“Overall GREAT car. Only issue is the Automatic stop. VERY annoying when you just need to stop and go. When you stop, the car shuts off and it takes a second for it to re-engage. But that is the ONLY negative.”
2021 Acura TLX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Acura TLX is an all-new second-generation model, making this a major change year. The headline is a complete redesign built around a new body and chassis.
About the 2021 Acura TLX
2nd generation (2021-2023 before the 2024 refresh), first year / full redesign
Acura positions the TLX as a driver-focused premium sport sedan rather than a soft luxury commuter. The core pitch is sharp styling, confident handling, a strong standard safety suite, and Acura’s torque-vectoring SH-AWD system for buyers who want something more athletic than the average entry-luxury sedan. Even in lower trims, Acura markets the TLX around performance-minded engineering, a driver-oriented cabin, and everyday usability instead of pure comfort or badge prestige.
Acura positioned the redesigned TLX as a sportier sedan, with a 272-hp turbo engine in the regular lineup and front-wheel drive or torque-vectoring all-wheel drive depending on the trim. A-Spec emphasizes bolder styling and a sportier cabin, while Advance focuses on comfort with adaptive suspension, highly adjustable seats, and a surround-view camera. At the top, the returning Type S pairs a 355-hp turbo V6 with standard all-wheel drive, stronger Brembo brakes, and more aggressive bodywork.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Regular TLX trims moved to a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The previous 3.5-liter trims were dropped, while the returning Type S brought a 355-hp turbocharged V6 and standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
Styling
The redesign introduced a wider stance, new sport-sedan proportions, and a completely new body. A-Spec and Type S models added progressively more aggressive exterior details.
Safety
Acura’s driver-assist safety suite became standard throughout the lineup, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.
Tech
A new touchpad-controlled infotainment layout brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims added features such as built-in navigation, upgraded audio, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
Structural
The TLX moved to a new chassis and brought back a double-wishbone front suspension, a design intended to improve steering response and handling.
2021 Acura TLX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | 272 hp | ||
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft | 13.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in | 34.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 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 | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Acura TLX fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2021 TLX began the model’s second generation with a new body, a new chassis, a wider stance, and a redesigned cabin.
What engine does the regular 2021 Acura TLX use?
The regular 2021 TLX uses a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
What is different about the 2021 Acura TLX Type S?
The 2021 Type S is the performance-focused TLX. It has a 355-hp turbocharged V6, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, stronger Brembo front brakes, and more aggressive bodywork.
Does every 2021 Acura TLX have driver-assist safety features?
Yes. Every 2021 TLX has a standard driver-assist safety suite with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.
Is the 2021 Acura TLX a major change from the 2020 model?
Yes. The 2021 model is a complete generational redesign rather than a light update. It replaced the previous body and chassis, changed the regular lineup to a turbo four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic, introduced new cabin technology, and brought back the Type S.
2021 Acura TLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Acura TLX.
4.2
2021 Acura TLX
(915 reviews)
“If I had to describe the TLX in one word I would say its refined, Honda did a great job building and designing this car.”
“The 2021 Acura TLX Type S may not be the fastest in its class or most luxurious in its class, but it definitely keeps up with the competition and just plain feels better to drive than the other vehicles in its class. The reliability of Acura is in the forefront also. For the money, there is no other vehicle in the same class that makes me smile the way this car does.”