2019 Acura TLX Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Interior is quiet and trimmed with high-quality materials
- Comes standard with several desirable driver safety aids
- Back seat comfortably seats adults
Cons
- Competent but bland driving character
- no real zest or gusto
- Four-cylinder engine is underpowered
What's new
- A-Spec Appearance package extended to four-cylinder model
- New 19-inch wheel design for certain trims
- Part of the first TLX generation introduced for 2015
The 2019 Acura TLX remains true to its mission of providing substance over flash. While its European and American competitors battle for brand cachet, the TLX quietly continues offering an expert blend of performance, comfort and reliability. It won't set your pulse alight, but it's no snoozer either, especially when equipped with its optional V6 engine.
Acura introduced the TLX in 2015 to replace its TSX and TL sedans, aiming to combine the appeal of both cars in a single model. Largely, it's worked. Today's TLX offers the available power and performance of the older TL and bundles it up inside tidier, more TSX-like dimensions.
Last year's model featured a freshened look and a new A-Spec trim level with a sport-tuned suspension. For 2019, the TLX remains the same under the skin but offers a few new treatments, including the A-Spec package for four-cylinder models and a new wheel design for certain V6 trims.
Key to the Acura TLX's charm is its authenticity. Although it offers a good measure of performance, especially in the way it takes curves and turns, the TLX isn't trying to match its global competitors in adrenaline output. Instead, it ties together satisfying speed and power, with impressive levels of comfort and convenience. It's still a smart choice if you seek a lot of value from a luxury sedan.
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 2019 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.
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 Acura TLX 3.5L SH-AWD A-Spec (3.5L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.5 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.5 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 7.0 |
| Technology | 7.0 |
Driving
7.5Sport-minded drivers may not like the sluggish downshifts and inability to fully disable stability control. City drivers may not like the heavier steering and stiffer suspension. But both will appreciate the A-Spec's point-and-thrust driving characteristics and running the V6 through the gears.
Comfort
8.0The TLX's A-Spec's cabin is surprisingly quiet and comfortable over long distances. The only real downsides are lackluster seat ventilation and air conditioning.
Interior
8.0Its interior design is busy but functional and roomy. The simulated-suede seat material is grippy but also heat-retaining. The use of dual screens, a large control knob and a button shifter is Acura's way of letting you know the TLX is full of tech.
Utility
7.0The TLX's efficiently laid-out interior and trunk prove you don't need an SUV to have a functional day-to-day vehicle. The 60/40-split folding rear seats allow for even more cargo capacity. Storage spots inside the car aren't cavernous, but they are sufficient and easy to access.
Technology
7.0Acura's solution to info overload is to display data on two screens. It's logical, but it causes distraction when interacting with it. The screen that looks as if it's controlled with a knob is actually a touchscreen, while the screen that should be a touchscreen is controlled with a knob.
Which TLX does Edmunds recommend?
Don't be tempted by the A-Spec trims; we think this entry-level premium sedan is most compelling in its lower-priced trim levels, such as the TLX 2.4L with Technology package. It enhances the TLX's value and actually feels lighter and more maneuverable than the more powerful V6 version. The four-cylinder TLX also has a more cooperative transmission than the V6 model. Adding the Technology package gets you worthwhile amenities and convenience features.
2019 Acura TLX models
Choosing a 2019 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 available in three trims: the TLX 2.4L, the TLX 2.4L with Technology package and, new for 2019, the TLX 2.4L A-Spec. The base V6 model is the TLX 3.5L. You can also get the TLX 3.5L with Technology package, the TLX 3.5L A-Spec and the TLX 3.5L with Advance package. All-wheel drive is available for the V6-equipped TLX.