2021 Acura TLX: the last-chance sedan?

For 2021, Acura arrives with a new generation TLX. Presented last spring, it has just arrived at Quebec dealerships.

After trying it out, here’s what we liked and least liked.

Seductive silhouette

Beauty is subjective. What we find beautiful, our neighbor may find it atrocious. And vice versa. On the other hand, no choice to admit that from an aesthetic point of view, the new TLX 2021 has a good chance of pleasing.

As is the case with the brand’s other vehicles, the A-Spec trim, including titanium rims, spoiler and chrome removal, suits it perfectly.


Welcome, turbo!

If the base version of the previous generation TLX was powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4L four-cylinder engine, the situation is different for 2021. In fact, under the hood, there is now a 2.0L turbocharged unit. which generates 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. It is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, the only one offered for this model.

Over the kilometers driven at the wheel of the TLX, we conclude that more than ever, its steering is precise and that it is firmly anchored to the ground. Without shining by its dynamism, it is not boring either. Far from there.

For the moment, Natural Resources Canada has not yet released the fuel consumption ratings for this Japanese sedan. For our part, during our trial period, the on-board computer recorded a consumption of 9.5 L / 100 km, which seems reasonable to us.

Photo: Germain Goyer

A Type S version that we expect

If the Acura TLX has caused so much talk since its unveiling, it is undoubtedly thanks to the very promising Type S version which will enhance the range. The hood of this sport-oriented version will house a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine. It will produce 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The same ten-speed automatic transmission is on the program.

Four-wheel drive for everyone

Until the 2020 model year, the optional 3.5L V6 had to be chosen to benefit from the SH-AWD four-wheel drive system. Otherwise, with the 2.4L engine, you had to make do with the front-wheel drive.

With the new generation of its sedan, Acura arrives with a different strategy: the entire TLX range is now equipped with the four-wheel drive system.

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Photo: Germain Goyer

Conventional passenger compartment

At a time when instrumentation tends to become more and more digital, it is with astonishment that one takes place behind the wheel of the TLX 2021. Indeed, while I am generally open to a conservative approach, I am surprised to find that the designers kept physical hands for the dials.

For the rest, the interior is not particularly exotic. The gear selector, which takes the form of a series of buttons, is well known within the Honda family.

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Photo: Germain Goyer

A hellish infotainment system

The principle of an error is not to repeat it. Alas, Acura fell for the trap. The current generation RDX has an unnecessarily complex infotainment system that is paired with a touchpad. A real hell to handle! Even the most atheist will not have the choice of expressing himself in biblical terms in order to carry out an a priori very simple manipulation, such as changing the radio station. And to make matters worse, it is this same system that we find on board the TLX 2021.

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Photo: Germain Goyer

Watch out for crackles

During our trial period, we heard a lot of body creaks coming from the rear end. This is the kind of concern you occasionally notice in a car with a hatchback. However, the TLX is a traditional sedan equipped with a trunk. It is therefore surprising to hear these creaks at the wheel of a TLX which, however, is brand new …

From 46 to 54

The 2021 Acura TLX starts at $ 46,696. Its price range stretches up to $ 54,396 in the case of the Platinum Elite version. If you want the A-Spec version, you will have to pay a minimum of $ 51,996. As for the TLX Type S, its price has still not been confirmed.

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Photo: Germain Goyer

One last try?

It has been mentioned over and over again. The average consumer has abandoned the traditional sedan.

Distraught to a certain extent, car manufacturers are trying everything to deal with the decline. While some manufacturers, like Buick or Lincoln, have completely crossed out cars from their catalog, others are more persistent. Indeed, while Cadillac arrived with the most recent CT4 and CT5, which Lexus is renewing the IS, Acura returns with a new generation of the TLX. And this one has almost everything to please.

Despite its many qualities, will buyers be there? Even being optimistic, it’s hard to imagine the new TLX being a commercial success …

In video: what to think of the Acura TLX 2021?


www.guideautoweb.com

About Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith who hails from Toronto, Canada currently runs this news portofolio who completed Masters in Political science from University of Toronto. She started her career with BBC then relocated to TorontoStar as senior political reporter. She is caring and hardworking.

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