Acura’s just an SUV brand, right? Well, hold on for just one second. The NSX is
one of the coolest cars I’ve ever driven. The RLX Sport Hybrid is one of the best kept
secrets in the premium sedan segment. And now the TLX has undergone an A-Spec makeover,
with the smoothness of a non-turbo V6 and the road-hugging capability of Super Handling
All-Wheel Drive.
Acura’s got A-spec on the brain with plans to add this spicier flavor to every core model.
And with Type-S also making a comeback, it appears as though Honda’s premium division
is about to burst with newfound performance.
The TLX has been on the market for about 4 years now and this refreshed 2018 model has
finally captured the essence of luxury sport styling. I’m all in on the new grille and
more aggressive sculpting, especially on the A-spec where its darker side melds beautifully
with this Bellanova White Pearl paint. The spoiler, smoked taillights, darker Jewel Eye
LEDs, exclusive 19” wheels – the exterior package works really nicely here. Its subtleties
are its strong suit.
Starting with the 2019 model year, you can get this look on both the 4- and 6-cylinder
models, but the one I’m running with is the top dog 290 horsepower 3.5-liter TLX with
the optional $2,000 Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. MSRP with everything the TLX offers
as standard is $45,795. This includes such goodies as ventilated front seats, wireless
device charging, and LED ambient interior lighting. As is typical for the brand, the
driver’s sport seat is a perfect helm for sporty driving with excellent forward visibility
and gripping Alcantara inserts. You know how certain cars just feel right from behind
the wheel? Well, this is one of them. Now, you’re not getting more engine here
but the A-spec is better positioned to tap its fun. Beyond an all-weather solution,
the Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system with precise torque vectoring across the rear
axle is bundled with a quicker steering ratio and a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer
bar. In addition to riding on upsized Michelin rubber, this all leads to an energizing driving
experience marked by quick turn in, flat handling, precision steering feel and greater control.
Pressing the Dynamic Mode switch into Sport or Sport + enhances the drive with increased
throttle response, decreased steering assist and a more involved Super-Handling experience.
There are paddle shifters too plus surprisingly attractive sounds to accompany a ride quality
that is firm but sophisticatedly forgiving.
Everything’s got a turbo or 2 these days. And while that can be fun, I can’t tell
you how nice it is to drive something quick with a naturally aspirated V6. Especially
from the Honda family of engines – it’s just so direct and smooth in its output.
Plus, a sub 6-second 0-to-60mph time is very nice and the trick all-wheel drive system
is fun to explore. Now, it’s not rear drive-based so you lose a little fun in the
dynamic handling department and the 9-speed auto doesn’t seem like the best fit here
for a performance machine but everything else – from the seating position to the sounds
to the taut suspension make me say yes to the A-Spec.
Mileage on premium gas drops 1mpg in A-Spec livery, rated at 23mpg in combined driving.
The 2018 TLX is the first Acura to feature a refreshed dual-screen user interface that
supports Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and Sirius XM 2.0. New software improves the
system response time and the enhanced 7-inch touchscreen has a capacitive display that
is more responsive to the touch. All that being said, it’s mediocre at best and sure
to get the boot once the redesigned model arrives in about 2 years.
The additional A-Spec touches inside highlight an interior that’s held up well though the
years minus the 2 screens. I also like how the rear seats are elevated for better visibility,
with lots of headroom still left over. There’s plenty of room in general for both passengers
are cargo with splitfold rear seats. And as for AcuraWatch features – there’s Adaptive
Cruise Control, lane keeping assist and other collision mitigation electronics.
This is Acura’s bestselling car in its most desirable form. And just like you’d expect
from the brand, it’s perfectly balanced, appealing to the premium sedan shopper who
wants just the right amount of sport.