Acura’s energetic vibe just took a fresh turn with the 2018 Acura TLX proving that a luxury sedan can flaunt a sporty look. Reflecting the new direction Acura is heading, the TLX can be defined as a midsize luxury sedan with attitude.
The changes for the 2018 TLX model also reflect the brands new dual screen user interface that includes a seven-inch touchscreen. The interface is compatible with Android and Apple too. Other additions for 2018 include a rear diffuser with exposed dual-exhaust and the Technology Package offering leather seats and a driver’s seat thigh extension.
The 2018 Acura TLX competition includes the BMW 3 Series sedan, the Mercedes Benz C Class sedan and the Lexus IS 350 sedan.
The sportiest of the trims on the TLX is the A-Spec, which proves driving can always be fun with 19-inch alloy wheels topped with Shark Gray paint, a gloss-black decklid spoiler, smoked LED taillights and four-inch round dual exhaust finishers. You also get LED fog lights, and front and rear parking sensors with a surround view camera system.
To add to the sporty, the TLX V6 A-Spec trim offers sportier bolstered front seats, electric power steering and a quicker steering ratio, ventilated front seats, LED ambient light and a wireless charging pad.
All the A-Spec models come equipped with the features found on the Acura TLX V6 that has had the Technology Package included. Also take note of the thick steering wheel on the A-Spec along with a red driver’s meter, brushed aluminum-look interior trim, stainless steel driver’s footrest and front and rear door sill trim. The trims on the 2018 Acura TLX include a choice of engine variations either the four-cylinder or a V6 along with a few add-on packages.
The TLX 2.4 comes with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, dual climate control and adjustable power front seats.
For the TLX 2.4L version, add the keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic wipers and 10 speakers.
On the TLX 3.5 trims, you get 18-inch wheels and with the TLX 3.5L add leather upholstery with a power-extending thigh support, remote engine start, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, windshield and steering wheel and auto-dimming side mirrors with a surround-view camera. The TLX 3.5-liter trim can also be upgraded with the A-Spec or Advance Packages.
Under the hood, the TLX 2.4L has a 2.4-liter engine with 206 horsepower and 182-pound feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.5-liter engine on the TLX 3.5 offers 290 horsepower and 267-pound feet of torque with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Safety on the 2018 Acura TLX includes driver, passenger, rear, side and rear head, side and rear body air bags, 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, auto-on headlights, daytime running lights, child safety locks, a rollover protection system, front and rear tow hooks, traction control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
Inside the 2018 Acura TLX, you will find dual screens offering information more than adequate. The screens are easy to use with one knob, but not always as intuitive when attempting to find a needed function quickly.
There is plenty of space in the front seat for legs and head and even in the back seat the space for legs and head is plenty except in the case of the tallest passengers.
The 60/40 split folding seats offer plenty of extra room when needed and the TLX has a good supply of storage for small items in the door panel, dash and console areas.
When driving the TLX, you feel the road. Depending on the trim, you get the power with the A-Spec taking this Acura to a new level. You will never doubt that feeling of hugging the road because you will feel it from behind the wheel. Handling overall is worth mentioning since this Acura is easy to drive offering a feeling of both strong comfort and performance. Very little noise gets through to the cabin on the TLX since the vehicle is equipped with an acoustic glass windshield and very effective door seals.
For a joy ride or the daily grind of getting to work and home, the 2018 Acura TLX makes the driving experience fun.
Should You Need to Know: The 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec offers five exterior colors and two new interior colors for 2018.
Miles: I drove the 2018 Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The 2018 Acura TLX 3.5L AWD A-Spec I drove had a price tag of $45,750.
For more auto tips and information, follow Rita @RitaCook13.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.