Used 2021 Acura TLX Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Expectations are Key!
E. Lin, 11/03/2020
updated 11/03/2022
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
121 of 127 people found this review helpful
Recently picked up a redesigned AWD TLX w/turbo 4 cyl. in A-Spec trim. Really wanted the Type S but decided that the eventual ramp up in cost and lower fuel economy probably would have been deal breakers. I am very glad the TLX is no longer based on the Accord platform as it looks great and can stand out more from its Honda brethren. Here are my initial impressions. Pros: - Engine has some zip and should be more than adequate for most people (enthusiasts can continue waiting for the Type S) - Looks like a sleek sports car (especially if you choose the red/black interior seating)! - Seats are super comfortable, even more so than the ones on the MDX I was driving. Good support and I can imagine long drives being pleasant. - Suspension has been upgraded to double-wishbone. I don't feel I miss the active-dampening of the Advance trim. - Trunk release button is handy for when your hands are full (just stand there with fob in proximity and push the button!) - Awesome ELS sound system - Wireless phone charging Cons: - There is no spare tire (for additional fuel economy). You'll deal with a compressor and sealant in the trunk. You can always ask roadside assistance to do it for you. - The touchpad takes some getting used to. Unfortunately the method to operate the tactile pad for Acura apps is not the same as for when you use Carplay. I can't comment on the Android version but it may be the same issue. I've gotten used to this but I can see this being a deal breaker for some folks. - Car is marketed to compete with the BMW 3 series, C-Class, etc. and is competitive in price, interior space, trunk space, but not in fuel economy. I believe the exterior being more like the 5-series or E-Class size and the weight has quite a bit to do with it. This oddball combination forces the TLX to be more of a direct competitor with the Kia Stinger GT-Line for these reasons (fuel economy is identical). Speaking of weight, the TLX is only about 250 lb less than the MDX I gave up. Luckily the engine is more than sufficient to power the car on the highway. I always hated how underpowered a 2012 C-Class I owned was similar in weight to this TLX but struggled to accelerate with its underpowered V6. In conclusion, I'll stop short of saying this car is for "Acura fans only" but it is definitely not for everyone. The looks may keep sales high but only time will tell how long-term owners feel. Either way, it is most definitely worth it to get a test drive if you are on the fence after this review! 2 Year update: I've turned in the car a year early as I got tired of the following issues: 1) Infotainment works about 90% of the time. It's also quite slow when compared to true luxury makes. 2) Braking on this car is very inconsistent. I always feel like I have to give quite a bit of room to the car in front of me. This car never let me forget how heavy it is. 3) I was hoping I could get closer to 30 mpg but it was really more b/w 23-24 mpg from mixed driving. 4) It's an adventure when driving through narrow streets. I always hated visiting NYC with this car, especially when looking for parking! You may get this car for the looks but make sure it checks a lot of other boxes before you do!
