2020 Acura TLX

History/Overview

Acura's TLX mid-size sedan has been around since 2015, when it replaced the TL. The TLX was (and is) the first mid-range Acura with four-cylinder power. In 2018, the TLX benefited from a refresh that brough the brand's handsome five-point grille and "jewel-eye" LED headlights.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2020, Acura adds a PMC package to the TLX range, named for the Performance Manufacturing Centre that builds the NSX supercar. Acura technicians install the powertrain, electronics and trim-specific interior and exterior components by hand, just as they do with the NSX.

The rest of the TLX range is carried over from 2019, including the standard assembly-line manufacturing process used to build other TLX trims.

Available Trims

Four-cylinder, front-wheel drive TLX trims include A-Spec and Tech A-Spec. There's more variety with the impressive V6/AWD combo, where trims are A-Spec, Tech, A-Spec Tech, Elite, and Elite A-Spec.

The four-cylinder engine is a 2.4L, and the V6 displaces 3.5L. The well-done SH-AWD system standard with the V6 can split power between the front and rear axles, and can move torque between the left and right wheels to improve handling. Four-cylinder cars use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and V6 models get a nine-speed automatic.

Standard Features

All TLX models come with forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, tire pressure monitoring, 19-inch wheels, automatic high beams, windshield de-icer, heated side mirrors, LED fog lights, sunroof, LED jewel-eye headlights, adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, electric parking brake, multi-angle backup camera, seven-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, four-way power front passenger seat and front-seat electric thigh extension.

A-Spec Tech adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, 10-speaker stereo with hard-drive storage, heated rear seats, and steering wheel.

SH-AWD A-Spec trim features are largely the same as the base A-Spec, but adds engine idle stop/start, an electronic shifter and an eight-way power front passenger seat.

SH-AWD Tech trim downsizes to 18-inch wheels and adds headlight washers and perforated Milano leather upholstery.

SH-AWD Tech A-Spec gets back its 19-inch wheels and gives up the previous trim's perforated leather.

SH-AWD Elite adds auto-dimming side mirrors, chrome side sill garnish, puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view exterior cameras, wireless smartphone charging and ventilated front seats.

SH-AWD Elite A-Spec builds on SH-AWD Elite and adds back the A-Spec's cosmetic upgrades.

Fuel economy

Acura's fuel consumption estimates for the TLX are 10.0/7.1 (city/highway) for the base trim and 10.2/7.4 for A-Spec models. The SH-AWD model and its V6 is rated 11.4/7.7, and the SH-AWD A-Spec's figures are 12.0/8.2 L/100 km.

Competition

With the TLX, Acura aims to lure buyers away from cars like the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Audi A4 and A6, Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Class, Lexus ES, Infiniti Q50, Volvo S60 and Volkswagen Arteon.