Refreshed 2018 Acura TLX: What You Need to Know

Introducing the 2018 Acura TLX

Acura launched the midsize TLX sedan for the 2015 model year, replacing the TL luxury midsize sedan, and the smaller TSX. The TLX is known for its low base price; wealth of standard features; ultra-quiet, stylish interior; and strong safety and reliability ratings.

The TLX took home our Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money award for 2015 and 2016 and was a finalist for the award in 2017. Despite its merits, the TLX struggles to surpass the bottom half of our luxury midsize car rankings. Perhaps it’s because some critics balk at the “bird-like” front-end styling, the weak base engine, or the lack of a performance variant.

Acura is working to gain ground in the competitive segment with a substantial TLX update for 2018. While not a complete redesign, the automaker has taken significant steps to bolster the sedan’s appeal in its midcycle refresh. The four-door sedan gets a distinctive new look, and the automaker has reinstated the A-Spec package to appease enthusiasts in search of a sportier midsize luxury offering.

The 2018 Acura TLX made its debut at the recent New York Auto Show. Click through to learn about the details.

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Exterior Styling

The revamped 2018 Acura TLX gets its design cues from Acura’s 2015 Precision concept. The visual changes are the same as those applied to the luxury midsize MDX SUV. Instead of the beak-like shield grille, the front end moves to a much more aggressive pentagon with a mesh texture.

The front end also gets expansive air inlets with bright accents, driving lights, and a more sculpted hood. The rear comes with a new diffuser, chrome accents, new tail lights, and dual rectangular exhaust tips. The roof, doors, and glass all remain the same as the outgoing model.

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Trims

The 2018 TLX will come in three trims: TLX, TLX V6, and TLX A-Spec. You can choose a Technology package and an Advance package on any trim.

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TLX A-Spec

The revived A-Spec variant not only upgrades the sedan’s façade but also offers some welcome (albeit mild) tweaks to the TLX’s performance.

In terms of visuals, the A-Spec avoids the bright chrome accents found in other packages. Instead, you get a dark grille surround, side sills, and large mesh pockets in the front lower corners that match the new grille and house circular fog lights. Large round exhaust tips and a small spoiler enhance the sedan’s rear.

The A-Spec comes with black-painted 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and wider tires. Inside, you will find brushed aluminum with red accents and gauges, red ambient lighting, and the option of red seats.

For a more dynamic driving experience, Acura has fitted the TLX A-Spec with a sport-tuned steering and suspension, stiffer springs, and retuned damper settings. All-wheel drive models also get a rear stabilizer bar.

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Powertrain

The 2018 TLX keeps the 206-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The optional 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine also carries over with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. 

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Handling and Braking

All TLX models are equipped with standard front-wheel drive and Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) system. Torque-Vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is optional on any V6 model. In the past, the SH-AWD drive was only available in upper trims.

The TLX offers composed driving dynamics with minimal body roll and precise steering. Critics recommend the SH-AWD for its excellent traction on slippery roads, as well as its confident handling on dry surfaces. The A-Spec package enhances the TLX’s corner-carving capabilities and overall sporty driving dynamics, especially with the addition of all-wheel drive.

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Interior Styling

The 2018 TLX's base interior gets a minimal upgrade with all-new seats. Options packages add further enhancements and standard features.

The Technology package adds leather-wrapped seats with unique stitching and chrome door accents. The Advance Package adds a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The A-Spec comes with special bolstered black or red leather seats, and a sport steering wheel. 

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Cabin Technology

According to Acura, the infotainment system is all-new and now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. However, it is the same dual-screen configuration found in the current Honda Pilot and Acura MDX.

The bottom display is a 7-inch touch screen, which can be accessed via a jog-dial. The system now uses capacitive technology for increased speed and responsiveness. Acura also reorganized the menus and the smartphone integration for a more intuitive user experience. Just below the lower screen is a USB port for your device.

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Cargo

A fault of the Acura TLX is its below-average cargo space. The outgoing model offers 13.2 cubic feet of trunk space and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. This should remain consistent in the 2018 model.

The Advance package adds a storage bin beneath the trunk floor, which gets you just over one more cubic foot of room. The trunk is well-shaped. However, large hinges and a small opening reduce its functionality.

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Safety

The AcuraWatch package comes standard on all TLX models. It includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability.

Blind spot monitoring is not standard. To get it, you must add the Technology Package, which costs $4,050 on the 2017 model. The A-Spec variant comes with front and rear parking sensors.

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Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the 2018 Acura TLX is not yet available. The current model starts at $32,000, and the top-tier V6 with all-wheel drive and the Advance Package starts at $44,900. Expect pricing to fall within a similar range. The refreshed TLX is scheduled to hit dealers in June of 2017.

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More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Are you considering a 2018 Acura TLX? For now, you can read more about the current model and its competitors in our luxury midsize car rankings.

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