2019 Acura TLX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Acura introduced the TLX in 2015, replacing both the TL and TSX sedans. For 2018, the model was refreshed, incorporating Acura’s latest...

Acura introduced the TLX in 2015, replacing both the TL and TSX sedans. For 2018, the model was refreshed, incorporating Acura’s latest design language and some equipment upgrades. Thus, the 2019 model sees only minor changes.

The figure cut by the TLX was already handsome, and the latest updates keep it looking fresh. The downturned-pentagon grille with its concentric diamond pattern and five-bulb LED headlights are Acura signatures and make the TLX look distinct within its class. For 2019, there’s a new 19-inch wheel design. The Black Copper Pearl exterior color has been removed, and Platinum White Pearl replaces Bellanova White Pearl. The cabin of the TLX is premium for all five occupants.

The TLX comes with two powertrains. The standard option is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s also Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) with the 4-cylinder, allowing the car to independently steer the rear wheels to some degree, for tighter handling. But, the real charm of the TLX is in the upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic combination, made even better when paired with Acura’s optional Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system. The V6 makes 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.

Acura offers an A-Spec package to bring sportier character to the TLX, replacing most of the exterior brightwork with matte black trim and presenting revised front and rear fascias with darker lights, larger 4-inch round exhaust tips, and plenty of A-Spec badging. Inside, the A-Spec gets aggressively bolstered front seats in either a black or red partial-Alcantara combo with red ambient lighting, special simulated-aluminum gauge faces, and a thicker steering wheel. The A-Spec was previously offered with just the V6, but, for 2019, the package extends to 4-cylinder models. Still, V6 models get the added benefit of a quicker steering rack.

Standard features on the 2019 TLX include 17-inch wheels (18-inch on V6 models), a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access and start, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Technology Package adds larger wheels, premium leather upholstery with contrast piping, a 12-way power driver’s seat with a thigh extension, navigation, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Advance Package, available with the V6, adds LED fog lights, a decklid spoiler, power-folding side mirrors, ambient white lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a windshield de-icer, and remote start.

Acura generously provides its full AcuraWatch safety suite as standard, bundling forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Technology Package tacks on blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic detection, and rain-sensing wipers; the Advance Package unlocks rear parking sensors.

With an attractive mix of looks, performance, and features, the Acura TLX is a whole lot of car for the money. It enters its fourth year on the market as fine a proposition as ever. The 2019 models are set to arrive at dealerships in April 2018.