2024 Acura TLX Type S | MotorWeek Road Test

While the recent and highly successful relaunch of the Acura Integra has been hogging most of the brand’s headlines, the Integra is not the only sporty car that Acura builds. In fact, it’s the all-wheel-drive TLX Type S that remains Acura’s quickest and best handling sport sedan. Add in numerous updates for 2024 and it clearly demands our attention once again.
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[@cornbread70s4]

Mr Davis, you’re a national legend. Thanks you for decades of auto reviews! Been watching you and Motorweek since the early 90’s. God bless you sir…

[@RS35cyl]

Yes indeed!

[@fp5495]

Must you say this on EVERY Motorweek post??? Focus on the subject OF the post.

[@Payne_Inc.]

Wow, he's been doing these reviews over 30 years. My 97 Accord is trying to keep pace with him.

[@nickpearce2968]

I bought my 24 A-spec 6 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I chose this model because for $11k CAD less than the type S, the fuel economy is a bit better and you're still getting great speed (0-60 in 5.9s) and the crazy crisp SH-AWD, and all of the looks and creature comforts. There are seemingly few on the road too, if a little uniqueness matters to you.

[@hellkitty1014]

The Honda 2.0T is a PROVEN engine. Some guys here in the States have tuned them to within an inch of their lives and they don't break. Sure the V6 sounds better, but I love the nature of the 2.0T as well.

[@brianmadison7166]

I prefer analog gauges and a real lever gear selector. Too many screens and buttons in cars these days.

[@fp5495]

The wheels look cheap too.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Had a 2022 TLX Type S. A few cars later I now have a 2024 Integra Type S

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

@@IceTTom😂😂😂😂

[@erimei8478]

Save yourself the effort and buy a proper RWD sports sedan.

[@virgilwyatt4632]

Why the slight down grade?

[@truonghthe]

@@virgilwyatt4632 I don't get the down grade? i mean you are right, he just lost 1000 lbs of useless weight.

[@virgilwyatt4632]

@@truonghthe I wouldn't say useless. The TLX is a bigger cars in its own rights. It also has an all wheel drive platform which of course will add weight to the vehicle. But here in Michigan, the added weight is better during the slippery winter seasons. Also, the TLX better accommodates my 6'1'' frame. I just wanted to know why he went to a smaller Type S. Cheaper monthly payments perhaps?

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Beautiful set of wheels. If only I could afford it.

[@economiccrisis9267]

I'm gonna stack paper by any means necessary until I can afford one.

[@jrod237]

Drone footage at the track was really nice, makes me appreciate more the testing that occurs on this channel. Loving this since the 90’s

[@cmair77]

5 seconds flat for a 60k sport sedan, not bad at all. It wasn't that long ago that 5 seconds was the domain of sports cars.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

it can actually do 60 in 4.6 seconds

[@layne4376]

It is a lot slower than the class, however. When there are work trucks getting that number you know that Acura has lost its way. The quarter mile time and trap speed is low for today's performance cars. And that braking is horrid for a performance sedan. Sad.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@layne4376 it beat the M340i, C43 AMG, and Audi S4's lap time at MotorTrend's Figure-8.

[@senorgato70]

@@layne4376”lost its way”? You clearly don’t know Acura. They have never been about ripping through 0-60 times even when they made Type-R’s.

[@layne4376]

@@senorgato70 When the Integra Type R was originally released, there was no competition. It was at the top of the class in performance. When the TL Type S dropped, it was quicker than the competition, handled better, and braked better. All of this while being FWD and much less expensive. Now we have this 4200 lb behemoth that debuted as the slowest car in the class, with marginal braking, and nose heavy handling. It has almost no back seat room and limited utility (there is a cross beam that prevents seat pass through). It's fuel economy is abysmal. Having said that, you are correct on one thing - this is not a Type R. Acura does SUV's well and should probably stick to it. BTW, Acura is using a GM for their new EV. Lost their way? Damn straight.

[@aonforme3349]

My 2009 TL Tech V6 is still humming along nicely. I keep up the maintenance, and the few people that happen to ride along can't believe it is about 15yrs old w/200k miles. Only nag I had was an oil pressure sensor (spending unit).

[@hellkitty1014]

I like the small but meaningful updates of the TLX. The simplified lineup with more standard equipmemt makes more sense. Thd Type-S didnt really need any cosmetic enhancements because its such a striking car. And it is perhaps one of the better sounding performance V6s on sale today(though an Alfa OR JLR V6 is another notch up). My main concerns are the 4200lbs, big size, ok-ish braking and handling, and tight back seat. Very confounding combination.

