
2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD Advance
Vehicle Type: Midsize Gasoline
68
overall score
Category Ranking: 7
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$48,300
Price as Tested:
$49,825
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 15.8
EPA City mpg: 21
EPA Highway mpg: 29
EPA Combined mpg: 24

Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
- Advanced Headlights [S]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Blind-Spot Warning [O]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
- Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [O]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:
Overall Observations
Acura isn’t the first automaker to come to mind when you’re
considering midsize luxury vehicles. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll
come across the TLX, all new for 2021. It may not have the cachet
of German rivals, but there’s no denying that it’s a rewarding sports
sedan.
In the looks department, this longer, wider TLX’s sleek styling
will definitely turn heads. The upgrades continue inside, with a
handsomely designed cabin replete with upscale materials. The highly
supportive sport seats are very comfortable, but rear passengers may
find their quarters a bit tight. There’s an abundance of technology, too,
but using the console-mounted trackpad to access the features on the
center-mounted display requires a steep learning curve.
Propulsion comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
(272 hp) which, in the case of our test car, fed power to all 4 wheels via
the automaker’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive setup. Acceleration
is brisk, but the engine noise and vibration doesn’t befit a luxury car,
and the car’s considerable weight restricts performance and reduces
fuel economy. However, the sport-tuned suspension delivers a good
balance between crisp handling and ride comfort
Want to buy this car?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- Strong performance
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Spacious front seats
Weak Points
- Engine noise andvibration
- Tight rear seat
- Infotainment track padcould be more userfriendly
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2021
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4040.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 194.6 / 75.2 / 56.4
Wheelbase (in): 113.0
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Michelin Primacy A/S
Front and rear tire size: 255/40 R19
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 10-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 2.0L 4-Cyl. turbo VTEC
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 272 @ 6500
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
7.40Fuel Efficiency:
3.85EPA Emissions Score:
7.00Acceleration:
5.64Braking:
5.32Handling:
7.71Ride Quality:
7.96Interior Size:
3.09Easy of Entry and Exit:
6.64Visibility:
7.64Interior Noise:
4.88Cargo Capacity:
.88
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Car Guide Categories:
- SUV/Minivan |
- Large |
- Midsize |
- Small |
- Pickup |
All Makes:
IIHS Top Safety Pick Vehicles: