The 2021 Acura TLX is a Precision-Crafted Luxury Sedan | MotorWeek Road Test

[@JJPMustang]

Can’t remember the last time I said, “good looking new Acura!” Big improvement!!

[@michaelmcmillon5933]

Remember the ugly beak grill 🤣🤣🤣

[@09NXN06]

You have to go back in the 90s imo!

[@JJPMustang]

@@09NXN06 I’d say 04-08 TL was sharp but otherwise I really agree with you!

[@ono3869]

For me, it was in 2004 when the TL 3rd Gen came out. Bought that car, will be buying this one as well!

[@09NXN06]

@@JJPMustang Yes! Agree

[@MegaHolymoly]

These look SO good in person

[@wrightcodyj]

They have a wonderful stance to them, a bit intimidating coming up in the rear view!

[@June63_]

I KNOW RIGHT!

[@RCnAZ-y3z]

Especially the Burgundy color.

[@inomad]

I saw an A-Spec the other day. It looks good in person.

[@XenomorphLV426]

Did it have fake exhaust tips?

[@AFCompany]

@@XenomorphLV426 Acura doesn’t do fake exhaust tips

[@smokesgtp]

@@AFCompany they should. They never get dirty and nobody notices.

[@tylerharvey8299]

Yes! I saw my first A Spec last week in Red and they are mean! That new front end has such a great stance on the road!

[@AFCompany]

@@tylerharvey8299 ya I saw a silver A-spec two days ago and was shocked how much better it looks in person. The back was so aggressive and sporty looking.

[@ivan72087]

@1:40 that pearl white sparkles✨😍

[@bobsmithinson2050]

Always a delight to hear John Davis’s commentary. He’s legendary himself

[@dontelindsey5846]

I've been watching him since I was a kid. He's the Mr. Rodgers of the auto world.

[@texan903]

Sadly, this wonderful car will be overlooked for frumpy, cookie cutter CUVs.

[@sepehr7402]

Sad

[@borninhk1]

It will be overlooked until Honda develops a RWD platform. Also, the engine has inferior MPG vs BMW 330i.

[@MidnightAspec]

@@borninhk1 Acura makes up for it in reliability.....particularly LONG TERM reliability. Safe to say second owners aren't going to have to fear much with Acura.

[@borninhk1]

@@MidnightAspec Can Acura not develop a RWD AND make it reliable? They had one in 2008, until GFC shelved it.

[@peace4myheart]

Gotta say, I like the new direction in design for Acura. Looks very good.

[@richardbenz8861]

I bought a 2018 M3 a few years back, but if I was looking at a regular 3 series I would pick the TLX instead.

[@pbfloyd13]

Especially after seeing the new design BMW is going with, YIKES.

[@DUNEATV]

I bought a left over 2020 TLX with a SIGNIFICANT discount! Surprised how good the car is...I really love it!

[@mikea5205]

This would look even more incredible as a coupe.

[@oneviwatara9384]

NSX?

[@mikea5205]

@@oneviwatara9384 - I absolutely love the NSX, problem is it's $175k.

[@omairsh8]

They should release a coupe variant for the type S, but there won't be many buyers for it.

[@zillsburyy1]

"cars are like life, you get nothing for free. im john davis, thissss IS ,.. motorweek!"

[@davidaubin3902]

John is still a great host and narrator for the road and comparison tests from this to the NSX

[@genericexcuse4737]

This would look great as a coupe, because it looks good as a sedan

[@jimb8695]

If it was a coupe, it would look quite similar to Mustang I think.

[@omairsh8]

@@jimb8695 would look closer to an R8 even

[@rightlanehog3151]

"Roomier except in back" Is that a paradox , riddle or enigma wrapped inside a mystery? BTW I'm so old I remember when Acura offered manual transmissions in their sport sedans.

[@alexvignola5011]

Last time was 2015 in the ILX

[@irfanr1120]

Most brands don't offer manual anymore, it's not just an Acura thing.

[@Shabbe02]

@@irfanr1120 And they are stupid for doing that.

[@RebelPMP]

@@Shabbe02 from a driving enthusiast standpoint, it does take away. It is getting harder to find decent handling cars that are MT, but I also get it from a business perspective. they are not selling enough anywhere to justify investing in the design and implementation of MT in cars these days :-(

[@thetreblerebel]

A manual would be great. Stiffer suspension too

[@Olimpeace]

Hope my grandchildren are watching spaceship reviews with John Davis! The old man is doing great!

[@povking1460]

Will make a great used car in 5 years for people who don't like SUVs

[@sprthrwwychnnl73]

Ain’t nobody gonna buy them new so they’ll be tough to track down.

