The general sedan market might be shrinking overall, overtaken by the seemingly unstoppable rise of SUVs and crossovers. But, the sports sedan market is still very much alive and well, and it's arguably more competitive than it's ever been. The Acura TLX makes up a small fraction of that total market in comparison to heavyweights like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class, but there's a case to be made that the TLX actually deserves a lot more recognition than it gets.
Acura always starts at a disadvantage as they have less inherent brand appeal than BMW or Mercedes, but as we've seen with the Genesis G70, sometimes it's the lesser-known brands that come out and make the best cars. The G70 comes from a relatively unheard-of manufacturer that's only been in the market for a few years, yet it's been consistently ranked by reviewers as one of the best sports sedans out there. Could the same actually be said for the Acura TLX? Let's take a closer look at eight reasons why the TLX might be underrated by buyers and enthusiasts.
8 Punchy Performance
The TLX may not be the fastest car in its class overall, but it still sports numbers that are nothing to be sniffed at. The base-level TLX features a 272 hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and the top-spec Type S variant increases that figure to 355 hp.
That output actually makes the base TLX more powerful than an equivalent base model BMW 3 Series, which only puts out 255 hp, despite costing around $4,000 more. It's worth noting that the base TLX is FWD, although an AWD option is available on all trims.
7 Balanced Handling
As well as being able to keep up with most of its rivals in a straight line, the TLX feels surprisingly composed around corners too. It feels precise yet engaging, especially in Type S guise which adds a sports suspension setup and helps tighten the car's handling up further.
For most drivers who'll use the car every day, the TLX is just as entertaining in terms of its handling as any of its rivals are. Its firm ride might be a bit much for anyone driving on rougher roads, but for the average commuter, the Acura is more than enough to make driving fun.
6 Sharp Styling
A key part of the appeal of a sports sedan has to be its looks, and it's an area that Acura has historically fallen down on. The TLX suffers no such problems, with an aggressive front end and streamlined body shape that channels its sporting nature perfectly.
Pay up for the Type S trim and the TLX looks even better, with additional exterior trim and a lower stance to separate it from lesser models. It's available in a range of unique colors too, a refreshing change from the usually drab color options from rivals like Audi and Mercedes.
5 Packed With Tech
Another key feature of any successful premium car is its tech and convenience features, and the TLX doesn't disappoint here either. The 10.2-inch screen in the center console is controlled by a touchpad, but there are also a few control buttons located on the steering wheel for easy access. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard on all trims, as is a WiFi hotspot.
In terms of safety tech, Acura's proprietary AcuraWatch system is the main feature. It brings a suite of driver assistance technology, including traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert. Industry-standard features like automatic emergency braking and collision warning are also included.
4 Comfortable Inside
Much like its exterior, the interior of the TLX is available in a range of different color options. But, its main selling point has to be the cabin materials used, which are a step up from previous generations of the car and make it feel like a more worthy competitor to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class.
There's also ambient mood lighting available in a range of colors, and plenty of wood and aluminum trim. It feels like a genuinely luxurious place to be, even though a cramped rear seat might make passengers in the back a little less comfortable.
3 Good Value For Money
We mentioned earlier how the base level TLX is $4,000 cheaper than an equivalent 3 Series, but the rest of the TLX range also offers surprisingly good value for money. Five trims are available for 2022, although the ones to have are either the $38,745 Base trim, the A-Spec that comes in at $45,495, or the full-fat Type S at $53,845.
Now, that's not to say that the Acura is the cheapest option out there, as the top-spec $51,445 Genesis G70 costs less than the Type S, and it's more powerful too. But, certainly compared to its German rivals, the Acura represents a significant saving for budget-conscious buyers.
2 Easy To Daily Drive
It's very capable of more spirited driving, but the TLX makes a great everyday grocery-getter too. It comes with a competitive cargo capacity and it's certifiably very safe, achieving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.
It's also very economical, a trait that's becoming increasingly important thanks to rapidly rising gas prices. The FWD variant is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, although add in AWD, and those figures will drop slightly to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The top-spec Type S has a more powerful engine and is slightly more thirsty at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
1 Excellent Build Quality
The fit and finish of the TLX feel largely comparable to that of other rivals like BMW and Audi, but Acura has one bonus quality that even the Germans can't match. Both Acura and parent company Honda have a long-standing reputation for bulletproof reliability, and there's no reason to think that the TLX will be any less durable than its predecessors.
Even in the rare case that things do go wrong, Acura offers a more competitive warranty than many of its competitors do. Its standard limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, like many of its rivals, but its powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. There's no complimentary maintenance included as standard, but with a brand as reliable as Acura, that shouldn't be an issue.