2018 Acura TLX

Standard, Technology Package, Advanced Package, and A-Spec are the four trim levels available for the TLX. The cost varies depending on the engine and transmission combo. The highest specification with FWD costs $42,800, with an additional $2000 required to upgrade the drivetrain to AWD.

A 206 hp 4-cylinder 2.4L engine powers the Standard and Technology Package models. An additional $3,200 would be required to upgrade to a 3.5L V6 engine. The Standard trim includes standard amenities such as ESC and satellite radio, while the Technology Package adds features such as leather upholstery and a navigation system.

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Though the A-Spec may entice you for 2018, this entry-level premium sedan is most compelling in its lower-priced trim levels. As a result, the TLX 2.4L with Technology package appeals to us. When driving around turns, it adds to the TLX's value and feels lighter and more maneuverable than the more powerful V6 version. In addition, the four-cylinder TLX has a more cooperative transmission than the V6 model. Upgrading to the Technology package unlocks valuable amenities and convenience features.

“The entry-level four-cylinder is surprisingly torquey. The optional V6 loves to rev and at full throttle it manages to sound like something you'd hear in a much more expensive car. It's no trick to beat 35mpg on the freeway with either one.” – Road and Track

2018 Acura TLX Engine and Transmission

The TLX is available with two engine options from Acura. The 4-cylinder 2.4L engine produces 206hp and 182lb-ft of torque, whereas the larger and more powerful 6-cylinder 3.5L engine produces 290hp and 267lb-ft of torque.

Four-cylinder models are only available in front-wheel drive and are designated as TLX 2.4L or TLX 2.4L with Technology package. The TLX 3.5L is the entry-level V6 model. The TLX 3.5L with Technology package, TLX 3.5L A-Spec, and TLX 3.5L with the Advance package are also available. All-wheel drive is available on all V6-powered TLXs.

The base engine might feel like it is lacking power but is able to perform averagely in daily use. The transmission system is unimpressive; especially, the 9-speed automatic is not quick to shift, thus, hindering the car’s performance. The Lincoln MKZ offers the most power in the range while the Audi A4 offers the least. 

2018 Acura TLX Acceleration

The mediocre 206hp engine is slow to accelerate. The Acura TLX accelerates from 0-60 mph is 7.2 seconds, which is not the fastest in the range. In comparison, the Infiniti Q60 has the fastest initial acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

The TLX's quarter-mile performance is also below average, taking 15.6 seconds to complete. The Audi A4 premium wins the quarter-mile race in 13.8 seconds. In the quarter-mile run, the Infiniti Q60 also lags behind the competition.

2018 Acura TLX Ride and Handling

The TLX's chassis calibration and four-wheel steering improve handling in general. In most instances, the steering reaction is adequate. The weight is correct, however the sensation is weak. Although rear-wheel steering improves performance in most conditions, it can be difficult in long, steady curves.

It's simple to drive and live with, both in town and on the highway. Multiple drive modes, including Economy and Sport+, allow you to tailor the vehicle to your own demands. Despite the lack of adjustable suspension dampers found on many competitors, the TLX features an appealing mix of ride and handling. It's a spacious sedan that's suitable for both commuting and lengthy road excursions.

2018 Acura TLX Braking

The TLX's brakes are adequate, bringing the car to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet. The performance of the braking system is neither the greatest nor the worst among its competitors. The Infinity Q60 boasts the best brakes, needing only 113 feet to stop from 60 miles per hour.

The Audi A4 falls short of rest of the competition as it takes 126 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph.  The Acura TLX is better than the Audi when it comes to braking, but is outdone by the Lincoln MKZ and Infiniti Q60. 

“Most versions of the 2018 Acura TLX will manage combined fuel economy in the mid-20s.” - TheCarConnection

The EPA estimated fuel economy for the base model with the 2.4-liter inline-4  is 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with a combined 27 mpg.  The FWD version of the 3.5-liter V6 offers 20 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highways while the AWD variant gives out 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. 

The Audi A4 is the most fuel-efficient model in the lineup, followed by the Acura TLX. The Lincoln MKZ is the least economical, achieving a combined 24 mpg, while the Infiniti Q60 achieves a combined 25 mpg.

“The TLX's interior reflects close attention to detail, with fantastic fit and finish and appealing color choices. Acura has made the 2-screen infotainment system easier to use by streamlining menus and reducing the system's response time. ” – Kelley Blue Book

2018 Acura TLX Seating and Comfort

Though the interiors do not appear to be as opulent as those of competitors, they are composed of high-quality materials. The sedan has excellent visibility, and the cabin is spacious and quiet. Dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, pushbutton ignition, and cruise control are among the many useful and practical features in the cabin.