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Feeling conflicted
Zoomnbyu, 09/30/2021
updated 04/01/2022
2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
I am on my 4th three year Acura lease in a row now. It all started with a 2013 TSX Special Edition, followed by a 2016 TLX 2.4 Tech and then a 2019 TLX 2.4 A-Spec. I recently took delivery of a 2021 TLX A-Spec and while I am enjoying it, I find myself somewhat conflicted. Each of my cars was generally an improvement over the one previous to it. They offered enough changes to keep me interested enough to remain a loyal Acura customer. Enter the all-new 2021 TLX. It by all measures is one of the biggest leaps that Acura has made in a number of years. This leap, though, may leave some longtime customers slightly frustrated. Where evolution and constant improvement is key to continued loyalty, the new TLX has an Achilles heel. Where the past few cars have always been better than the last, this new car, while still better in most ways, also falls short in a few areas, but let's start with what is good. Performance is definitely at the head of that list. Acura has finally given the TLX the base engine that it deserves. It’s basically a detuned version of that which powers the mighty Civic Type R and it is a strong performer. While lacking the rev happiness and true aural pleasure that was a mainstay of the previous two engines offered, it makes up for it by offering a strong punch and it moves this car with absolute authority. Gas mileage, thankfully, has thus far been better than the EPA estimate getting 24-25 in and around town and 32 on the highway. Unfortunately, while the engine is eager, Honda's new 10 speed transmission is simply not quite the dance partner that my previous cars 8 speed DCT was to the 2.4L. That DCT was simply seamless and with the exception of the occasional lag when down-shifting was always what made those cars a blast to drive in spite of the 2.4's somewhat limited power. The new tranny just feels like there may be a bit of work left to do on the software to get rid of some clumsiness and sharpen up its smoothness of operation. And this is where everything that follows really starts to be a list of tradeoffs from the old car to the new. The Chassis is all new and is said to be presently exclusive to Acura. Gone is the front strut suspension in favor a double wishbone setup that harkens Acuras of yore. The steering feel and overall composure are finally deserving of this car. One slight downside, at least in the A-Spec trim, is ride. While generally well composed over smooth to moderate surfaces, it quickly loses that composure when the going gets rough. It simply runs out of compliance and behaves poorly over bigger bumps. Despite that shortcoming and likely because of this setup, the handing is quite impressive. Especially considering that Acura has now ditched its impressive PAWS all-wheel steering system. Another tradeoff, this one sacrificing turning radius which is fairly poor for a mid-sized sedan. Lastly, where the overall driving experience is much quieter, tire noise is much more intrusive. This is a strange tradeoff and may also the source of the handling's weakest point, its average at best Bridgestone touring tires. From the outside, the car is sharp. Everything is nicely improved and more aggressive yet balanced in its execution. The interior is a drastic change and mostly a better place to live, but some weaknesses quickly become apparent, primarily in the driver's seat. Its position and available adjustments are lacking. Adjusted to my frame as in my last three Acuras, I find myself sitting abnormally low in this car. While I can raise the seat base, I then lose support under my thighs. It's just awkward feeling. The next issue is Acura's new infotainment system. Both the interface and the sound system itself, while quite different is simply not really an actual improvement over their previous tech. There is simply very little that is intuitive in using their new touchpad. And on the new ELS 3D sound system, while the overall sound is impressive, it simply does not produce the flawless and incredibly deep bass response that the previous ELS system delivered. The deletion of the rear deck mounted subwoofer is largely to blame here. The front doors, now the new home for the subs, vibrate annoyingly under-arm when music with heavy bass is played. Lastly is a features issue. Missing is the auto-wipers that were standard on my last A-Spec. A simple deletion on Acura’s part, but an odd omission for a previous owner buying the same trim of a new model. The long and short is that this new TLX is a really nice, impressive handling and quick car to drive. If not for my previous Acura experience I may not even nit-pick some of the things that I do. One last thing, updating this 4/1/2022: while the car has been growing on me overall, make sure to get it with SH-AWD! The power in this car is useless in FWD form. You can't put the power down even in the dry and it's pretty nearly horrible in the wet so if you are a spirited driver make sure to step up to the AWD version.
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The Best TL/TLX Ever But With Inexcusable Flaws
Bluesboymark, 03/17/2021
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
36 of 42 people found this review helpful
This is my third Acura and it is by far the best. But a few annoying features prevent it from being what should be a "great car" for the money. For starters, I'm not a big fan of the "touch pad" for controlling vehicle navigation and functions. It lags and takes getting used to. Not user friendly vs. touch screen. Also, Acura should fire the graphic designer or engineer who decided on the fixed daytime map color scheme and use of small white text outlined in black on a light background. A real graphic design no-no. Furthermore, street route numbers are unreadable no matter how you adjust contrast and brightness. My 2010 Acura TL had five map color schemes that you could adjust to get the best viewing experience. The screen and text on my 2010 appeared larger and far more readable. But no worries - the 2021 Acura engineers give you many different colors to change your interior car accent lighting - but not the more important navigation map! Bad bad bad. I'm tempted to use the map's night color screen even during the day because it is more readable. Also, info text on the navigation screen is in smaller fonts than my 2010 TL. Text should be easily readable when driving.. Also, if you live in a region that gets snow, wet snow that collects on the Acura's front emblem where the camera is causes some safety features to be disabled. Living in the Chicago area, this happened several times. These flaws get in the way of a fabulous automobile. It looks great, rides and handles beautifully, is very comfortable, has plenty of pep for a heavy car with its four cylinder turbo and has an excellent sound system for the money. However, I expected the mileage to be better with the four cylinder and if I'd known, I'd have waited for the six cylinder turbo. Also, be prepared for smaller back seat space on this model. This is a great looking vehicle with a lot of bang for the buck versus the more expensive BMW and Lexus. I felt that shelling out another $5,000 was not in my budget. Acura...hope you have some updates to the navigation color choice schemes. It's sorely needed!
