.5

Active noise cancellation, an acoustic glass windshield and triple door seals are effective in keeping road and wind noise outside the TLX's plush cabin. The four-cylinder sounds good racing to redline, and it's never coarse.

Interior8.0

Though the TLX's interior isn't groundbreaking, it is well built from quality materials. Infotainment controls aren't as practical or easy as some competitors, but they offer similar functionality. Space and visibility are TLX strengths.

Ease of use7.0

The dual-screen layout allows ample information display (e.g., maps and audio simultaneously), but single-knob control lacks functionality and intuitiveness of many rivals.

Getting in/getting out8.5

Nothing outstanding in this area. Easy entry and exit front and rear with large enough door apertures. The seat height is reasonable up front and doesn't stand out as either too high or too low. Average for the class in this regard.

Roominess8.0

Ample leg- and headroom in the front seats. Rear-seat legroom is impressive. Rear headroom, however, might be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet. Overall, the TLX will be plenty comfortable for four average-size adults.

Visibility7.0

The TLX's front roof pillars aren't massive or at such an acute angle that they cause forward visibility problems. The rear pillars are bigger and can hide a vehicle if it's in the wrong place, but the optional blind-spot warning system helps.

Quality6.0

Though it lacks the high-end luxury feel of some competitors, the TLX still offers a package that's well assembled and appealing inside and out. All knobs and buttons feel high-quality.

Utility7.0

Small-item storage, as in most Acura products, is excellent.There are many cubbies of various sizes in the dash, console and door panels. Trunk size exceeds that of most competitors. It also has a 60/40-split folding rear seat that folds nearly flat.

Edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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