[@lucastheproducer995]

@CJ Malone is that why I have a 2007 TL with 250,000 miles running strong and still have a retail value of 5,000 lol you don’t know shit

[@valdiswallace830]

It’s slower than the accord 0-60

[@lucastheproducer995]

@@valdiswallace830 the type s comes out this year lol

[@lucastheproducer995]

@CJ Malone you’re not making any sense

[@dlg5485]

1:39 Damn that pearlescent paint looks amazing.

[@jamalraja9157]

Wow, that 2.0 liter is putting in work. 0-60 in 5.8 lol. That's impressive.

[@covidhoax7646]

Slower than Accord... lol..

[@jamalraja9157]

@@covidhoax7646 Good point actually, and it's FWD too, and looks just as good. Makes it hard to consider the TLX.

[@omairsh8]

272 hp is amazing from a 2 litre 4 cylinder. Makes me think they could have extracted more than 400hp in the type S. Excited to see reviews of that soon!

[@covidhoax7646]

@@omairsh8 No it’s not. 136 hp/l from a blown engine is very modest. The problem with TLX is weight. 600 lb heavier than Accord is embarrassing!

[@mediacritic]

Can we stop with black rims at some point?

[@steveespinola7652]

Never, they look awesome. What's wrong with you.??

[@omairsh8]

If these rims were better designed the black wouldn't bug you. Their styling is the car's only weakness, it's sexy otherwise

[@johnfranklin5277]

@@steveespinola7652 black rims look like shit. Just like a car missing the hub caps.

[@steveespinola7652]

Your opinion but I respect it 🙂

[@project.dfilms423]

Acura is back 👍🏻

[@dlg5485]

This 2.0 turbo has clearly become Honda's go-to powertrain and I'm not mad about it. I do prefer naturally aspirated power, but that ship has just about sailed and many turbos are being tuned to 'feel' more like NA engines these days anyway. In any case, there's no point in fighting it because the writing is on the wall.

[@danc1197]

The previous gen V6 will still be on the road long after these new ones are recycled. When was the last time you've seen a high mileage 4cyl turbo on the road still running?

[@dlg5485]

@@danc1197 My point is simply that it doesn't matter how great the old V6 is if you can no longer buy one. Point is, there's no point in complaining about things you can't control. You can always buy an older V6 model and keep it forever. I own a Honda Ridgeline with the 3.5 V6 and I plan to keep that as my daily driver for as long as it runs, but I'd have no problem buying a new Honda. They've addressed the issues they had with their turbos in the early years. Also, I'm a firm believer that good scheduled maintenance is all you need to make most vehicles last. Most people neglect maint and then complain when they have problems.

[@Busandrailfan]

I just had one as a loaner vehicle. Not too bad compared to my 2015. The 2021 feels like a sportscar with the low roofline

[@DJMotoVlogs]

I dont get the rear seat room issue, the Accord eventhough it doesnt share the same platform anymore has a huge back seat with a lot of legroom. I do like the wider, lower, longer look of the TLX. Saw an A-spec the other day and even my mom commented on how good it looked.

[@TheBreakfastLover]

It's simple, the wheelbase is longer but it mostly went to expanding the dash‐to‐axle space, not the cabin.

[@theyadmire511]

And the TLX was designed to fit a v6 turbo, while the accord was designed around an inline turbo 4.

[@lexanon5315]

0-60 isn’t everything, it’s about the experience as a driver. I’ve been in an accord, it does not compare to the refinement you get in a TLX. Build Materials, Seats, Sound System, Insulation. 9/10 you’re not punching it from the get go in normal driving conditions.

[@MrAsh-cw5cq]

It looks so good

[@domjfante8140]

This is beautiful, I'd gladly rock one of these over a BMW or Merc. Much better looking imo.

[@kristians2704]

it might look better but it doesn’t drive as good and doesn’t have as nice interior

[@McRocket]

I love that 'exploding' grill.

[@VaughnJogVlog]

I don’t cate for the shake, but like the explosion.

[@jriley1992]

Acura is making a comeback 🙏🙌

[@iamthedutchbro]

Acura absolutely knocked it out of the park!

[@digitaldoc100]

Too bad that the Honda Accord with the 2.0T bests this new Acura TLX in testing. About the only reason to go for the TLX is the AWD.

[@Av3ntur0zky]

Safety, refinement , premium. Over all you get alot more than just awd. I take a Acura TLX over a honda Accord anytime !

[@ashrick718]

Yea the Accord’s interior is cheaply built compared to this.. and the sound system in the TLX is amazing

[@yankeeverse]

LOL cute

[@trb1589]

wait for type s

[@moisesescobarr]

Look closer 😂 I disagree with what you get...