[@dohc1067]

I would gladly take this over the European competition. I wish Acura sales were better.

[@layne4376]

There is no European competition. All are better built, much quicker, handle better, and kill this in luxury and fuel economy.

[@oscarevans3966]

​@layne4376 yet is more dependable, looks way better, and much less maintenance cost. Type is for the win!

[@user-kx7iz6qk6b]

​@@layne4376Better build, don't make me laugh 😆 😂, Highly doubt it.

[@user-kx7iz6qk6b]

​@@layne4376They spend more time in at the dealership because they fall apart, not even dependable cost tens of thousandths more, maintenence costs twice as much and loses its worth 2 times faster. Get out of here, Acura de-tunes their engines. Just get a k-tune or Hondata. It looks way better than of the junk European cats, period.

[@layne4376]

@@user-kx7iz6qk6b Current generations - absolutely better build quality. You are using subjective 'feelings' which is irrelevant. Facts Baby.

[@TheBanwait8]

ONCE AGAIN.....someone needs to complain about the trackpad, infotainment system. I think it's really good and touch screens are awful because most will fail in a few years...think of our smartphones which need an upgrade every couple of years. Buttons on this vehicle are awesome...I enjoy my TLX.

[@Wiseman189]

The top of that 3 L engine looks scary 😬 I'm glad my mechanic days are almost over 😂😂😂

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It's actually well spaced and easy to access

[@layne4376]

@@TheBreakfastLover He is a mechanic and you think he is wrong. lol

[@anthonykiedis1765]

​@@layne4376he said it looks scary, not that it is. He probably never had to work on one since it's a newer Acura and likely doesn't have many issues.

[@user-do9ir8lv2m]

Best in class

[@ADF-fe7fv]

Now this is a REAL Acura!

[@demal1010]

I love how the front looks like the latest nsx

[@mrgurulittle7000]

The TLX is a great car. I prefer the Integra because it’s smaller and more nimble, but this is a great choice.

[@tpp4007]

I use to watch this guy as a kid in PBS.

[@pokerfred68]

Love the looks of this, the interior is nice. However I can’t imagine not touching the infotainment screen. The 0-60 and gas mileage is less than competitors. The braking distance is more than the competitors. The price is great, but I would choose the G70 V6 over the Acura if price were a factor. BMW M340 or Audi S4 are the better choices in this segment.

[@Mike-lt6sj]

It beats the g70 and the g70 is being discontinued just like the stinger. No one buys them.

[@82_KID]

I want one!

[@gladdy02]

Only review I've seen that says that the back seats are big enough for adults

[@roberthoyt7921]

Will the outgoing TLX (including the TLX Type S) get a mid-cycle facelift soon?

[@pinkisforpimps]

This is the mid cycle refresh

[@roberthoyt7921]

@@pinkisforpimps Will the next TLX be renamed as the Vigor as the ILX was renamed as the Integra not long ago?

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

I really love this car and I'll get it

[@allentoyokawa9068]

This car is worth it in every way and there is nothing wrong with that screen

[@aminuabdullahi5922]

Great vehicle, but I stand by the nation that if it had 400hp it’d be perfect

[@TheRasta4ri]

Something doesn't sound Wright with this engine TLX looks good overall

[@ShafinRehman]

I had preordered the TLX Type-S when i still had my 3G TL Type-S. Drove the TLX twice, along with an Audi S5 and the Kia Stinger before deciding the Acura wasn't good enough. The transmission issues (sometimes incredibly slow or unresponsive, and no full manual mode), the awful infotainment system and cramped interior were too much. The engine was smooth but didnt have the sense of urgency the others had. My 3G TL was replaced by the Stinger instead, thanks to the practical hatch and value. No regreats 2 years and 66,000 kms later. The Acura does look great though.

[@layne4376]

You chose wisely.

[@lynxmh]

Front wheel drive based transverse engine placement ruins it. Solid powertrain would have been much better utilized in a longitudinal rear wheel drive bias all-wheel-drive set up

[@layne4376]

100%

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@flyjarrett]

I really like the TLX. Seriously considering getting one, but have heard unfavorable reviews about the infotainment system.

[@justme307]

The TLX Type S is not the car for you. Check Consumer Reports for best infotainment systems in vehicles.

[@Jay-dp5wp]

Don’t let an infotainment system stop you from getting a car you like, that’s silly

[@flyjarrett]

@@justme307 thanks, but I stopped trusting Consumer Reports long ago. In 1999 they had the Mitsubishi Galant as recommended, so I bought it. Worst car I ever had.

