Now in year two of production, the second-generation Acura TLX continues to earn fine marks among luxury mid-size sedans while flying under the radar in traditional Acura fashion. Already illustrating impressive reliability (typical of Honda engineering), the quiet Acura is a safe option for consumers seeking a sedan with the same amount of luxury as European contenders without the heavy maintenance costs. With an affordable base model and an aggressive Type S performance variant, there is a TLX for every driver. But the market is still determining if the humble Japanese sedan can appeal to the "European or nothing" crowd.

Two Powerplants For Two Types Of Drivers

The 2022 Acura TLX offers two distinct engine choices. The base unit is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a standard turbocharger producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but an all-wheel-drive system is optional, unlike the previous generation base model TLX. A more aggressive 355 horsepower 3.0-liter turbo V6 is standard in the A-Spec and puts down 354 pound-feet of torque. An all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel bias is also standard.

Though consumers can find more aggressive programming in performance variants, a ten-speed automatic transmission is responsible for shifting gears in all 2022 Acura TLX's. The base four-cylinder TLX returns 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, while V6 variants return 19 city and 24 highway.

Related: 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec Review: Solid Dynamics Wrapped In A Solid Value

Japanese Handling With Inspiration From Germany

The 2022 Acura TLX is as competitive in the performance department as it is in the looks department. The base four-cylinder TLX reaches 60 in a scant 5.9 seconds, while the turbo V6 hits 60 in only 4.5 seconds. Awe-inspiring numbers, particularly in this price field.

The all-new Acura TLX is also a far more engaging car to drive than its predecessor. The "Super Handling" or "SH-AWD" (for badging purposes) is a spectacular all-wheel-drive system that keeps enthusiasts in mind while it dictates where to send power. In sport mode, the system sends 30% of power to the front and 70% to the rear, while the TLX can send 100% of energy to any wheel should the scenario demand. The Acura will send more power to the outboard rear and front wheels to pull itself out of a heavy turn in heavy cornering. While charging down a curvy mountain road, it is easy to feel the system working away and maintaining stability.

The suspension is stiff, and there is little body roll; however, it takes a jarring bump for road conditions to intrude into the cabin. Switching into sport mode tightens the adaptive dampers, and the suburban cruiser feels ready to lurch itself into any scenario. Available 4-piston Brembo brakes bring the TLX back to zero as quickly as it reaches sixty.

Related: Here's How The 2021 Acura TLX Type-S Compares With Its Rivals

An Interior To Heighten Executive Appeal

The cabin of the Acura TLX is perhaps its most pleasing aspect. Immediately occupants will take note of the solidity, and panel alignment is superb with soft-touch materials everywhere—a standard 16-way leather power driver's seat both heats and cools. The steering wheel draws inspiration from the flagship NSX, the grips are in an ergonomic position, and all the steering wheel controls are in reach using just your thumbs. A button with a camera marking on the right stalk brings up the car's auxiliary front cameras to help navigate tight spots.

The gauge cluster is surprisingly simple, with a small digital readout between two large analog gauges for speed and RPM. High on top of the dash sits the car 10.2 infotainment display, the only caveat in the otherwise stunning interior. Lacking touchscreen capability thanks to its awkward high position, consumers utilize a trackpad similar to a laptop computer which mounts forward of the center console. Using a cursor makes it challenging to go through menus, and integration with CarPlay is poor. Tactile switches for climate control are a welcome site just below the screen. Unique push buttons for the transmission free up space in the center console for a wireless phone charging pad.

Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The 2021 Acura TLX

Astounding Commitment To Safety

The Acura TLX takes a remarkably Swedish approach to vehicle safety. A host of crash prevention features are standard such as a collision mitigation braking system, a driver awareness monitor that can intervene if a driver begins to fall asleep at the wheel, and traffic jam assist, which utilizes adaptive cruise control to navigate the car in stop and go traffic, even keeping it in the car's lane. Should a collision occur, the TLX features a steel safety cage that will distribute forces around the cabin rather than through the occupants.

The TLX also sees the launch of a new front airbag that is the first of its kind. The airbag is extraordinarily wide and tall to provide better protection for the occupant. In addition to dual front airbags, the TLX features knee airbags, side curtain airbags, and torso airbags for a total of eight. The commitments to safety earn the all-new TLX a five-star safety rating as well as the prestigious IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' award, which will also save consumers when it comes to insuring the TLX.

Class Competitive Pricing

Pricing for the 2022 Acura TLX is competitive among midsize luxury sedans. The base TLX begins at $37,700, while the A-Spec starts at $44,450; for the price, consumers get a plethora of tech features that are optional on competition from Infiniti, BMW, and Genesis. Overall, the 2022 Acura TLX is a safe and reliable alternative to these cars and offers a type of individuality that is getting rarer on the automotive scene.