2024 Acura TLX Type S Review - A Mixed Bag

Since my first review of the TLX Type S, I've been itching to take one on my local canyon road to see how it performs when driven harder. Let's also explore whether the facelifted 2024 model is a significantly better all around sports sedan.
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[@josegarza3532]

For me, the Type S is best on the streets than anyone else for getting up to speed on the highway or passing up cars when merging with luxury and reliability in wet or dry conditions equally thanks to the SH-AWD. It might fall short on track or in the backroads, especially without grippy summer tires, but for daily driving it can’t be beat for the price.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It actually does well on the track. At MotorTrend's hot lap it beat the M340i, C43 AMG, Audi S4, and Lexus IS500.

[@Dyzzmo-]

Many reviewers get this wrong, the sport mode on the transmission is not a manual mode. What it basically does is hold on to the revs longer and higher.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It's true, the TLX Type S has been out for 3 years and reviewers still don't get this right.

[@aoescool]

i heard from another comment on another video they said if you hold down the s button it goes into true manual mode

[@Leo_Vasileio]

One thing I've learned many reviewers regurgitate what others reviews say

[@ratshackmojo]

So there’s no true “Manual” mode where the stupid transmission doesn’t force an upshift?

[@mahfah7911]

Aha that makes sense. So car does everything perfectly while keeping engine safe from wear and tear 😮

[@darianbryan21]

You don’t have to drag for the touchpad in the home menu. Each menu icon has its own space on the touchpad so you can just touch the spot that lines up with the menu screen.

[@CPMUNSEY]

Everyone in my area who has bought one of these has driven them for six months to a year and then traded them in. All of my local dealerships have tons of used ones that aren’t selling. That says a lot.

[@moisesescobarr]

I have been an owner of this car since 2021. Everything you’re saying it’s pretty much spot on. Im getting rid of the car next year because my stock transmission broke at 28K miles and now being at 46K mikes.. i don’t want to take the chances. Good detail review. Looks, Price and suspension and features for value is good but lacks performance, brakes, efficiency and reliability in my eyes

[@ryanb8736]

They just put a stop sale on this till November. If you own one, you can’t trade it in.

[@bannister556]

Good review. I appreciate the format and your insights.

[@tonysag9626]

I tested one and picked a IS500 F Sport instead, the weight and size were very noticeable. Also the brake by wire was way over sensitive more on off like a light switch which I didn’t like.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

I was looking at the IS500 but it's transmission was too lethargic. Also RWD on snow isn't practical.

[@dreamdrivedrift]

@@TheBreakfastLoverRWD w snow tires and LSD actually gets through most anything. Car then becomes limited only by ground clearance. I was easily getting through 6-7” in my old lowered E36 M3 on 245 width Blizzak WS70s in Ithaca passing AWD cars when going up massive hills. Plus RWD makes driving in the snow so much more fun. If 10+” is common then sure you need a SUV or truck but otherwise RWD cars generally do just fine in the snow. IS500 would be totally fine.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@dreamdrivedrift and SH-AWD with snow tires is even better. 👌

[@dreamdrivedrift]

@@TheBreakfastLover Better is subjective and AWD is not for me. Good luck doing big opposite lock drifts with SHAWD.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@dreamdrivedrift SH-AWD is objectively better than RWD when accelerating and handling in snow and ice.

[@1laimmiss]

I wish they made it a manual as an option.

[@Abdullahxvii]

no one would buy this car would ever get a manual hahaha

[@ka124as]

@@Abdullahxvii why are people buying the Integra?

[@jisin-td8ou]

@@Abdullahxvii Actually, a new report shows the manual sales are rising.

[@TIGERJS]

@@Abdullahxvii I'd definitely buy one in a manual!

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

Several things that stop me from purchasing this car: 1.) Without question, I would choose to downgrade the performance, from a Toyota Supra, if the TLX Type-S offered a manual (Honda makes some of the best manual transmissions). 2.) Why did they get rid of the beautiful rims, especially the sport performance rims/tires with the beautiful gunmetal Y-spoked rims. 3.) For the life of me, Honda/Acura offer a timing chain in this car. Not a deal breaker but...

[@ryanb8736]

It’s a shame that Acura killed any tuning on these. Head ports are so small to add more boost. They cut off max rpm at 6k. Not good. It’s a great driving car for someone who doesn’t want anymore power. A great daily driver.

[@user-wq5ws1qs7x]

False. People are tuning this vehicle and running 12’s with basic bolt ons and a small tune.

[@dmanatan]

Acura is most likely building and tuning the car for longevity.

[@drivescene6747]

Not this again lol. Bro I’ve already explained this to you. There is one guy running 11s and a lot of guys are in the low 12s with just ktuner

[@ryanb8736]

@@drivescene6747 Where’s his videos

[@ryanb8736]

@@drivescene6747 Show me proof

[@a32tl]

0:32 3.0L V6, not 3.5L.