[@20gravedigger11]

So a couple points on that from a 2-time touch-pad user: - It's definitely not as bad as they say. There are definitely worse systems out there. I thought the Lexus' system was horrible before they switched to a touch screen. Where it fails the most (in my opinion) is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because the one-to-one touch aspect of the touchpad doesn't work in those applications. You can't just "touch" the app icon you want... you have swipe left-right, up-down for everything, which is a bit cumbersome when you're navigating inside an app like Waze. - I had a 2021 RDX and am now in a 2023. The 2023 had software updates and they have greatly improved responsiveness of the system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also wireless, so they connect at start-up. No more lagging menu to menu or when you scroll. For me the bigger complaint is how cheaply made the touchpad is. It has a lot of play in it because it acts a button as well. They have corrected that though... - In the RDX specifically (not sure about other cars in the Acura lineup), for 2024, they fixed the fitting/mount for the touchpad, and now it is solid like a track pad on a MacBook Pro. There's literally no play in it at all. This helps with accuracy when clicking on menu items. So another good improvement. - If you haven't heard, the MDX was just refreshed for 2025 and Acura was clearly listening to customers because they have ditched the touchpad in lieu of a full touchscreen, with newer software and the built-in Nav is now powered by Google Maps. Huge improvement and one that will slowly make its way into the rest of the Acura lineup. So... here's what I would suggest for you: - Don't ride it off until you take it for a spin. The car has so many positives that this shouldn't deter you without at least a test drive. It's truly not as bad as they say. Is a touchscreen better? Yes... but this is manageable. I found that if I spent about 15 minutes in the driveway after taking delivery to plug-in my radio presets and vehicle settings, then I don't use it much at all. And with wireless CarPlay, I do so much with Siri commands that now, I basically only use that and the steering wheel controls. I barely use the touchpad. - If you're very concerned, then you could probably wait for another year for Acura to phase-out the touchpad across all models, but personally, touchpad or not, I still think it's worth a test drive. It's a fantastic car! Good luck!

[@henrygraterol]

@flyjarrett The MDX just got an infotainment update for 2024. I would expect the TLX to get a similar update soon to alíviate this issue. Unless Acura decides to wait for the next major update.

[@chrisb9478]

Awesome, reliable sport sedan for the money!

[@ljc1821]

Nice, but I'll stick w/R cf

[@therealjayseh]

What color do you have sir? Ummmm, Primer Clear Coat LoL

[@kevinberry5793]

How can a vehicle emit more weight in carbon than the weight of the fuel it burns? I’m getting about 2 tons of fuel used!

[@sergiosilveira5235]

Because a large part of the CO2 generated by the combustion comes from the oxygen used from the air the engine sucks. So a lot of the mass emiitted does not come from the fuel.

[@williamdavis4809]

That's a nice looking car

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

An Acura on 20s is the way to go.

[@matty_o]

I would think stops should be 110ft or less

[@BlindMansRevenge2002]

It’s the 20 inch wheels and tire combination. If they would’ve slapped a set of 18s on that, those Brambos would probably be doing a lot better.

[@layne4376]

@@BlindMansRevenge2002 Its the incredible 4200 lbs of lard.

[@TheTechCguy]

I love me some Japanese luxury sedans!

[@hawkstringfellow]

Mpg is horrible

[@thesharkking1120]

0 to 60 in 5.0 seconds and they have the gall to call it a performance sedan? Cmon Acura you can do better than that. What a pig!! On a more positive note, MW always does such comprehensive test reviews!

[@matty_o]

I was hoping for at least a ,4.8 seconds. An Audi A4 is going 4.9

[@yvanouellet3398]

Redline Reviews got 4,76 sec with it..

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

.2 of a second, wow. You probably won't get that when you drive it anyways.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

They were testing on an unprepped track so it's certainly quicker than 5.0 seconds. Car & Driver got 4.6 seconds.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@yvanouellet3398 4 POINT 76 not comma

[@layne4376]

Yeah - most tests are 5 seconds or worse. The S4 is 4.2. The M340 is 3.7. It gets worse at higher speeds - this traps about the same speed as a VW GTI!

[@tonyoliver2330]

Calling it now, all these digital displays are going to be recalled due to breaking prematurely and automakers will be forced to have analog gauges. They want to cheap out and say it’s “premium”

[@TheBanwait8]

Totally agree with you - anything digital is bound to fail. There is no way a digital dial or screen can last 20 yrs similar to an analog. I got the 2023 so it has analog and i like it.

[@gudalawrence3746]

This car and the is500 Lexus makes it difficult to focus solely on the German rivals only.

[@johnjohnmcclane1818]

Cadillac builda a better sports sedan than anything to ever come out of Japan.

