2018 Acura TLX review
Acura TLX highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Interior is quiet and features quality materials
- Many driver aids are standard
- Back seat is large enough for adults
Cons
- Driving experience can be bland
- Base engine is underpowered
- Touchscreen interface is complicated
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2018 Acura TLX offers value, performance
The Acura TLX received a front-end facelift for the 2018 model year in addition to most driver aids becoming standard equipment. Those updates help the TLX straddle the line between luxury and mainstream sedans. Acura isn't trying to compete toe-to-toe with rivals like Mercedes-Benz or BMW on performance or luxury, but the TLX does offer a value-based comparison for those seeking a peppier sedan.
The TLX may not be the most exciting car in its category, but it also offers few downsides. Its interior is roomy without feeling too large; the suspension delivers a smooth ride even on bumpy roads; and it's generally pleasant to drive, whether opting for the six-cylinder engine or sticking with the base 4-cylinder.
Its updated two-screen infotainment system can be complicated to use as it mixes touchscreen controls with buttons to mixed success. The air conditioning system is also merely satisfactory; it can take a long time for the cabin to be cooled.
All Acura TLX years
What is new for the 2018 Acura TLX?
- The TLX is available in a variety of new trims, including the A-Spec and SH-AWD A-Spec.
- TLX trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters, Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Spoiler, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Leather & Suede Seats and Head Up Display features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Acura TLX trims
Base:
- 290-hp, 267-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- 206-hp, 182-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- Cruise Control
- Sunroofs
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Mirrors
- View our Acura TLX inventory
SH-AWD A-Spec:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- No significant upgrades found on the SH-AWD A-Spec
- View our Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec inventory
A-Spec:
- Includes all features available on the SH-AWD A-Spec
- No significant upgrades found on the A-Spec
- View our Acura TLX A-Spec inventory
Acura TLX photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Acura TLX
What We Like
Comfort: The TLX's suspension helps deliver a smooth ride, making the sedan a solid companion for commuting and long road trips. The driver's seat is adjustable and comfortable, while the back seat offers plenty of legroom for adult passengers.
Interior: It isn't flashy, but the functional interior of the TLX uses quality materials and makes good use of its space. There's plenty of headroom in the back seat and getting in and out of the sedan is easy.
Performance: The optional V6 engine offers more pep and power, but the standard four-cylinder engine is paired with a better transmission. Handling is where the TLX shines; steering is natural and the sedan navigates sharp turns well.
What Needs Improvement
Tech: The dual-screen infotainment system can be a bit complicated and distracting. Acura mixes physical buttons and a single knob with a touchscreen with limited success. It offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, which can help avoid some of the TLX's pitfalls.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
8 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 7 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 0 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Acura TLX an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Acura TLX 1st out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Acura TLXAcura TLX features and specs
Base 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
206
Torque (ft-lbs)
182
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
17.2
Wheelbase
109.3"
Overall length
191.7"
Width
73"
Height
57"
Leg room
F 42.6"/R 34.5"
Head room
F 37.2"/R 36.7"
Front tires
P225/55HR17
Rear tires
P225/55HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Acura TLX FAQ
The 2018 Acura TLX is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 23 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- SH-AWD A-Spec: 20 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- A-Spec: 20 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The Acura TLX received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Acura TLX as 0 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Car
The 2018 Acura TLX has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Acura TLX, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Acura TLX Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Acura TLX:
- A-Spec
- SH-AWD A-Spec
- Rear Spoiler
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
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