[@Zygrene]

Good catch!

[@CocoaBob]

As a previous owner, I want to say, the lags of downshift + turbo are obvious, but once I test drove a Macan GTS, that's even worse... and the steering of TLX Type-S is very direct, but mine was the Y spike wheels + P-Zero tires. I hope they fixed the problem of CarPlay recognition with the new MDX center screen. There was about 20% chance that my iPhone wasn't recognized until I reboot the system. The same problem occurs on RDX as well (because they share the same multimedia system).

[@ryanb8736]

A Macan GTS would walk all over this. GTS has a powerband. This Tyoe s is done at 6k.

[@Maljey]

Hope you get a chance to drove a Kia Stinger GT or Genesis G70. This car's exterior is slightly bigger than Stinger but the interior is closer to G70 size, oddly enough. They all ocuupied a very similar price range new, when you add AWD to Stinger and G70.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

The Stinger was discontinued and the G70 is being discontinued.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@layne4376 Kia announced the Stinger's discontinuation right after Acura released the TLX Type S PMC Edition. Hardly a coincidence.

[@sunnyvalentino]

The whole car sounds synthetic. @fenton, how does the GR Corolla feel vs this?

[@Zygrene]

Totally different cars. GR Corolla feels so much lighter and nimbler, and has a great transmission. But nowhere near as nice to drive daily as the TLX Type S.

[@codename0barbatos160]

Why is it only the mdx gets the automatic telescopic and not the tlx

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I could live with this car being more of a luxury touring vehicle, give up some of the sporty dynamics, but the backseat on this thing is stupidly small (smaller than the Integra backseat) that it doesn't make it a great vehicle for anyone who needs to transport more than 2 people.

[@Derek-pq3zb]

Yes. Agreed…the back seat was an absolute deal breaker for me…not to mention at sticker this would’ve been a touch over $64k OTD in NY…hard pass…def a sharp looking car though

[@Zygrene]

This is an important point for those needing a sizable back seat. 1000 lbs heavier than the Integra but with smaller back seat is pretty unfortunate.

[@heavyevo]

I have the previous generation TLX Aspec. The transmission is honestly the major thing killing this cars enjoyment. Power is ok for what it is. Crazy that they havent gotten better at the transmission tuning

[@TheBreakfastLover]

The previous gen uses a different transmission from ZF. The current gen's transmission is made in-house by Honda.

[@heavyevo]

@TheBreakfastLover honestly didnt know that. Im actually surprised ZF made a horrible trans. The trans tuning still horrible. Slow shifting up and down. Sport mode is a joke.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@heavyevo yes, the ZF-made transmission was terrible on the previous generation TLX. Honda's in-house 10-speed in the current TLX has been rock solid though. It debuted on the 2018 Accord 2.0T, but it has upgraded components in the TLX Type S and shifts 40% quicker.

[@ryanb8736]

@@TheBreakfastLoverThe 10 speed is a non performance transmission. They built it in house to save money. If they wanted performance, they should have went ZF8speed. There’s a reason why their legendary NSX doesn’t have a 10 speed. They know it can’t handle it. That’s all you need to know. When a company can’t tout their amazing 10 speed in their top tier sports car, that says it all. The engineers know the limits of the 10 speed. Many 10 speeds have problems. Honda has never had good transmissions. Sad.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@ryanb8736 the ZF8 is for RWD-biased powertrains, the ZF9 is fitted for FWD-biased. The ZF9 sucked on the first gen TLX, the in-house 10AT is a much better pairing with the J-series engine.

[@freshtudef]

Since you own the type s integra, how about doing a pros and cons video of the tlx vs integra type s?

[@stevehorvat69]

It’s a 3.0 Liter turbo, not 3.5. The 3.5 naturally aspirated is still available in MDX with non Type-S trim.

[@thosetwodudes]

For me this would be my perfect car if it had a touchscreen infotainment and six speed manual. I must be the only one

[@mtshark7]

Awesome review man! Does this come in a manual?

[@DalSingh7775]

No, there is no manual option.

[@commonduck10]

Great review playa

[@ryanb8736]

The M340 is a much better car if you want no drama. TLX S has way too many shortcomings I can’t live with. Acura needs to do much better than this.

[@vnitto]

Totally agree just wish bmw reliability wasn’t terrible

[@mark5nb]

@@vnitto drivetrain reliability in new BMWs aren't "terrible", they're great even, it's mostly the electrical issues in the higher-end ones. BMW's drivetrain reliability is arguably better than these Type S; there have been multiple owners complaining about the 10-speed slipping and failing at low-mileage.