[@justme307]

@@johnjohnmcclane1818 Skyline R32 4-doors were being built over 3 decades ago when Cadillac was just learning how to make 4-valve motors to stuff into overweight and ill-handling sedans.

[@johnjohnmcclane1818]

@@justme307 Ok, and since then? Anything that ever came to the atatea?

[@justme307]

@@johnjohnmcclane1818 Sounds like you're not familiar with JDM performance. Soarer, Legacy, too many to list, but will also mention Acura Integra GS-R 4-door built after the 1990 R32's.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

German cars are overpriced, unreliable junk

[@G-Force_70]

Put this motor in the Ridgeline!

[@Mx5pro]

Seeing this car in tiger eye pearl gold on a sunny afternoon definitely puts this cement color to shame

[@thewiseguy3529]

Clear coat primer metallic lol

[@cbotten106]

It may be quickest 0-60 mph but I'm guessing the Integra Type-S would be faster on a winding road.

[@thatfordguy2268]

Nice car, I like. They definetely did not get an accurate 1/4 mile time, 13.5@105mph...? Does that sound right to you? I trapped a 14.89@108mph🤔

[@justme307]

Does to me. I used to run 13.8 @ 102 in a moderately-modified 1969 Camaro.

[@hellkitty1014]

Its MT: They ALWAYS have the worst times. The quoted 5.0 seconds for a Charger Scat Pack as well.😂

[@layne4376]

Yeah - it is slow. But your time is weird. That trap speed should have put you in the low 13's not almost 15.

[@user-rt4ct6tq3r]

@@hellkitty1014 Chargers are fat cows.

[@grriceman782]

What's up with all that fake waffle iron cladding up front instead of much needed LED fog lights?

[@Superdimensional]

Functional venting, there’s coolers behind those.

[@grriceman782]

@@Superdimensional Good to know, at this price point I’d hope so

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@nsxmatt]

No they sit for months on lots. We had one at my dealer so long they made it a loaner car.

[@chriszawertany5242]

Who's the gang member driving with all the tattoos?

[@86anhhuy]

No touch screen

[@AnthonyParrilloRI]

It’s gotta be quicker on the quarter mile and to 60

[@user-cj4sm8hv9y]

Type A Positive

[@oreally8605]

Motorweek you got the wrong times on the 2008-2015 Scion xB. 5 speed is 15.8 automatic is 16.4 via MotorTrend. Tell your test drivers how to launch. I know it's a decade or more later, but still.

[@unvjustintime1]

I would skip the car due to no touch screen

[@mrd5024]

They need to make a coupe. Nobody needs 4 doors on a sports car

[@justme307]

A coupe would kill the TLX. Two-doors fell out of favor a couple of decades ago when SUV and crossovers overtook car sales.

[@Neon_Dre]

Nsx ?

[@nickpearce2968]

I do, I'm a 48 year old dad and executive and I love driving. This is a great car for people like me. If you want a fast coupe, that's why there's an Integra.

[@justme307]

@@nickpearce2968 The 2024 Integra is a 4-door. Back in the day there were 2- and 4-door, no longer have that choice.

[@tempestsquall5882]

Nah I love sport sedans, I'd only get a couple as a weekend car

[@PsychicMedium4747]

BMW may have a good year here and there for reliability, but Acura and Lexus have decades of reliability associated with their brand. I would never trust German brands for reliability until they have a solid decade under their belt.

[@bill4632]

That trap speed seems a little slow, considering the supposed hp. 🙄

[@Spidernick88]

They don't even sell 20k of these things a year.

[@renaldoharris7951]

says u?

[@3joewj]

Integra type S is 51k

[@fp5495]

The wheel design is really pedestrian looking. It downgrades the look of a car that already struggles to look premium.

[@TheRealQuekko]

355 hp is actually impressive

[@user-rt4ct6tq3r]

Not in a 4200lb pig.

[@TheRealQuekko]

@@user-rt4ct6tq3r same as Camry or any other sedan……

[@brianschooley3833]

Must be a heavy car. 0 to 60 in 5 seconds, seems disappointing, and it's too bad, you won't see these on the road. Like the older acuras. They where all over the place..not now

[@nickpearce2968]

4200lbs, it's a heavy luxury sedan

[@KeithSchwerin]

It's more that its less power than most of its direct competition, but also handles better and is cheaper than the others also.

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

5.0 seconds is very good. I don't know what you want.

[@hellkitty1014]

Very heavy for the class. 500lbs more than a M340i, about 300 more than G70.

