2018 Acura TLX Review

Name: 2018 Acura TLX Review
Brand: Acura

Price Range: $10,900 - $25,998

Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec Sedan Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJason Kavanagh^{Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.}

Pros

Cabin stays quiet at highway speeds
Full suite of driver assistance aids is standard
Back seat comfortably seats adult-size passengers

Cons

Competent but bland driving experience
Four-cylinder engine lacks oomph

What’s new

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.

Vehicle overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$171/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

What it's like to live with?

Edmunds' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD for a full year, logging 20,000 miles. We found the TLX to be a well-appointed luxury sedan with a refined ride and ample motivation from the optional V6 engine. We weren't a fan of its nine-speed transmission, however, especially in the earlier generation models. Check out our long-term TLX test to learn more.

Note that the 2018 Acura TLX differs from our long-term TLX in that it has received a cosmetic face-lift inside and out and has a revised infotainment interface. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.5 / 10

With a face-lift and more standard equipment, the 2018 Acura TLX reinforces its value appeal in the entry-level luxury sedan segment. It trades flash for substance and flies under the radar of a lot of shoppers. It's a smart pick but won't quicken your pulse.

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.

Scorecard

Overall	7.5 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	7.0

Driving

7.5

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.

Acceleration

7.0

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.

Braking

7.0

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

Steering

8.5

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.

Handling

8.0

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

Drivability

6.5

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.

Comfort

8.0

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 comfort

8.0

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 comfort

8.5

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

Noise & vibration

8.5

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.

Interior

8.0

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 use

7.0

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 out

8.5

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.

Roominess

8.0

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.

Visibility

7.0

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.

Quality

6.0

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.

Utility

7.0

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.

2018 Acura TLX models

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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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura TLX from 2008-2022.}

$353/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.4x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

5.7%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Acura TLX.

5 (68%)

4 (6%)

3 (13%)

2 (6%)

1 (7%)

4.2

47 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

This car is seriously underrated

Jimbo, 11/09/2017

2018 Acura TLX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

Just leased the 2018 TLX 2.4 with tech package. No money down sign and drive $420.00 per mos. The base engine provides great acceleration in the lower gears and not so great in the higher gears but still plenty of oomph for me. Seats are better than my previous car which was a Volvo. Handling is good but the best part about how this car rides is the tight chassis. Cabin is very quiet …

Back with Acura again

joey, 08/27/2017

2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

my 04 TL has 208,000 original miles still kicking. traded in 13 accord sport with 88,000 that was a great car for the money. I wanted to go back to acura even though the accord was a newer car the fit and finish of the acura was way better. the honda felt lighter and not really solid. I loved all the standard features of the A-Spec, V6 power its not a 4 cylinder turbo which is the new …

TLX Outstanding Value

MJLx2, 11/27/2017

2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

We’ve all heard / seen commercials urging comparison to competitive products “costing thousands of dollars more” .... well the TLX AWD V-6 w the Advance package truly offers a fully loaded car for thousands less than other mid-size premium cars. (In some cases for many, many thousands less.). Coupled w advanced safety and tech features, the car provides a smooth, comfortable and very …

I love this TLX!

Ralph Lawrence, 05/27/2018

2018 Acura TLX Technology Package 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)

It's been said before: The TLX has been greatly under-rated by a lot of the reviewers. I suspect a certain bias by them in the direction of "snob appeal" as though that was a ultimate criteria for car ownership, as opposed to high quality, dependability, and general satisfaction. I would put the Acura TLX alongside any of the cars in its type and class. This is my second Acura, after …

See all 47 reviews of the Acura TLX

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2018 TLX Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the TLX models:

Lane Keeping Assist System: Helps keep the car centered in the lane by providing alerts and steering assistance when the car approaches the edge of the lane.
Collision Mitigation Braking System: Applies brakes automatically to help reduce the severity of a crash if drivers don't take corrective action on their own.
Forward Collision Warning: Provides audible and visual alerts when it detects what it perceives as an impending collision.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 Acura TLX Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

What it's like to live with?

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Which TLX does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Acura TLX models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

This car is seriously underrated

Back with Acura again

TLX Outstanding Value

I love this TLX!

2018 TLX Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}