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2020 Acura TLX review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Acura TLX highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Quiet interior features nice materials
  • Many driver aids come standard
  • Back seat is roomy enough for adults

Cons

  • Driving experience is a little bland
  • Four-cylinder engine lacks power
  • Touchscreen interface can be confusing

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined

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The 2020 Acura TLX delivers enjoyable performance

The 2020 Acura TLX fills the space between luxury and mainstream sedans. It's available with a four or six-cylinder engine. While the four-cylinder is a bit lacking in power, it comes with a better transmission. The six-cylinder is a bit peppier but is paired with a nine-speed transmission that is often searching for the right gear. If fuel economy is important, the six-cylinder is also a bit thirstier.

The interior is nice and features quality materials. It doesn't quite match the luxury standard set by Mercedes-Benz or BMW, but the value-conscious TLX's functional, good-looking interior is a nice compromise. The TLX also comes with a handful of standard features that include adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

There aren't many areas where Acura's sporty luxury sedan can go toe-to-toe with its well-heeled rivals. It lacks the engagement of the BMW 3 Series and the luxury of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it offers a more interesting driving experience than a typical mainstream midsize sedan.

All Acura TLX years

What is new for the 2020 Acura TLX?

  • The TLX is available in a variety of new trims, including the A-Spec, PMC Edition, SH-AWD, SH-AWD A-Spec, and SH-AWD Advance.
  • TLX trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters and Head Up Display as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Sunshade features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 Acura TLX trims

Curious how Acura TLX trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 290-hp, 267-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • 206-hp, 182-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • 3.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Acura TLX inventory

SH-AWD:

SH-AWD A-Spec:

A-Spec:

SH-AWD Advance:

PMC Edition:

  • Includes all features available on the SH-AWD Advance
  • Head Up Display

Acura TLX photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Acura TLX

What We Like

Comfort: The TLX's sporty suspension delivers a smooth, comfortable ride even over bumpy terrain. It also rides snugly through tight turns and corners without jostling the driver or their passengers. The cabin's noise canceling does a solid job keeping the inside of the TLX quiet.

Interior: Quality materials can be found throughout the TLX's roomy cabin. There is ample seating room for adults in the back row, while adjustable front seats make finding a good seating position easy.

Performance: Steering and handling are both excellent, and the available V6 engine adds a little pep to the TLX. That said, the standard four-cylinder engine is paired with a more pliable transmission and aids fuel economy.

What Needs Improvement

Tech: The dual-screen system at the center of the TLX provides a lot of information, but it is not all that intuitive. Its combination of physical buttons with a touch screen offers a steep learning curve and can be distracting to use while driving. The TLX does offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, and using those may help avoid some of its pitfalls.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.9 out of 5

7 customer reviews
4
1
2
Excellent

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 TLX

Acura 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
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler

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

190.7"

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

2020 Acura TLX FAQ

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