Acura’s pentagonal grille (more upright
than in the RDX). A new generation of the
Jewel Eye headlights, borrowed from the
Type S concept, add four LED elements
and daytime running lights.
The A-Spec sport appearance package
continues in the 2021 TLX, adding unique
19-inch Shark Grey wheels, gloss black
accents around the body, a rear spoiler,
and darker headlights and taillights. The
Type S grows from there, adding quad
exhaust tubes, a front splitter, and a rear
diffuser. All the chrome from the regular
car is subbed for matte black accents on
the Type S, giving it a sportier look.
Following a similar design to the RDX’s
interior, the TLX gets a new-look cabin
with much-needed improvement. The
driver’s seat carries a lower seating posi-
tion. The center console has been rede-
signed, with a 10.2-inch screen standing
on top of the dash. It’s controlled using a
much-maligned track pad that now has a
larger hand rest for a more comfortable
position. The ELS Studio 3D audio system
is another highlight; with its 17 speakers
(one more than in the RDX), you probably
won’t hear any noise coming from outside.
Like with all Acuras these days, instead
of having a transmission
lever, gears are
selected via an array of buttons. A big
knob in the middle of the center console
allows the driver to select from four
modes—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and
Individual. The latter allows the driver to
individually adjust the engine response
and transmission mapping—and even
the suspension stiffness if their TLX is
equipped with adaptive dampers.
Although the front seats have plenty
of space, it’s a different story for rear
passengers; headroom and legroom were
pretty tight for my 6-foot frame. There
are no USB ports for rear passengers,
either—only two in the front along with
an optional wireless charger.
The TLX will be powered by a 2.0-liter
turbo engine that produces 272 hp and
280 lb-ft; the new four-banger comes
straight from the RDX, and it has also
been used in the Honda Civic Type R
and Accord. It’s a big increase compared
with the outgoing TLX, which is powered
by an old 2.4-liter naturally aspirated
engine with 206 hp and 182 lb-ft.
The Type S, however, will come with a
3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo V-6. Although
Acura is tight-lipped on the larger
engine’s numbers, we expect power to be
in the mid-300s. Even when compared
with the shelved 3.5-liter V-6, the
3.0-liter turbo in the Type S should bring
a night and day difference.
Both the regular TLX and the Type S
will share a 10-speed automatic trans-
mission, though the Type S’ gearbox has
been tuned for performance driving.
The tranny can send all the power to the
front wheels or to all four wheels with
the optional Super Handling All-Wheel
Drive. (All Type S units will come with
standard SH-AWD.) Like in the RDX, the
system can send up to 70 percent of the
torque to the rear axle, and 100 percent
of that rear torque can be trans-
ferred to the right or left wheel.
Under its skin, the TLX rides on an
all-new platform. Acura reps say the
architecture was specifically developedto support the performance of the Type
S and does not share any parts with other
Honda or even Acura products (yet).
The most important detail is the
upgrade from struts to control arms
for the front suspension. Another key
element is the 50 percent increase in
torsional stiffness, which should improve
the ride. Acura says the platform uses
56 percent lightweight materials such
as aluminum and high-strength press-
hardened steel—more than in any other
Acura sedan.
Learning from the NSX, Acura engi-
neers implemented the same kind of
electric-servo power-assisted braking
system in the TLX. Acura says the system
allowed it to tune the brake pedal force
and brake pressure to deliver controlled,
firm stopping power. The Type S gets the
same setup but with upgraded hardware,
which includes four-piston Brembo
calipers in the front.
As you would expect, all TLXs come
equipped with a long list of safety tech,
including adaptive cruise control and
automatic emergency braking, under the
AcuraWatch name at no extra cost. For
2021, traffic sign recognition and a driver
awareness monitor are added to that
list, with the latter observing the driver’s
behavior and alertness.
Expect the 2021 Acura TLX to arrive
this fall. Miguel CortinaSEPTEMBER 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 15TREND I 09.