Used 2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A) Consumer Reviews
Used TLX for sale
Feeling conflicted
Zoomnbyu, New York, NY, 09/30/2021
updated 04/01/2022
Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
25 of 27 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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There is potential
John C, Tracy, CA, 05/07/2021
Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
10 of 15 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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2021 Acura TLX for sale near you
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- SH-AWD Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec PackageMSRP: $31,229107 mi away
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More TL than X
JRM, 07/31/2021
Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I am a long time Acura fan and just traded a 2020 RDX for a TLX A-Spec a month ago. I love the styling inside and out as well as the long list of standard features that you pay dearly for on other so called luxury brands. The car drives very well on various road surfaces and provides a comfortable ride while still being capable of impressive handling. Fit and finish is top notch along with high quality materials inside and the seats are truly excellent. And then there's the incredible ELS stereo system. I have only two complaints, the first being the lack of rear seat legroom and the second being the motor. It's the same 4 cylinder turbo I had in my RDX and while it provides adequate power for daily driving, it lacks in character and real performance. With the A-Spec package the car look fast standing still but it doesn't come close to providing the thrill I get when I drive my Genesis G70 3.3 Sport. I realize the Type S would be more comparable to my G70 and would cost about the same, but another 30 horsepower would add greatly to the driving pleasure. Regardless the new TLX is a big step forward and I am very happy with the car.
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A'spec rocks
Dave R, Saint Bonifacius, MN, 12/21/2020
updated 12/23/2024
Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)
2 of 19 people found this review helpful
Best in class
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