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Newly redesigned 2021 Acura TLX
sjh, 03/14/2021
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
A truly fun car to drive! I love the smooth glide of "Comfort" mode, switch to "Sport" mode and you get an aggressive fun drive.The AWD is awesome, all the latest technology with a HUD display that keeps your eyes on the road! One of my favorite cars....Acura hit this redesign out of the park!
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A lot of good, a few areas could be better!
ItsyD, 12/25/2021
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
2021 TLX A-Spec is our 4th Acura, we previously have owned 2014 MDX Tech, 2013 TL Elite and 2005 TL. I've had 2021 TLX for 3 months with 2500km on it. My Likes : 1. Exterior Styling is great, love every angle 2. Handling is excellent, feels like it's on rails...better than 2013 TL which also had double wishbone. 3. ELS Audio System...it is awesome although not significantly better than 2013 TL or 2014 MDX. 4. Interior Styling. Modern & upscale materials & love the accent lighting. 5. Dynamic mode lets this car behave differently depending on my mood....aggressive vs. laid back. 6. Solid Braking. Areas to Improve : 1. To many gears. Shifts way too often as a result. I generally are driving in S transmission mode to get decent RPM before shifts, & only go into D transmission on highway for fuel economy. D Mode literally does 6 shifts in 10 seconds under normal throttle...the shifts are smooth but this is annoying and takes away from the driving experience. 2. Slightly underpowered for an Acura TLX that competes with other high end brands. Should definitely be 300+ HP and 300+lb_ft torque for car this heavy. Honda Accord 2.0 turbo is faster 0-100km. 3. Touchpad control system. Not a deal breaker, but not great. The multifunction dial on my 2013 TL, 2014 MDX was way better.
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The new TLX Delivers
Blizz, 08/09/2021
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and Technology Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Shopped around extensively for my next car that will be utilized as a daily driver. I spend time in my car and I wanted an upgrade that gave me tech, comfort, and a bit of sport if I need it. Check all those boxes. I looked at the IS, the 3 series, A4, Q50 C class. For the money Acura delivers everything I wanted in very nicely appointed interior. I have had Acura's in the past and always was a fan. My last being a 2011 TL. Loved that car. On first glance in reviews and images online I was like meh with the new styling. Seeing it in person and sitting behind the wheel will give you a very different perspective. They did a fantastic job. Of course this is subjective. But it is unique in the space. Performance wise it does get up and move. However I preferred the previous V6 and its refinement. All these turbo 4's are the trend now. And Acura's iteration is certainly well done. Not a deal breaker for me. The infotainment system seems to be polarizing in many of the reviews I have read on this car. There is a learning curve but it takes all of about 10 minutes to get it and it works fine. Many have said they prefer a touch screen. I like this set up's positioning, which does not facilitate touch. It flows with the overall motif on the interior which I find unique and satisfying. All in all I am very happy I chose the new TLX. It has more room for a bigger guy like myself and gives you a lot of tech for the money. The SH-AWD system is fantastic. Reakkt the only thing I would like different is a V6. But again the turb 4 is not inadequate and moves this heavy sedan for its class along rather nicely. Rear seat accommodations are not the best which is odd considering the overall size of this car. So if that is important a crossover might be a better option. This car is not built for that requirement. It does what it does very well. It is unique (for now) and not ubiquitous like the 3 series, A4 etc...It gets looks. Very satisfied so far
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Engine Failure
Umar Ibrahim, 09/19/2021
2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
21 of 28 people found this review helpful
Brand new 2021 Acura TLX engine failed 3 hours after delivery. All error codes on at the display. Car had to be towed back to the dealer. Cause of failure not known. It has been over a month and car has been with the dealership.
