“The Acura TLX S Type is exhilarating to drive and excites me every time I get in it. I find myself staring at the car quite often and I love all it has to offer in styling and performance. It's the best car I've ever owned.”
Acura TLX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Acura TLX is a premium midsize sport sedan that blends everyday comfort with a driver-focused feel. It is known for sharp styling, generous standard equipment, Acura’s all-wheel-drive system, and the performance-oriented Type S.
The TLX arrived for 2015 as the replacement for both the TL and TSX, carrying forward Acura’s mix of premium comfort and responsive handling. The first generation paired that everyday character with four-cylinder and V6 power, while the 2021 redesign gave the car a wider stance and a stronger performance focus. Across both generations, the TLX has emphasized useful standard features instead of relying on a long options list.
Strengths
- It balances a driver-focused feel with the comfort needed for everyday commuting.
- Acura gives the TLX strong standard equipment, including safety technology across many later model years.
- The available all-wheel-drive system is a central part of the TLX’s handling-focused identity.
- The second-generation Type S delivers a meaningful performance step up with 355 horsepower.
- The 2024 refresh made the cabin quieter and added larger displays throughout the streamlined lineup.
Who it's for
The TLX suits someone who wants the comfort and finish of a premium sedan but still cares about how the car feels from behind the wheel. It makes particular sense for a daily driver who values substantial standard equipment and wants either the added confidence of all-wheel drive or the stronger performance of a Type S.
Acura TLX lineup
The Technology Package is the equipment-focused core of the lineup and became the starting trim with the 2024 refresh. Pick the A-Spec for a sportier appearance and cabin treatment; in recent years, it has been paired exclusively with all-wheel drive. The Type S is the clear performance choice, using a turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive in the second generation. Limited PMC Editions appeared in select years as hand-finished special models with exclusive appearance details rather than a regular step in the lineup.
Acura TLX generations
From 2015 to 2025, the TLX spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation (2015–2020).
2nd Generation (2021–2025)
The second-generation TLX moved to a new, wider chassis and brought back a more sophisticated front suspension. Regular models switched to a 272-hp turbo four-cylinder, while the returning Type S used a 355-hp turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive.
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2025
The streamlined three-trim lineup carries over after the 2024 refresh.
2024Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling, a quieter cabin, larger 12.3-inch displays, wireless phone integration, and more standard technology arrived with a simplified three-trim lineup.
2023Trim changes
The limited-production Type S PMC Edition joined the lineup with hand-finished details and extra carbon-fiber trim.
2022Trim changes
The redesigned styling, engines, chassis, and equipment carried over without a significant update.
2021New generation
A full redesign brought a wider new chassis, a 272-hp turbo four-cylinder, a 10-speed automatic, and the return of the Type S with a 355-hp turbo V6.
1st Generation (2015–2020)
The first TLX replaced both the TL and TSX as Acura’s midsize sport-luxury sedan. It launched with four-cylinder and V6 engines, new transmissions, LED headlights, and a chassis tuned to balance responsive handling with everyday comfort.
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2020Trim changes
The limited-run PMC Edition joined the range, combining Advance Package comfort features with A-Spec styling and unique details.
2019Trim changes
A-Spec styling and cabin equipment became available on the four-cylinder model, with only minor wheel and color updates otherwise.
2018Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brought new front-end styling, a faster dual-screen system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a standard safety suite across the lineup.
2017Trim changes
The engines, drivetrain choices, and package structure carried over ahead of the 2018 refresh.
2016
The engines, transmissions, chassis systems, cabin technology, and package structure carried over.
2015New generation
The all-new TLX replaced the TL and TSX with a new platform, new engines, and new transmissions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Acura TLX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Acura TLX a sedan or an SUV?
The Acura TLX is a four-door premium sport sedan. It seats five and combines a low, driver-focused shape with everyday comfort rather than SUV-style space or height.
Does the Acura TLX come as a hybrid?
No. Across its 2015–2025 run, the TLX used gasoline four-cylinder or V6 engines. No hybrid or electric TLX was offered.
Does every Acura TLX have all-wheel drive?
No. TLX drivetrains depend on year, engine, and trim. Front-wheel drive appears across much of the lineup, while Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system is found on selected trims and is standard on the Type S.
What is the Acura TLX known for?
The TLX is known for sharp styling, a driver-focused cabin, strong standard equipment, and a balance of responsive handling and everyday comfort. SH-AWD and the Type S give the lineup a stronger performance side.
Is the Acura TLX practical for a small family?
Yes, if sedan space fits your needs. The TLX seats five, and the latest version has 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space and 34.9 inches of rear legroom. Its low roof and sport-sedan layout are less roomy than an SUV.
How many generations of the Acura TLX are there?
There are two TLX generations. The first ran from 2015 through 2020 and replaced the TL and TSX. The second ran from 2021 through 2025, with a major styling and technology refresh for 2024.
Who is the Acura TLX a good fit for?
The TLX suits someone who wants a premium sedan that feels sporty without giving up daily comfort. It is especially appealing if strong standard cabin technology, distinctive styling, or Acura’s SH-AWD system matters more than maximum rear-seat room.
Acura TLX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Acura TLX.
4.2
Acura TLX
(4,760 reviews)
“The TLX appears to be a very nice car. However, the brakes squeak, we have been told that this is a known issue and there is nothing that can be done about it. We have been locked out of the car on numerous occasions after utilizing the remote start on the key fob. Previously leased an RDX from Acura and absolutely loved in. With the TLX we have nothing but regret.”
“The Acura TLX is a very good luxury sport sedan for the money. It is a good size (not too small or too large) with adequate leg room and trunk space. The V6 engine provides plenty of get-up-and-go. However, the transmission is a little sticky as it tries to get out of first gear in normal driving conditions.”
“I love my car so much, the only problem I have had is the computer screen doesn't work right away when it's very hot out.”
“Look carefully at the interior as some of it looks like sun-faded and/or inferior quality material”
“I love the smoothness of the ride, how quiet it is, how good it looks and all of the safety features and the tech package. Carplay was important to me because it's so convenient!”
Sources
- acura.com — TLX / 2025 / Acura 2025 TLX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — TLX / 2024 / Acura 2024 TLX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — News And Press / Press Release Detail
- acura.com — 2025 / Tlx / Features
- acura.com — Tlx / Compare / Infiniti Q50
- acura.com — Tlx / Compare / Audi A4
- acura.com — Tlx / Compare / Lexus Is 300
- acura.com — Tlx / Compare / Type S Audi S4
- acura.com — Tlx / Compare / Type S Bmw M340I Xdrive
- acura.com — TLX / 2024 / Acura 2024 TLX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — TLX / 2023 / Acura 2023 TLX Fact Sheet
- acura.com — TLX / 2022 / Acura MY22 TLX Fact Sheet