[@johnconnors5123]

Acura discontinued Tire and Wheel package from factory. Summer tires and Y spoke wheels only avail as dealer installed accessory. Costing 4-5X more than $800 option from factory. Pushing cost of car over 60K. I will pass

[@Zygrene]

I've been wanting to review an M340i for a long time. Seems like a true sports sedan.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

The TLX Type S somehow beat the M340i's time at MotorTrend's hot lap... 24.7 seconds TLX Type S 25.0 seconds M340i

[@leont4062]

Its a 3.0T v6 , 3.5 is nsx. Don’t mess with the paddle shifters.

[@thomaswhittaker6608]

I want one but I don't want red seats it sucks

[@chrissimmons9969]

While it’s certainly the in the same class of sedan but my 2.0 Accord also auto up shifted in manual mode. That was majorly annoying.

[@dmanatan]

Dynamically the car feels off to people because it doesn’t do what one would expect. The same was said about the NC1. The issue is the expectation. Acura’s computers still much in control dynamically. So in turn the car isn’t “doing what you want”. Acura thinks what you want is wrong 😂. All that said, dynamically the TLX-S is better than an IS500. This is evidence by the Lightning Lap times. Despite being 250lbs lighter and having nearly 120hp more the IS500 was only 1.8s faster at VIR. That tells me Acura knows what they’re doing with their SH-AWD system despite how reviewers feels the car should behave.

[@ratshackmojo]

I’m cross shopping these 2 cars as we speak to replace unreliable ‘17 540i. Wish I could take both of these cars to Big bear as I go up the mountain at least once a week and going downhill would negate SHAWD’s advantages and the 60/40 nose heavy TLX would likely show its weaknesses.

[@ShafinRehman]

I owned a '07 TL Type-S. Put almost 300,000 kms on it and loved it. I was one of the first in my city to put an order for the TLX Type-S back when it was introduced. When it arrived, I drove it not once, but twice. It didn't feel right. The power was okay, the AWD was good but the transmission really let me down. The steering was vague and agree with you on that. And the price in Canada after taxes was near $75k. I also had an Audi S5 on the radar but that was even more expensive for something that was maybe 1/10th better. Ended up with a Kia Stinger instead. Price wise, the performance was just too good. Plus the hatch was a huge practically bonus. About to hit 60,000 kms and it hasn't been 2 years yet. No regrets.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

What province do you live in? With taxes in Ontario it was $67k CAD in 2021 ($49.5K USD).

[@ShafinRehman]

@@TheBreakfastLover British Columbia. If I remember correctly, the MSRP was right at $60k, plus freight/PDI and other fees came to right about $63k before tax. In BC, it would be taxed at 15% as it would be above the $55k luxury tax bracket so total amounted to about $74-75k. That's before a interest on a loan and Acura's rates were awful. Even with 25% down, they wouldn't give me better than 6.99% and loyalty 1% since I was already an Acura owner. That's easily into the mid $80k range all in. That was a no from me. This is all in CAD. The Canadian Stinger is a bargain compared to the US MSRP.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@ShafinRehman BC's luxury tax is the problem, but I thought 15% was for vehicles >$100k.

[@ShafinRehman]

@@TheBreakfastLover I agree that it is a problem, considering mainstream brands now average right at $55k these days. Also, here's the BC luxury tax breakdown: under $55k is 12%, $55-56k is 13%, $56-57k is 14%, $57-$125k is 15% (this price range really should be moved up), $125-150k is 20% and above $150k that is $25%. For the general public and includes GST+PST. Commercial vehicles may be different.

[@johnmoran756]

It’s not touch screen?!?!

[@DK-455]

You need to let this transmission shift on its own, dont bother with the paddles

[@vnitto]

lol my cx5 holds gears in manual mode

[@scotthilly5653]

Great video as always man! Curious what the location of your road is. Is there an email or anything we can contact you via?

[@Zygrene]

Shoot me an email. Check my bio.

[@pmiahky]

Great video. I could have had this car as my local dealer in Nashville wanted to put me in one for a GREAT deal coming from a 21 TLX ASpec SHAWD. My ASpec just felt so clunky and heavy. Wacky transmission as you have depicted. I decided to go in a totally different direction and waited 3.5 months for an IS500 with those BBS wheels, Mark Lev, etc. Loving it!

[@plm8830]

Honda knows what they are doing as 1 of 4 acura TLX are type S which is phenomenal. For Honda that is a hit and success. Definitely they are ok with that and I'm sure they are profitable line of car for them.

[@MikeForsythe]

The TL used to sell 60-70,000 copies a year. The TSX sold 30-40,000 copies a year. So about 100k a year in its heyday. Last year they barely sold 14,000. Most are fwd. One of the worst selling in class. Definitely not a success.

[@Projectprohonda2009]

I ❤ it imma get one tune it up and the Mdx types

[@megatrolltrollington]

You sound like a wine reviewer, fartting into your own glass and sniffing it.