[@philclarke7712]

I did not know that this dude is still going. Brilliant. I've not been in the US since 1992.

[@Discussions1]

I like the quality of this car. I like it's exterior looks better than the Lexus ES 350 F-SPORT. Although I like the interior of the ES 350 better. This car's built quality is far better than the Honda Accord's. Just like the built quality of the ES 350 is far better than the Camry's. Mentioning that the Accord is faster than this car is like mentioning the fact of the V6 Camry is faster than the ES 350 F-SPORT. The TLX and the ES 350 are entry level luxury cars. That means they are affordable, comfortable, and built with refinement. Once you sit in an ES 350 or a TLX you will care less about 0-60 times. Although I must mention these two entry-level luxury vehicles are not slow by any stretch of the imagination. So don't cheat yourself treat yourself to something better...something more refined.

[@profuse007]

I can't believe HOnda almost perfect the "FWD platform"

[@f181234]

They already have with the DC2 Integra Type R

[@SantanKGhey1234]

FWD platform reserved for Econoboxes.. Acura continues to be the Economy wanna be Luxury brand...

[@brittoncoil2518]

@@SantanKGhey1234 then what is Audi? Many of their models come standard with fwd??

[@SantanKGhey1234]

@@brittoncoil2518 yes snd they are the underperforming lower models... RWD platforms are always superior...

[@TheBreakfastLover]

@@f181234 and don't forget the Prelude Type SH

[@InsertFlashyName]

Fastest Acura sedan you've tested? Guess you forgot about the RLX Sport Hybrid and its 377hp and near 5 second flat 0-60 eh? I wish a motorweek had been done on the last year 2020 model, definitely an acura that flew under the radar

[@rfaradiofreeamerica8392]

Nicest Acura Sedan In Many Years . Looks Great Imo.

[@michaelhorner4011]

I think a base Acura TLX should have at least a 2.5 turbo with at least 320 hp / 320 ft lb .

[@lloydhudson6463]

That would be nice, then they could bring in the Type-S with over 400 hp.

[@tomdolgin5441]

I 2nd that! These cars look sooo badass in person. The front end is head turning on the road.

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

It looks great but on the outside I still prefer its elder brother the '10 TL SH AWD, but the interior is just downright awesome!!

[@ekgcanadianenthusiast9961]

I love it way better than the jaguar xe

[@shaun7126]

Look like an Audi and a Buick made a baby

[@sharedknowledge6640]

At least Acura’s are no longer the most ugly cars in their class. Lexus now holds that title.

[@shaunp6963]

I've been watching Motor Week for years it's an awesome show ,the cars are great but John Davis for me is the star.😉

[@zzanatos2001]

I am planning to get the new TLX Type S (350 horsepower turbo V6 version) after I give it some time to make sure it doesn't have any problems. I have a 2003 Acura TL Type S that I bought new, and it's still a great car: 300 horsepower V-Tec and rock-solid reliable after almost 200,000 miles.

[@MikeJones-on9vm]

Nice, those still look good even in 2021

[@Paparoachfanalways]

Remember that upside down triangle chrome grill? That was hideous and now this spiderweb diamond trapezoid shape grill makes this car look great....the front end is so cool I just love the styling ques of this car!

[@dohc1067]

I think its a nice looking and well performing sedan based upon the video. It is strange that during Motor Trend's car of the year awards, they stated it had a slow shifting transmission and below class MPG vs its competition. Then again they also rated the Rav4 as below average and yet it is the best selling SUV/CUV in america. I still think Acura makes good cars with great seats for sure, but it did appear to be tight on legroom in the back. Its still a nice piece of technology inside and out though.

[@papagen00]

I like MotorWeek's short reviews unlike other KZbinrs that drone on and on ad nauseum.

[@joskjj3625]

So much better than the old tlx

[@Yoda8232]

As a past 3rd generation 2007 Acura TL Type S owner with the 6 speed manual in Kinetic Blue Pearl, I'm waiting for the return of a real Type S! Hopefully soon! ♥️

[@papagen00]

I want a very soft car with a comfortable ride and zero feel of the road and noises. Any suggestion?

[@mikeytylutki2940]

The gas mileage on mine is HORRIBLE. I average maybe 19-21mpg 🥴. It’s the Advance SH-AWD

[@moisesescobarr]

Got my A-Spec with white and red seats with the SH-AWD. Been getting nothing but compliments and stares 😂 i can only imagine the Type S 👀

[@oneviwatara9384]

Just increase the boost.