The vehicle has enough room for five persons. The automobile offers plenty of legroom and headroom, and the backseat is roomy. Getting in and out of the automobile is simple, though not exceptional in its class. The leather-upholstered seats are comfortable and feature adequate contour support. The driver's seat is also 10-way electrically adjustable and includes lumbar support for lengthy rides.

Some of the main interior features of the 2018 Acura TLX are:

• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats( Only Heated Seats for basic trims)
• 60-40 Folding Bench Front Facing Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat
• Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Illuminated Front Cupholder
• Leather seat upholstery( Basic Trim)
• Premium Milano Leather-Trimmed Sport Seats( Higher trims/A-Spec package)
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Multi-Zone Auto-Climate Control Air Conditioning
• Full Cloth Headliner
• Simulated Suede Door Trim Insert (Higher trims)
• Leatherette Door Trim Insert (Basic trims)
• Power lift tailgate

2018 Acura TLX Infotainment System

The 2018 Acura TLX comes with a dual-display infotainment system that is simple to operate. The infotainment system has Bluetooth, an auxiliary input jack, a USB port, and Apple CarPlay, among other things. 

The base trim has a 7-speaker sound system while the other trims carry a 10-speaker audio system. Besides this, the car has an advanced navigation system with traffic rerouting and other features like HD radio and SVC. The infotainment system feels convenient with all the information being displayed on the dual screens.

Infotainment System Features

• Satellite radio
• HD radio
• Navigation with voice recognition
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• USB audio interface
• Bluetooth

Cargo Capacity

The cargo capacity of the Acura TLX is not the best but it is better than many of its rivals. The 14.3 ft cube of boot space feels sufficient for its segment.

Infiniti Q60 has the poorest trunk volume of just 8.7 ft cube. The Lincoln MKZ offers 15.4 cu.ft of cargo volume which is the highest in the range.

Acura TLX finally has the styling that will get it noticed. With a clean pentagon grille and sharper LED headlights, the new front end draws the eye and makes the car look fresh and youthful." - Kelley Blue Book

2018 Acura TLX Dimension and Weight

The TLX won’t disappoint you on the styling end. The car has an aerodynamic and fresh-looking design. The curvy lines combined with the chrome trim and the gorgeous new front grille give the sedan a trendy appearance. The car runs on 17-inch wheels. The new A-Spec trim has a sporty and aggressive look due to a few tweaks like dark chrome trim and bigger 19-inch alloys.

The car has the largest ground clearance (5.8 inches) in its class and the shortest wheelbase (109.3 inches). Infiniti Q60 and Lincoln MKZ have the longest wheelbase of 112.2 inches. The TLX is equipped with a plethora of exciting features that come as standard including power moon-roof, heated side mirrors, and chrome window molding.

Exterior Features:

• Jewel Eye LED headlights
• Power Moonroof
• LED fog lights
• Rear decklid spoiler
• Dual exhaust (available with V6 only)

The 2018 Acura TLX is a strong and safe car and it proved this by scoring an overall rating of 5 stars in the NHSTA ratings. The car got a “superior” rating in the front crash prevention section and “good” in the roof strength column of the IIHS ratings. The car has an abundance of safety features like ABS, VSA, agile handling assist, electric parking brake, CMBS, and ACC.

• Vehicle Stability Assist Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Collision Mitigation Braking System Forward Collision
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Back-Up Camera

2018 Acura TLX vs 2018 Infiniti Q60

The Q60 has a better-performing engine with quicker acceleration and better brakes but has a very poor cargo space compared to the TLX. Further, the fuel economy of TLX is higher than that of the Q60. The Infiniti Q60 costs $5,950 more than the TLX. All this makes the TLX a more suitable option.

2018 Acura TLX vs 2018 Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ has the best engine in its class and it outshines the TLX in terms of acceleration, braking and has bigger cargo space. The TLX has a better fuel economy. The MKZ outweighs the TLX because of its better performance.

2018 Acura TLX vs 2018 Audi A4 

Audi A4 has the best in class fuel economy, braking, and quarter-mile acceleration figures. The TLX just has a slightly larger boot volume. Even though the A4 costs $3000 more, it is worth the better overall performance you’re getting.

This sedan is spacious, comfortable, modern looking, loaded with features and the handling in city at normal speeds doesn’t hurt either. The 2018 Acura TLX is not an option for you if you are looking for a powerful car with an extremely athletic handling but if you are looking for a daily-purpose luxury sedan and don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket then this car is made for you.