[@G8xm3kel]

Nice car but I need 400hp in 2024 man. 353 is cool but we’re competing w m340 Lexus is500 Audi s4 s3 cmon man

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

Exactly, Acura had the nerve to send this in 355hp.....that's an insult to the buying public

[@alphasaur]

Please review a Giulia in veloce trim. Having experienced both of these cars it makes the tlx type s irrelevant. The giulia has far better steering feel, weighs 700lb less, and acceleration numbers is way closer than it should be.

[@richardj3715]

What's the reliability like?

[@alphasaur]

@@richardj3715 the 4 cylinder is actually reliable. Engine is very stout. Transmission is a zf8. Minor electrical issues but can be remedied by replacing the OEM battery.

[@boneharvester_eth4021]

Is this highway 41?

[@Dogeyess]

I guess A-spec is more practical

[@cdnstache]

Considering this as a daily to go with my 07 AP2. Thoughts? Better options?

[@Zygrene]

As a pure daily with some sportiness, it's great. As long as you don't need a large back seat.

[@SH-AWDY]

Send it.

[@dreamdrivedrift]

CTR, ITS, IS500 are all more convincing options. - a fellow AP2 owner.

[@Kiloechonovember1]

I have an AP2 and the TLX is a perfect daily driver for me. The seats, stereo and ride are much appreciated since I do 2 to 3k miles per month.

[@cdnstache]

@@ZygreneI ended up pulling the trigger and got a 2024 in Tiger Eye Pearl. Great companion car to the S2000. I am pleased overall with this decision.

[@LeonidDragun]

Probably targeting an older customer who just is not going to hustle it around.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

Savagegeese said it best, this car is great at 7/10ths, and they enjoyed driving it, but anything more than that they recommended a 340i even though it costs more

[@alphabeta8403]

1:40 58/42 nose heavy weight distribution, WITH the battery in the trunk 😂 2:00 Overweight 3:00 No touchscreen for $60k+? 😂 4:35 10 gears, abysmal MPG 6:30 Disconnected feeling 8:00 Auto upshifts suck; touchy brakes 9:30 Sport mode 10:40 *Disappointing driving dynamics*

[@FF4EVA]

Its not even in BMW M340i category in terms of acceleration...and everything else.

[@royaltyallen1162]

Whats the road name?

[@senorgato70]

The fact that this guy even makes any type of reference to M3/M5 acceleration numbers makes me question his assessment. Nowhere would anyone expect a Type-S to rival a true M (or AMG or RS for that matter) in any performance metric.

[@bennyang8049]

@zygrene @6:50, does it wash out due to weight or are you not feeling the rear wheels rotate the car in the turns?

[@nyanya6131]

You should asked Raity Ride Guys maybe..😂

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

Underwhelming performance for the price

[@somethingtactical]

3.0 liter

[@Digiphex]

Removing lots of leather and replacing it with plastic based fabric saves Acura millions but looks like crap.

[@KK-tt6ui]

Too heavy and the gear selector is stupid. Will be buying used in 2-3 years

[@Kiloechonovember1]

Agreed and agreed. I bought a used one, no regrets.

[@rahsaanrb]

The IS 500’s interior is ugly compared to the TLX Type S. That car doesn’t even have real leather seats.

[@JamesBrown-ny2dw]

This thing is only slightly faster than the Lexus IS350 on track with its stronger engine. That says a lot about its handling around corners and its weight.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

the TLX Type S beat the Lexus IS500, BMW M340i, Audi S4, Cadillac CT5-V, and Mercedes-AMG C43 at MotorTrend's hot lap. See the numbers for yourself, the TLX did a 24.7 second lap.

[@JamesBrown-ny2dw]

I'm seeing 25.4 vs 25 for motortrend figure 8 lap times. Might as well get a better tire on that IS to get better lap times lol @@TheBreakfastLover

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@JamesBrown-ny2dw the 2024 TLX Type S did it in 24.7 seconds. The 2021 Type S did 25.0 seconds (which still beats the IS500, let alone the IS350).

[@JamesBrown-ny2dw]

there is no real mechanical updates. so its either human error or weather difference. you will know after you drive both. the more curve you have in the track, the IS will perform better. @@TheBreakfastLover

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@JamesBrown-ny2dw Acura updated the transmission programming in Sport+ for 2024, and both Car & Driver and MotorTrend got quicker acceleration times in the 2024 vs the 2021. And whatever opinion you have, the TLX Type S still has the quicker lap time at MotorTrend, just facts.

[@erimei8478]

GOD FORBID Acura just build a RWD platform.

[@MrNodeee]

AWD better than RWD.

[@edwardcm9175]

IS 500 better imo,

[@TeeDee-j9u]

Just keep in automatic

[@rahsaanrb]

Simple as that. I owned the 2021 and just got the 2024 and I never used manual mode