[@omairsh8]

Lucky guy! It's super sexy, I'm considering the red A-Spec. Looks gorgeous

[@LeoM-zt3pl]

10-13 Acura TL SH-AWD 6 speed manual sedans did 0-60 in 5.2 and 1/4 in 13.8 @ 101 mph

[@cesarreynoso9773]

What a beaut! Need the Type S already 😍

[@turbinegraphics16]

A lot of attractive cars coming out recently.

[@DaewooFestiva23]

post that video with the tiger truck!! i cant find it!

[@senseicorey9979]

How, in 2021 are cars still going from 60-0 in more than 110-120 feet? A late 90s subaru SVX did it in like 96 feet, have brakes not improved over time? or are cars just fat now?

[@joaquinrosendezarco5560]

Brakes have been improved scince the 90's, but the avarage car is way more heavy now than back then. This kind of cars have increased their wheight about 600 pownds in 30 years, so four ABS disc brakes and new tire tecnology is not always enough. But not all cars suffer this kind of increase in the brake distance over the years. For example, smaller cars haven't increased their wheight so much in the same period, because they don't carry the same amount of luxury and reforces than a mid-size, but their brakes did improve a lot, so new small cars have (in avarage) a better performance in this tests.

[@ZIGZAG12345]

Weirdly enough I think the shortest stopping distance I've seen on this channel was a huge heavy Porsche Cayenne, which did 60-0 in 84 feet! ABS wasn't 100% about shorter stopping distances either, it was more about the everyman non-great-drivers still having control when they're emergency braking.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Chunky Monkey

[@thejake8099]

3:30 the RLX hybrid would dust this car, I'm surprised it MW says they haven't tested it..

[@joskjj3625]

Can’t wait for the type s

[@bruceh92]

Thankfully Acuras aren't hit with the Honda ugly stick.

[@manthony225]

Good looking car. How much longer till Acura goes to an all- crossover lineup tho?

[@scherzva]

Gross.

[@mamamina0095]

So, this review wasn't filmed in the 90s?

[@RaY_77W]

Best 0-60 run I’ve seen from this car

[@classiccorvettesmusclecars5846]

How do you not complain about that stupid annoying stop/start?? I drove a car once with it and it drove me insane! So glad Mazda never put that garbage on their cars.

[@JDMHaze]

I believe you have the option to turn it off, Chevy Econo shit boxes like the equinox and Malibu don't have an off button for that... Maybe that's why they didn't complain

[@povking1460]

It's so funny when you are sitting at the light and all those engines start firing up as people creep foward!

[@timothyforce1949]

Uhm, I'm supposed to want to trade my 2015 Accord V6 for this slower 4 cylinder Acura? Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful car, but for that much money for a mid-sized sedan I don't think so. I would live through 3.0 turbo, but might cost close to $60 grand. My Accord still rides like new, I think I'll wait

[@albertclark2225]

My 2019 2.0 Honda Accord is faster than this you think they would have realize that with their new redesign

[@joshgardner6272]

You can thank the epa... needs to getter better fuel economy. Not faster

[@houseofno]

@@albertclark2225 Please explain to us how a 250 hp 2.0L turbo four translates into being a faster car than a 260 hp 3.0L naturally aspirated V6? That "slower" V6 will be continuing to power your Accord long after that stupid turbo eats its turbine and leaves the owner with a $10,000 bill for an out of warranty replacement.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Backseat in this Acura is crazy tight, in no way would this be an alternative to an Accord for those who need that backseat room.

[@ryb2189]

Test result is sketchy there's no doubt the accord will smoke this TLX yet motorweek got 5.8 for the Aspec and 6.5 for the Accord.

[@mauriciowinston5293]

It's all fun and games until the 2.0T accord comes out to whip some tail. Lol

[@tomfaz4193]

It looks like a great car but disappointed in the trend to put low profile on these cars. They provide little traction in snow and wear out sooner than conventional tires. They give a harsher ride because there isn’t sidewall to absorb potholes. I wish Acura would offer regular tires on the Advance model.

[@katazack]

My wife has a new RDX. The infotainment system is a monumental pain as is the push button shifter. Plus, her RDX will run close to this version of the TLX. Not a real compelling option for sports sedan buyers. The S will be much quicker, but I think the Genesis G-70 is a better all-around value if you want an Asian luxury sports sedan.

[@normt430]

"...According to J.D. Power research data, 65% of TLX buyers are men, matching the average for the Compact Premium Car segment. They are slightly older than average (58 years of age vs. 56), and they're making less money than average, ..."

