The relatively new 2022 Acura TLX offers plenty of driving engagement compared to similar, but more expensive, options from companies including Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Acura cleverly introduced a new generation TLX in 2021, and the automaker remains confident enough in the TLX’s performance capabilities in the current market, and it didn’t make any big changes with its 2022 model. That doesn’t mean the premium sports sedan has fallen out of contention this year. In fact, the combination of exciting driving capabilities and a strong value proposition keep the TLX in the mix.
An Equally High Performer With A Cheaper Price Tag?
One of the main reasons to consider splashing out on the 2022 Acura TLX is that it hits a sweet spot on the balancing scale between performance and price. With a starting price of $39,545 and an all-in price of around $55,000, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the TLX. The 355-hp Type S occupies the top spot in the TLX lineup in both performance and price, compared to its competitors, such as the Audi A4 and BMW M340i and while it's the former trait that makes it a favorite, its price only adds to its attractiveness.
So, How Good Is The Performance?
Let’s talk about engines, transmissions and performance… The regular TLX features a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder latched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard. Acura's all-wheel-drive system, which is called SH-AWD and shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction, is optional. While it can hit 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, that's slower than similar setups in this segment and even the less powerful, albeit lighter, Honda Accord 2.0T.
Still, the TLX's terrific chassis tuning makes it very entertaining to drive and proves that Acura can still build a sports sedan. This sentiment is especially true of the higher-performance Type S, which boasts a 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed auto, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the regular TLX, it's available with stickier summer tires on lighter 20-inch wheels. Although it does provide a firm ride that doesn't mask road imperfections, it doesn’t quite feel as nimble as its sporty competitors such as the Audi S4.
Comparing the TLX’s powertrain options with the BMW 3-series, the 330i uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the M340i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 385 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The BMW sedan lineup includes the 330e with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, something missing from the list of TLX powertrain options. SH-AWD all-wheel drive is a feature of the performance-oriented Type S. AWD is also standard on the Audi S4, the Genesis G70, Kia Stinger and the 3 series.
Just How Well Has Acura Finished The Interior?
Inside, the TLX has an expressive design that highlights its sporty character. These include attractive analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector in the middle of the dashboard. Solidified by Acura's excellent build quality, the TLX also boasts nicer cabin materials than its predecessor, including open-pore wood and real aluminum. Although the sedan feels spacious from side-to-side, the back seats feel smaller than some of its competitors. Still, its highly adjustable front seats and excellent forward visibility reward drivers. The TLX also offers distinctive interior colors, unique leather upholstery, and desirable features. The motor also includes a large 10.5-inch head-up infotainment display and customizable ambient-lighting settings that are each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks, such as "Pacific Coast" and "Suzuka". The Acura’s screen is smaller than the 17-inch vertical screen in the Tesla Model S and almost identical to the 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen in the Audi A5 Sportback. The Kia Stinger has a standard 8.0-inch screen, with a 10.3-inch screen optional, while the Genesis G70's has a standard 10.3-inch screen.
Luxury brands know you can never have too many trims, and Acura doesn’t disappoint here. There are a total of nine basic options, with three trims available with the FWD, 2.0-liter powertrain. These include base, Technology, and A-Spec, four with the AWD, 2.0-liter, which adds the Advance trim; and two trims for the high-end AWD, 3.0-liter engine: Type S and Type S Performance. To compare, the 2022 Audi A5 Sportback and the 2022 Kia Stinger both offer six general options. It’s certainly made its mark, it has to be said, the 2022 Acura TLX is certainly up there with its flash competitors from the likes of BMW and Audi. If you’d like a slightly cheaper alternative to the high-hitters but don’t want to slack in the performance department, the TLX may just be the car for you.
Sources: CarConnections, CarAndDriver, AutoBlog, Motor1