Tech errors
Cole104 , 01/13/2021
2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and Advance Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
17 of 23 people found this review helpful
The biggest flaw I found after driving a 2021 TLX advance package was the Acura logo on the grill and all it controls. When this gets dirty or snowy none of your convenience/safety features function at all. Over all this car is absolutely astounding and a blast to drive and the sport mode is a blast, cant wait to see how the Type -S hanldles in comparison
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The base has all you need and then some!
Ryan Sloan, 07/26/2021
updated 08/29/2022
2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
If you are looking to drag race, then why are you shopping for a sedan. This car has so many standard features that the only reason to upgrade is for the fabulous blue. This car has a ton of pep and nice touches. I prefer the TLX over the grandpas Lexus and the dated Infiniti. Anything other than a lease and you can keep your German high maintenance fixes. Update: after a year I still enjoy the car but at 5000 miles it needed a new steering gear box. Warranty covered the $3200 repair. I can’t keep cars out of warranty for this exact reason. It used to be an engine or transmission were the expensive repairs, now everything is over $1000.
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There is potential
John C, 05/07/2021
2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
Acura has always been close to my heart. Having owned 5+ Hondas/Acuras, I finally decided to see what Acura has been doing the last few months. I was looking at this model and the Lexus IS350 F sport. Before I get into my opinions about the TLX, I will add the deciding factors over the IS350. Lexus did a wonderful job on the new IS (exterior wise). The interior was quite lackluster. It’s literally the prior model year interior but with a bigger screen. I was disappointed that Lexus got lazy with the IS. I would’ve loved to see the interior fully redesigned like the exterior. Also the red seats on the Lexus weren’t as nice as the TLX. Price was also a deciding factor. The TLX was roughly $45k sticker while every IS I would find with the upgraded stereo system was upwards of $48k. I felt it was more bang for your buck. While yes Lexus had better reliability, I wanted something new both inside and out. Plus everyone has the new IS and not that many people have the TLX yet. Now onto the review. I had previously looked at the 2020 TLX last year and the interior was very outdated. It was a bit of a turn off considering how much I like Honda products. After the redesign I decided to check out the car and I will say although the 2.0 4 banger is fun, it just doesn’t beat a V6 feel. Me personally I think Acura took a step back by replacing the V6 engine...not saying the new 2.0 is horrible...it’s just not as responsive as I wished and it feels like a 4 cylinder. Aside from that, I loved all the angles of the exterior of the car. The redesign shows that Honda has a lot of potential for their luxury brand. I’ll start with the interior...they did a better job at making the cabin feel a lot less like a Honda and more like an Acura. I got the red leather seats in mine and the interior with red leather seats is absolutely beautiful! The interior ambient lighting gives you a lot of cool color options to chose from though I wish they would’ve continued the light strips to the back doors of the car. The screen is a good size but users beware...the pad used to maneuver the screen takes some getting used too. It’s definitely not perfect and for those who aren’t tech savvy, it will be annoying trying to learn the system. I kind of wish Honda went with a full digital screen for the tachometer...it’s a bit outdated still but wasn’t that big of a let down for me to hold me back from purchasing the car. The ELS 3D Audio system has a very nice kick to it, and the tech in the car is great for the price. Overall I feel like it’s a good value for your money. My only big complaint I have is they don’t offer remote start on the A-Spec package only on the app and it’s free for 3 months after that it’s a yearly fee. You would think at that price, the car would have something as cheap as remote start. Aside from that the cars comfortable, it’s very attractive (though the wheel design is a bit boring), and it shows Honda’s capable of making good products...I just wish they’d realize that sooner...I’m sure the car would’ve been a lot better had they not taken the Infiniti route and made okay cars the last few years. I’m glad to see Honda trying to revamp the Acura brand.
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