[@keeperzero]

I test drove this car it's really small on the inside compared to the last one

[@qmto]

Obviously named after Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec which featured the back of the Acura CL on the cover.

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

Acura: The Forgotten Car Company. Acura: The Best Car Nobody Cares About. Acura: Where's The Press? Acura: Why Doesn't Doug Demuro Love Me? Acura: DAMN YOU, LEXUS!

[@Dragunov302]

I really hope they make a manual available

[@sailordave1000]

Exterior is much better than in recent past. Interior dash seems just too busy with all the electronics cluttering up the front and center console.

[@Zickcermacity]

Doesn't this underpin the contemporary Accord?

[@deaversmith2593]

Bring back the RLX

[@boris2997]

1994 Acura Legend 2 door is still the best looking Acura ever made

[@michaelpennacchio712]

It's kinda strange that Honda has always had a signature style ( since the 80's ) but Acura has been out since 86 and they couldn't figure out a signature style. With luxury cars Mercedes, Bmw and Audi have always had a signature style. So Acura doesn't stand out in the crowded luxury segment.

[@zachbackar5389]

I love my new TLX A-SPEC SH-AWD. Drives amazing.

[@dmanatan]

I guess they never tested the 2012 TL 6MT that could run to 60 in 5.2s

[@skillz1855]

Good looking cat but the specs are that of the 92 preludes Vtec 30 years ago

[@albertclark2225]

Too bad it's still slower than the 2.0 Honda Accord!

[@ashrick718]

Lmaooo you watched that video too 🤣

[@dfhhtyu3434]

Why would they make slow??

[@sepehr7402]

That 2.0 Accord looks much more powerful than what Honda say's

[@RomaneMaticaliseGordon]

To be fair, the 2.0t Accord is quicker than many cars that’s more powerful than the Accord, it’s like a cheat code at this point.

[@dfhhtyu3434]

@@RomaneMaticaliseGordon but it can’t go past 125

[@GGY1976]

My 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid does 0-60 in 5 seconds.

[@drivescene6747]

Your sport hybrid also has a hundred more horsepower than this car

[@stuffaroundthehouse655]

That's a nice Accord.

[@mccraejoey82]

I watch a video and the 2018 honda accord ate the new 2021 acura tlx up racing both were stock that worries me alot but its a great looking car

[@georgeschannel9411]

I wish this was a global Honda model. You yanks definitely get the best of lexus/infiniti/Acura.

[@Shabbe02]

Yes, this should have been sold as the Honda Accord in europe for example.

[@khailils446]

@@Shabbe02 this is significantly more expensive than the accord

[@Shabbe02]

@@khailils446 i know that, The TSX was sold in europé as the Accord before.

[@sjohnson7879]

I LIKE good work Honda

[@thetreblerebel]

Oh I'd drive an ASpec

[@omairsh8]

Yeah exactly, no competition for me. The more aggressive styling really suits the car

[@thewiseguy3529]

Dayum! Looks like if Lamborghini made a sedan. That is a bad ass looking ride. Unbelievable

[@eyes7054]

Reminds me of the Acura Legend, beautiful

[@ConsciousRobot]

I love that interior

[@xFlared]

I swear I though I was watching a 90s car show and then I noticed a 2021 TLX.

[@mraurora]

NOT the fastest Acura sedan you've tested. Come on Motorweek.

[@raymondhaley6185]

The original car was fast and furiously sporty, lightweight and quick, the new generation is more tech heavy than before, which means they're aiming for a higher echelon hotrod oriented driver's now.

[@pbfloyd13]

This and the Kia Stinger are on my shortlist of cars I would upgrade to.

[@pokerfred68]

Type S is the only way to buy one of these.

[@Soh90]

John Davis. The Godfather of automotive journalism. Stand by and take notes kids

[@jp554731]

Waiting for the comeback of the type s review

[@VAR1UM]

Once you see the panel gaps all around that hood - you cant stop. Honestly better off buying a 5-15 year old low millage Acura TL. This looks like a fisher price toy inside with the mode selector.

[@MrRubbish05]

So 45k for 14second 1/4 mile?? I hope Ilx gets 2.0L turbo

[@2laidragon]

The interior looks good at first but after you spend more time in it, you’ll find it quite busy looking compared with the previous one. The previous seems cleaner and more simple and will age better in the long run compared with this. The previous one also lighter and the rear seat roomier than this one.

[@sjohnson7879]

This one looks much better, hands down. Interior and exterior. I traded my older one in for this and I'm glad I did. Very sharp inside and out when comparing it to the previous generation which now looks when looking at this beauty. Good job Honda🙏

[@jacobyo99]

The length of the hood looks ridiculous