2023 Acura TLX Review: Sharp-Suited Sedan Revival
It takes guts to launch a brand-new mid-size sedan in the 2020s, seeing that most brands have migrated to SUVs. Ford has abandoned cars of all sizes in favor of high-riding crossovers and SUVs, with the Mustang the only traditional car in their lineup. Acura USA also offers a line of crossovers, but it's hedging its bets with the new TLX and hoping to capture the fans that bought the old one. To this end, the new one is a big improvement, and with pricing starting well below even the cheapest 3 Series, it's playing the value card as its USP. The fact that it's properly sporty and really good-looking doesn't hurt, either. The Acura TLX's competitors are the smaller BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class on price, but the 5 Series, A6, and E-Class in exterior size, if not interior space. Engine choices include a 272-horsepower turbo-four or a 355-hp turbo-V6, and together with an attractive price tag, make for an interesting alternative to the standard fare in the segment.
What's the Price of the 2023 Acura TLX?
The Acura TLX starts with an MSRP of $39,650 for the FWD TLX. This price increases to $43,650 if you opt for the Technology trim. The mid-level A-Spec will set you back $46,400 in FWD configuration, and the AWD version goes for $48,600. The Advance trim is priced at $50,850 and the Type S at $55,350. The Type S Performance is priced the highest at $56,150, although the limited-run Type S PMC Edition is likely to cost even more. The manufacturer has yet to indicate just how much you'll spend, though we expect around $62k to start, These prices do not include tax, registration, or a destination fee of $1,095.
2023 TLX Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194.6 in | 113.0 in | 56.4 in | 75.2 in | 64.0 in | 64.6 in | 42,000.0 lbs |
2023 TLX Performance
2023 Acura TLX Handling and Driving Impressions
The new 2023 Acura TLX sedan demonstrates that Acura hasn't lost its sporting touch, going as far as to develop a brand-new platform with sophisticated suspension for this model specifically. Expert chassis tuning makes for handling that cashes the checks written by the dynamic exterior styling, and makes the TLX very entertaining to throw around a mountain pass. The Type S has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and comes not only with Acura's all-wheel drive, but also sportier suspension settings that make the most of the chassis. This is aided by a snappy and responsive ten-speed automatic transmission. Body control cannot be faulted, and the brakes hold up well, despite the 4,221-pound curb weight in Type S guise. Lesser models are less portly. Either way, the tradeoff is a firm ride that stops short of being harsh and in this regard, Audi's S4 still strikes a finer ride/handling balance. The 2.0-liter turbocharged TLX's ride is a bit softer, but the fun is also watered down a little; while the 272 hp and 280 lb-ft outputs are strong, the four-pot has a coarser voice than the silky V6, and when fitted with AWD, the high weight saps a bit of the engine's verve.
2023 TLX Interior
2023 TLX Trunk and Cargo Space
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 |
Verdict: Is The 2023 Acura TLX A Good car?
Considering you're getting a car the size of a 5 Series at the price of a 3 Series, the TLX is stellar value, so it's disappointing that the TLX doesn't cash in on its bespoke chassis and size advantage to provide proper rear-seat space; the similarly sized outgoing Accord is far larger in the back, and its rear legroom is on par with a 3 Series, so that's a lost opportunity - some may argue that rear seat space doesn't matter in the premium sport sedan segment, however. Fair point.
We wouldn't normally complain about a 355-hp turbocharged V6, but the sharp end of this class offers even more power, so the heavy-set Acura is not a top performer, even if it's quick enough for most. More likely, you'll revel in the sure-footed AWD grip and surprising athletic ability, considering its size and weight. Whether this is enough to keep buyers interested in a traditional three-box sedan is up for debate because SUVs are taking over, regardless of how glowing road tests of modern sedans are. Our review of the Acura TLX finds that it will probably keep the faithful happy but is unlikely to revive a dying segment. Only the fittest contenders survive and, good as it is, the TLX may be too little, too late.
What New Acura TLX Sedan Model Should I Buy?
The Acura TLX is great value for money, a decent driving experience, and has excellent safety. Let's be honest, if you're in the market for a performance sedan, you're not going to be looking at the TLX, and for that reason, we'd suggest going for the Technology trim. This model has tons of standard safety and comfort features and can be ordered in AWD configuration. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine isn't going to set the world on fire, but it will get you to your destination at a convincing pace. The Technology trim includes standard features such as leather seats, GPS-linked climate control, LED Cabin Lighting, a blind-spot information system, and front and rear parking sensors.
We wouldn't hold it against you if you got the Type S either, as it's a left-field choice that is highly capable against rivals, despite costing less.