[@brianschooley3833]

@hellkitty1014 is the problem with acura..these days..they have gotten hefty

[@jamaicanbobsledder1569]

I was looking forward to this car and i can co fidently say that i am very disappointed.

[@gumbie007]

Hey Acura….Hint: not enough power! Need to be in 400 hp to even be considered into the club. 🤔🤨🙄

[@JayJay-he9bk]

It’s not bad for a daily

[@evythefish21]

I have a 2022 model. The panel gaps, wind noise, and other small nuisances make this 45k sedan feel like a Hyundai/Kia product rather than a Honda product. The ELS is amazing, even after a blown speaker. Engine pulls well enough. 25 MPG is generous. If you can get one used for 40ish. It’s a good deal.

[@tempestsquall5882]

Acura has always been this way. My 98 RL msrp even back in the day was 42k and the quality is just meh

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Worth every penny, and there is NO gaps or wind noises and this is FAR better than a hYuNdAi or kIA; so stop trolling

[@user-do9ir8lv2m]

yeah bull, not true

[@arivette2010]

​@@allentoyokawa9068hell, even those have come a long way.

[@evythefish21]

I’m a fan. My father worked for Honda - Acura for 25 years. I’m not throwing shade, I’m telling the truth. I like the car, it’s a great highway cruiser. Just not what I’d expect from Honda. I’ll take pics of the gaps, and show the dealer receipts for the wind noise, broken speakers.

[@QuickStix26]

The pads and rotors on this Type S are garbage, as many owners such as myself have expressed.

[@demal1010]

Braking distance is more about traction, hence tires and surface, than the brakes unless you're talking about fade

[@lesterclaypool2194]

My 200 hp 86 fox did the quarter @13.8 in 1997 w/5-speed headers and k/n 🤣🤣🤣

[@truonghthe]

Type Slow.

[@sjhudon386]

I don't like the interior

[@robertblanchard6196]

Hand tattoos c'mon motorweek

[@user-vg9lf5uy7o]

They must sell about 7 of these a year.

[@nateisright]

All sedans should be liftbacks.

[@kp6042]

Not sure I wanna give Acura $55k for a TLX

[@nsxmatt]

It’s a heavy overpriced old technology car. And I’ve worked for Acura for 4 years. You can get almost the same performance out of the much lighter 2.0 car. Even then driving it, it’s loud, rough, and just seems like it’s 10 years behind the competition.

[@gigi9467]

50k for a fwd 4 banger lol just buy an accord

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

This is a 6 cylinder, not a 4 banger.

[@gigi9467]

@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn base one is bro. 48k and still fwd no awd that is a joke

[@Aki_Lesbrinco]

You seem pretty out of touch. There are a bunch of $50k 4 banger cars in the market. In itself is not necessarily a bad thing, but I sure miss the days when $40k and up cars had at least 6 cylinders.

[@evythefish21]

@@gigi9467 “base is a bro” 😂😂😂

[@gsxellence]

Why do we keep testing the same crap? 3rd Gen TL is still the best.

[@alphabeta8403]

Bizarre design-sized like an Accord but interior space worse than a Civic. 4:00 Integra-S is a MUCH better buy; lighter on its feet, better MPG and will hold value better.

[@johnjones393]

So you're now hiring reviewers with tattoos on their hands. Stay classy MW.

[@johnj8782]

Too slow for $60000

[@user-do9ir8lv2m]

umm no it is not

[@hunter7e7]

Q50RS 0-69 in 4.5, sorry faux Honda Accord

[@sp4604]

5 seconds lol no thanks

[@user-kx7iz6qk6b]

Better than any European junk and American junk 🤣

[@stevemcgowen]

I don't understand the market for this. It's expensive and looks bloated and Americanized. In this class here are much better options.

[@billyrock8305]

Spoiled College kids will love this. If you 20 and a narcissistic this is for you! 😊 Brutal fuel economy and no hybrid-brutal. 5.0 Seconds!! Slow 😂😂

[@realbeetlejuice]

5.0s 0-60..... underwhelming................

[@jeffreyscott5799]

Oh good another unattainable overpriced vehicle I can’t afford until I hit the powerball

[@Thankyou_3]

These are low quality Acuras. Not very well made….

[@chrisa.8175]

No! Not worth it!!!!! If 20,000 cheaper.. Suv rule!

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

SUV is for women.

[@rjscott6116]

Honda Accord ++. Maybey Accord type R. This is why Acura couldn't truly compete after the first generation v6 Accord (aka legend). Just like lincoln they simply gussy up their mainstream products and charge a heavy premium. You won't see many of these things driving around and i could safely bet my life on the validity of that statement. A Half-assed, half harted challenger at best.