2019 Acura TLX Review
The Acura TLX is the Japanese brand's most important competitor in the midsize sedan segment. Not only does the TLX have the job of distancing itself from the Honda Accord in terms of premium showroom appeal, but also has to fend off more advanced (and admittedly pricier) competition from the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That's a big ask, but the TLX gives itself a fighting chance with far more appealing styling than when first introduced, the option of a powerful V6, a spacious cabin, and an appealing blend of great value and many standard features.
Two engines are available, a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with 206 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp. The four-cylinder is front-wheel-driven and uses an eight-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), while the V6 uses a nine-speed automatic and is optionally available with Acura's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). MSRP ranges from $33,000 for the base four-cylinder to $45,950 for the V6 equipped with the Advance Package.
What's the Price of the 2019 Acura TLX?
The TLX range begins with the standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, front-wheel drive model at an MSRP of $33,000, excluding a destination charge of $995. The price is exclusive of tax, licensing registration, and incentives. The Technology Package costs $36,700 and the A-Spec is $39,400. The Advance Package is not available on four-cylinder models.
The standard 3.5-liter, V6-engined derivative starts at $36,200 and also sends power to the front wheels. Equipped with the Technology Package, it costs $40,100, rising to $42,800 for the A-Spec and $43,950 for the Advance. Acura's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) is available on all V6 variants for an additional $2,000. The fully loaded V6 with the Advance Package and SH-AWD therefore costs $45,950.
Best Deals on 2019 Acura TLX
2019 TLX Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
191.7 in | 109.3 in | 57.0 in | 73.0 in | 62.8 in | 63.1 in | 3,505.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 TLX Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
All models in the TLX range ride and handle competently, offering a composed and absorbent ride and confident handling, without delivering a knockout performance in either respect. With its Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system and lighter curb weight, the four-cylinder models feel agile and the steering responds keenly to driver inputs, with only a numb feeling in the center position detracting from the experience. P-AWS also provides a tighter turning circle, useful in city driving.
The V6 model is available with front-wheel drive and P-AWS as standard but can be specified with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) drivetrain, the system being able to apportion power to individual wheels when required. In addition, by specifying the A-Spec Package on the V6, you'll also get a specially tuned steering system and firmer suspension (A-Spec on the four-cylinder model doesn't include these steering and suspension changes). Together, SH-AWD and A-Spec help the V6 model deliver a meatier steering feel, sharper handling, and resistance to understeer in corners, all while maintaining a composed ride that isn't wallowy.
Braking performance is good and pedal feel is fair, with the only black mark being a snappy release that affects smooth modulation. Able to stop from 60 mph in 113 feet, the TLX's braking performance is competitive in the segment.
2019 TLX Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 TLX Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 TLX Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Acura TLX A Good car?
Acura's TLX has been significantly improved since its 2014 launch and is now a well-rounded and attractive midsize luxury sedan with few serious vices. Value is a strong point, with the TLX generally offering more standard features than competitors at similar price points and an above-average array of driver aids with the Technology Package. The powertrains are competent, being both refined and reasonably frugal, although they could each do with an injection of extra power to really compete with more potent, turbocharged competition. Inside, the TLX is comfortable and space utilization is generally good, although we can't say it pushes the envelope for either luxuriousness or technology. While not a staid interior, the rather clumsy operation of the infotainment system does hold it back. Acura's three Package-style trim options and two engine choices make choosing a TLX fairly straightforward and eliminate the need to delve into a dizzying selection of standalone options. It's this simplicity that's at the heart of the TLX: while it may not get your blood pumping with raucous engines or outlandish design, it consistently delivers a satisfying, premium driving experience - and at a price many owners will find appealing.
What Acura TLX Model Should I Buy?
At $36,700, it's hard to discount the value proposition of the 2.4-liter model equipped with the Technology Package. This model also offers the more involving gearbox with its faster DCT. You'll be getting a very well specified sedan, and as long as you don't need the extra power of the V6, this is the version that should cater for the needs of most shoppers in this segment. Specifying a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 to the same level will quickly see the price approaching the $50k mark. A-Spec models are also appealing if you're looking for a sportier edge, although it's a pity they can't be specified without the Technology Pack, and on four-cylinder derivatives, you don't get the upgraded suspension of the V6 A-Spec. If you must have the V6 but are less concerned about the extra traction offered by the AWD versions, you can opt for the V6 front-wheel drive with P-AWS and save $2,000 over the equivalent SH-AWD model.
2019 Acura TLX Comparisons
2019 Acura TLX vs Lexus IS
The Lexus IS has been around for some time, but its interesting mix of a prominent grille and sharp edges mean it is still a fairly distinctive sedan. MSRP ranges from $39,335 for the IS300 to $46,150 for the IS350 F. This means that at a base level, the TLX can be had for just under $6,000 less than the IS. However, the cheapest IS does outperform the base TLX thanks to a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. TLX and IS V6 models are similarly powered. The Lexus also offers a luxurious interior, and the materials used feel slightly more polished than those in the TLX. However, it's the Acura that feels more spacious, especially for rear seat legroom. The TLX also offers a larger trunk, with almost four cubic feet of extra space. Overall, the TLX surpasses the Lexus for standard convenience and safety features, making it a better value proposition. At a base level, the turbocharged IS does, however, offer a more potent driving experience.
2019 Acura TLX vs Acura ILX
The ILX is the TLX's little brother, also aiming to offer a premium driving experience but in a more compact package. The ILX starts at an MSRP of $25,900 and all models are powered by the four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine which produces 201 hp. While the ILX's smaller body appears visibly tauter than the TLX, it also means that trunk space drops to just 12.3 cu-ft, and the interior does feel noticeably less accommodating than the TLX's. Material quality also takes a dive, the ILX lacking the attention to detail you'll find in the TLX. Out on the road, the ILX's lighter weight makes it easier to toss around corners and to squeeze into tight parking spots, but it doesn't cruise with the same refinement as the TLX. For drivers who put an emphasis on sporty looks, the fully loaded ILX with the A-Spec Package still works out to less than the cheapest TLX. If, however, you require more space and a healthy dose of added refinement, you'll prefer the extra polish of the TLX.
2019 Acura TLX vs Honda Accord
On the face of it, this comparison should be a victory for the TLX: after all, Acura represents Honda's more upscale luxury division, so by definition, a TLX should dispose of the Accord. To assume so, however, would be to do the latest Accord a disservice. With an MSRP range of between $24,640 for the base LX (fitted with a sprightly 1.5-liter turbocharged engine) to the powerful EX-L at $33,040 (its 2.0-liter turbocharged unit delivers a strong 252 hp and 273 ft-lb of torque), all versions of the Accord are properly fun to drive and feature a smart, modern, and spacious interior. The Accord offers more cargo space and a significant 5.9 inches of additional rear legroom relative to the TLX, owing to its longer wheelbase. The Accord also has the more modern and intuitive infotainment system. However, there's no denying the appeal of the V6-powered TLX, especially those equipped with one of Acura's packages. Their interiors are far plusher than that of the Accord's, and the softer ride quality stands out, too. While the Accord feels like the newer product, the TLX does just enough to feel like a step up in luxury.