2018 Acura TLX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Acura TLX competes against the best midsize luxury sedans on the market. A reputation for being extremely reliable gives the TLX a big advantage over its European rivals. While even the base TLX deserves some serious consideration, the new A-Spec model is especially fun.

What’s New for 2018?

To give the TLX a more exciting character on the road, Acura has released a sports-tuned A-Spec trim. Meanwhile, new front-end styling helps give the 2018 model a sharper appearance. Acura also updated the sedan’s infotainment system.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Acura TLX – The Pros

1. Peppy & Economical Base Engine

The base power source for the 2018 Acura TLX is a lively 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. It packs just enough performance to make the TLX feel entertaining to drive. Most importantly, this engine has proven itself to be inexpensive to maintain. In terms of fuel efficiency, you can expect to get an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2. Sweet V6 Engine

If you demand a more exhilarating performance, upgrade to the muscular V6 engine. Acura tuned it to develop a satisfying 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Look forward to experiencing much stronger acceleration. The V6-powered TLX recorded a competitive 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. Cylinder deactivation technology also helps ensure good gas mileage.

3. Super Handling All-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive comes standard on the 2018 Acura TLX. However, Acura’s famed Super Handling AWD system is available as an option on the V6 models. When dealing with wintry weather, you will certainly appreciate the enhanced traction on the road. However, this advanced AWD system also enables the TLX to corner like a true sports sedan.

4. All-New A-Spec Model

True driving enthusiasts will love the new A-Spec model. Although the TLX A-Spec doesn’t pack more power under the hood, you will immediately notice its sharper driving dynamics. A sports-tuned suspension enables the sedan to offer especially precise handling. Furthermore, the TLX A-Spec benefits from a quick-ratio steering system and 19-inch performance tires.

5. Sleek, Athletic Styling

The 2018 Acura TLX definitely has a sporty appearance. A lot of car shoppers will be drawn to its sleek profile. Even the base TLX looks stunning with its beautiful “Jewel Eye” headlamps. The car’s curb appeal is further enhanced by an updated pentagon grille. Flaunting a special set of Shark Gray wheels and an eye-catching Still Night Blue paint finish, the aggressive A-Spec model will cause onlookers to take a second glance.

6. Attractively Priced

With a starting price of roughly $34,000, the new 2018 Acura TLX is significantly less expensive than many of its main competitors. Some of the notable standard features include front seat heaters, adaptive cruise controls, and smartphone integration. You will also benefit from automatic emergency braking. Strong resale value makes the TLX an even better long-term value.

7. Updated Infotainment System

Acura’s previous infotainment system was a step behind the competition. The new interface is a major improvement. Not only is the updated system more responsive, but it also features a simpler menu format. Most drivers will have no trouble learning how to use the dual-screen system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you won’t need to pay extra.

8. Quiet, Spacious Interior

Passenger comfort is clearly among the TLX’s strong points. You will find ample legroom in the sedan’s backseat. There are also plenty of useful storage areas inside the cabin. When preparing for a long road trip, the TLX’s spacious trunk will enable you pack several travel bags. Active noise cancellation helps ensure a quiet ride even at highway speeds.

9. Solid Reliability

Unlike some luxury sedans, the 2018 Acura TLX has a track record of being very dependable. This is a big advantage for the drivers who will be commuting on an everyday basis. All of the mechanical parts are engineered to meet a high standard of quality.

10. Extremely Safe Family Vehicle

Aside from earning a five-star safety rating, the new TLX now comes standard with a plethora of cutting-edge driving aids. If you happen to accidentally verge off the pavement or drift over into the next lane, Road Departure Mitigation technology will help you to recover quickly. While all trims are equipped automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring is available as an option.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Acura TLX – The Cons

1. No Optional Manual Gearbox

Despite the 2018 Acura TLX being such an engaging driving machine, it fails to offer a traditional manual gearbox. A manual transmission would enable the TLX to compete against some of today’s more established sports sedans. Keep in mind that family sedans such as the redesigned Honda Accord can be outfitted with a stick-shift transmission.

2. Some Rivals Can Deliver Better Gas Mileage

Most drivers will find the new TLX to be quite efficient. Nevertheless, some of the sedan's competitors offer additional fuel savings. For instance, an available diesel engine allows the BMW 3 Series to return more than 40 mpg on the highway.

3. No High-Performance Trim

The average driver will love driving the TLX's sporty A-Spec trim. Unfortunately, a more powerful engine is not available. From a standpoint of sheer performance, the 2018 Acura TLX is a notch behind blistering-fast sedans like the new Cadillac ATS-V. Although the TLX's V6 engine feels potent, a high-output engine would take the sedan's performance to the next level.

How it stacks up to the competition:

Some of the primary competitors include the 2018 BMW 3 Series and the 2018 Audi A4. A more affordable price tag gives the new Acura TLX an obvious edge over these German luxury sedans. The TLX also has a far more impressive reliability rating. Both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series will likely spend more time in the repair shop.

Conclusion:

The 2018 Acura TLX is a a great alternative to a more expensive sports sedan. Performance technologies, such as Acura's Super Handling AWD system, make the TLX a fun car that you can drive in all weather conditions. Your family and friends will also appreciate the TLX's spacious backseat. Because the base model comes standard with so many premium features, it is certainly worthy of a test drive.