ACURA TLX Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

No more drama and no more facelifted version for the Acura TLX since the Japanese premium car-maker brought a new sport-sedan in 2020.

Acura introduced the first generation of the TLX was in 2014, and it was based on the same platform as the Honda Accord. The design elements were completely different, but they used the same engines. The second generation started from a blank sheet of paper, with a new platform,

The Acura TLX featured an angular design, with headlights that mimicked an angry samurai's eyes. With a pentagonal shaped grille and other air-intakes in the apron, the TLX looked aggressive. Sharp lines were designed on the sides and on the rear panel. The 2021 model was wider and longer than its predecessor. The headlights and taillights featured LED lamps.

Inside, due to its longer wheelbase by 3.7" (94 mm), the TLX offered more legroom for the rear passengers. The middle seat was cramped due to the big center tunnel since it was available with an all-wheel-drive system as well. Acura fitted the front seats with up to 16-way adjustments to increase the front occupant's comfort. A new infotainment unit was developed, and it was Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.

For the drivetrain, the TLX was offered in various trim level. 2021 marked the return of the Type S version, which featured all-wheel-drive and adaptive damper settings. There were four engines available, and all of them were mated to automatic transmissions with 8, 9, or ten gears, depending on the engine.

Acura introduced the TLX lineup as its mid-size sports sedan on the market, replacing both the TL and the TSX, and made it on top of the same platform as the Honda Accord.

After the world financial crisis, Honda had to re-arrange its business, and thus it combined two Acura vehicles into one, namely the TLX. It was not just a facelifted version of an old car but a completely different one. It competed against Audi's A4 sedan and BMW's 3 Series, but despite sporting a shorter wheelbase than both of them, it was slightly longer.

The front fascia sported the Acura's shield-like chromed grille flanked by LED headlights, which looked like jewels aligned behind a common lens. From its profile, the ascending beltline emphasized the car's sporty character, while the sculptured lines on the door panels made it look even better. Finally, at the back, the automaker installed two exhausts neatly concealed under the bumper.

Inside, the cabin resembled the RLX but with better materials. Inside the instrument cluster, the automaker placed the large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, while on the center stack, it placed the infotainment screen, which was controlled by a rotary dial. Above it, Acura placed a second LCD for the navigation system. With room for four adults on long journeys, the TLX proved that Acura's idea to replace two vehicles with one was good.

Under the hood, the carmaker offered a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6. Both of them sent the power to the front wheels only via either an eight- or nine-speed automatic.