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2018 Acura TLX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Acura TLX gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by a sharper new look and meaningful upgrades to its cabin technology and standard safety equipment. It is one of the bigger change years for the first-generation TLX.
About the 2018 Acura TLX
1st generation TLX (2015-2020), major refresh year.
Acura positions the TLX as a performance-oriented midsize luxury sedan that mixes premium features with handling-focused engineering. Its core appeal is that it gives buyers a choice between a lighter four-cylinder with rear-wheel steering or a stronger V6 with available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, while also delivering strong standard safety tech. Compared with many rivals, the TLX leans more toward sharp responses, confident road manners, and value-rich equipment than soft, isolated cruising alone.
The 2018 TLX ranges from a lighter 206-hp four-cylinder model with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic to stronger 290-hp V6 versions. The new V6 A-Spec stands out with sportier bodywork and handling tuning, while the V6 Advance Package emphasizes comfort with ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera and a heated steering wheel.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The engines carry over, but Acura retuned the V6 model’s 9-speed automatic. Acura’s all-wheel-drive system also expanded across the V6 lineup.
Styling
The TLX received a new diamond-shaped grille, a sharper hood and front fenders, revised bumpers, updated LED lighting and new wheel designs. A new V6 A-Spec trim added its own sport bodywork, dark exterior details, rear spoiler and round exhaust outlets.
Safety
Acura’s driver-assistance suite became standard on every TLX. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and road-departure mitigation.
Tech
The updated dual-screen infotainment system gained a faster 7-inch touch-sensitive lower screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard throughout the lineup.
Structural
The underlying platform stayed the same, but the new A-Spec received unique steering and suspension tuning. All-wheel-drive A-Spec models also gained quicker steering and stiffer rear suspension hardware.
2018 Acura TLX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SprtShft | Auto, 9-Spd w/SprtShft | Auto, 9-Spd w/SprtShft | Auto, 8-Spd DCT SprtShft | Auto, 9-Spd w/SprtShft | Auto, 9-Spd w/SprtShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 206 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp | 206 hp | 290 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 182 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 182 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Acura TLX?
The biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh. The 2018 TLX has a redesigned front end, updated infotainment, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard driver-assistance technology across the lineup.
Is Apple CarPlay standard in the 2018 Acura TLX?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2018 Acura TLX through the updated dual-screen infotainment system.
Does every 2018 Acura TLX have AcuraWatch safety features?
Yes. Every 2018 TLX has Acura’s driver-assistance suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and road-departure mitigation.
Is the A-Spec new for the 2018 Acura TLX?
Yes. The V6 A-Spec joined the TLX lineup for 2018 with unique sport bodywork, retuned steering and suspension, ventilated front sport seats, navigation and premium audio.
Did the 2018 Acura TLX get a new engine?
No. The 2018 TLX kept its 206-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 290-hp 3.5-liter V6. Acura retuned the V6 model’s 9-speed automatic and expanded all-wheel drive across the V6 lineup instead.
2018 Acura TLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Acura TLX.
4.2
2018 Acura TLX
(492 reviews)
“Navigation and Menu system is SLOW; almost unusable. Automatic Breaking has stopped car for no reason.”
“brand say everything , acura most. reliable car in market . love car but premium gas in this time is too much.”