2021 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX Standard has 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a moonroof, and high-performance all-season tires. The Technology trim adds 19-inch wheels, while the A-Spec trim adds a sport appearance package with black exterior accents, a decklid spoiler, black chrome badging, LED fog lights, and darkened taillights. At the top of the lineup, the Advanced trim adds an adaptive suspension damper to the features of the lower trims.

The 2021 TLX uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower. This new engine provides significantly more power than the previous four-cylinder. It works with a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive. Acura offers its Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system as an option for any of the trims.

For drivers who like an extra punch of power, a new twin-turbo V-6 will arrive later in the model year.

The newly updated TLX has more power than before: if you opt for the all-wheel-drive system, it can send up to 70% of the total torque to the rear wheels when needed. It can then split it between the two rear wheels or give either the left or right wheel 100% of the torque if one needs more traction. Acura's stop-start system increases fuel efficiency by cutting power when the car idles.

There's room for five in the 2021 TLX, and the cabin has several improvements. You'll find new, higher-quality materials throughout, with real wood and metal accents. There's more space between the driver and passenger, and both seats are comfortable and supportive. Heated front seats come standard along with 12-way power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Choose the Technology trim for leather upholstery and customizable ambient lighting, the A-Spec for a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, or the Advance for a heated steering wheel.

Standard tech in the TLX starts with a 7-inch digital screen and a 10.2-inch central high-definition display screen. The center console has a touchpad for controlling the infotainment functions, and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bump up to the Technology trim for an integrated navigation system, or choose the A-Spec for a 17-speaker ELS stereo system and you'll also get wireless phone charging.

All of the TLX trims come standard with a host of driver aids. Every model has a forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a traffic sign recognition system in addition to a rearview camera. Front and rear parking sensors are added to the Technology trim: this trim and above also get a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. A surround-view camera system and rain-sensing windshield wipers come with the Advanced trim.