The Hottest Acura Sedan Ever | 2022 Acura TLX Type S Review

The TLX Type S is the hottest Acura sedan ever produced, but does that make it a serious contender in the luxury space? Yes and no. Why? The answer mainly has to do with weight which is the enemy of all performance metrics.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @aautobuyersguide
Buy Merch! aoamerch.com
Our Other Channel: The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobuyersguide/

[@srp21y]

I took the plunge and ordered the same exact car as the one in this video . The only difference is not having the upgraded rims and the summer tire option . Alex is right , real world handling is excellent thanks to the SH all wheel drive , it really works and can you feel it when you put the power down in a corner, it tightens your line tremendously, it’s plenty quick and that 3D audio system is tremendous, it’s unbelievable . The bang for the buck in this car is really the high point , mine was 52k and I drove the Genesis G70 , the interior feels dated in that vehicle but it did feel faster , oh and the engine and exhaust note to me sounds better in the Type S , this is also a rare car , you don’t see any around , so resale will probably be better in the long term . I’ve Been very impressed with my purchase , great video Alex keep it up !!!!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

I’m very glad that you were able to buy your Acura TLX Type S for $52K at MSRP. Enjoy! All the greedy stealerships in my area are adding a $10K mark up. Love seeing reliable cars from Lexus, Acura, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda selling well.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Bang for buck that’s overpriced

[@srp21y]

@@curiosityredpill7030 yes you can’t get all that for that price , the car is fully loaded .

[@chiemekaa]

Nice. How are you finding the user interface, particularly the touch pad?

[@srp21y]

@@chiemekaa it’s super easy now , and to be honest driving the car and how it makes you feel at least to me is the way more important part , I Traded in a Honda Civic Type R and that had a touch screen but was painfully slow to respond compared to this one , and the audio in this car is really something special to hear , it’s got speakers in the ceiling , you really get engulfed with the sound .

[@zatornagirroc7175]

One of these days, people will understand this car. There really is no competitor to it. Alex said if it was his money, he would lean towards the G70, and I get why. The G70 is an enthusiasts car - RWD cars always will be better for performance than a FWD or AWD car. They will always feel better. But the Type S isn't about being for an enthusiast - it's about your ordinary person that wants something a little more than just a 4 door sedan. The RWD biased cars are maybe more fun, but in the rainy pacific northwest, I really want a performance oriented car that is AWD. Touch screens are dumb - they collect fingerprints. This car is so much more accessible to people - your driving skill level does not need to be near so high to get the smiles per hour. So I get it - drivers of BMWs, Audis, MBs, even G70s will laugh at me behind my back (or even to my face) - and I wont care, because I will have a car that is in all ways much more suited to the way that I drive than their cars are. And I will still be driving it 10 years later still running strong while they are still chasing the curve and spending even more money. Which is fine - it's theirs to spend.

[@CG-rb4xo]

You've written the best comment here.

[@entertained...]

if i took anything from the comments in the tlx and integra videos, it's that "enthusiasts" are some really stupid, fickle people who like to complain about cars they've never even stepped foot in - their emotions seem to override their ability to think logically and reasonably.

[@caglioso]

For those who don’t know, Acura Sean is the new mascot and brand ambassador for Acura North America. I met him at my local dealership and he was handing out popcorn and hot dogs. For Xmas Acura Sean will be replacing Santa at all local malls and elves will be replaced with Honda Steve’s. It’s the season of precision crafted performance. V-tec not included.

[@Soh90]

Lol “V-tec not included” 😂😂

[@billyjean2905]

I definitely love this channel's reviews. Though Throttle House and TheStraightPipes are entertaining and savagegeese is cinematic, I love his plain, neutral, unpretentious and objective review. I can't stop thinking car reviewers on KZbin these days are somewhat overdoing something. Plain information on newly released cars is the first, and entertainment is the second.

[@kolt9051]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Leah006]

Noboss is the best

[@stgeorgee]

I nominate Alex and Pat (Pat’s Garage) to host Motorweek. They have the perfect voice for PBS. (Not being sarcastic. I love PBS and NPR).

[@ChristopherB806]

Best and most comprehensive review of this car yet. Thank you Alex! ❤️

[@jameshayward8533]

I agree. And much more refined than in earlier reviews when he had that twitching going on.

[@Oatsdumbchannel]

I forgot they announced the highly anticipated "Sean", didn't think it would come out of concept!

[@a32tl]

I must have missed something. What is the deal with, "Sean", that keeps getting mentioned in the comments?

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@a32tl I was wondering too, I was thinking Alex probably had a typo in the title Sean when it should’ve been Sedan, but then Alex has corrected it.

[@a32tl]

@@blackwhirlwind1245 I had that same thought but the comments seemed over the top for that kind of typo but maybe that was it.

[@cperaltas9000]

Alex, Your reviews are one of the best! Great job! I think I agree with your review. THROTTLE HOUSE found the Type S to be disappointing. But Motor Trend seems to agree with you about handling and performance. Motor Trend said: It's worth noting that rivals like the Audi S4, BMW M340i, and Genesis G70 3.3T are all quicker to 60 mph. Simply put, they just launch harder than the Type S does, but once we twisted the steering wheel in the figure-eight test, the Type S outperformed the Audi and tied the BMW. Not bad for something that's down on power to the Bimmer and much heavier than either German.

[@entertained...]

exactly; i think you buy cars based on priorities, and acura shoppers generally prioritize value/overall package above 0-60 times.

[@mclovin5199]

oooh shots fired on the throttle house

[@Tinrs80]

One of these was on the interstate behind me and i was thinking " whatever that Acura is its Wide and low" lol but looked pretty nice

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

It is a great review, especially the way of a presentation giving parameters in an easy and a comparable view. I wish other presenters follow the approach.

[@bill7481]

The camera doesn’t do this car justice. It looks so much better in person. However, in this segment I would pick the Genesis.

[@nickcaesar7650]

Reliability, resale & dealer experience all to the Acura.

[@XavierMathewsEntertainment]

@@nickcaesar7650 idk about the reliability part.

[@joshgutierrez7380]

Hell no lol genesis sucks in terms of reliability

[@hakeemsd70m]

Acura all day. Genesis doesn't have anything that can match the TLX Type-S.

[@Vox-Populi]

Your fluid, fact filled presentation style is excellent. I love this car. Acura has a unique niche; quality, comfort and a tinge of performance at an affordable price.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

If the Acura TLX Type S was only $45K for 350HP AWD Luxury, then it would have been legendary for the revival of the Acura brand and a great Luxury sport sedan deal. However, at $55,000 the flaws within the TLX’s design become far more unfortunate and honestly unforgivable: Especially when parked next to a Genesis G70 3.3T AWD Sport. At the bare minimum, the Acura TLX Type S should have been the most affordable, practical, and pragmatic even if it wasn’t quite on par with the rest of the segment in outright performance. Instead, Acura gave us an overpriced heavy boat with less rear seat legroom than a Honda Civic Type R. Not much of a “luxury” sedan when none of your passengers can even sit in the car comfortably. Acura and Lexus having been resting on their “perceived reliability” laurels for far too long, they need to continually prove their reliability because as it stands, they are losing in reliability, safety, and technology to Toyota/Honda/Mazda. The final nail in the coffin is the $10,000 mark ups over MSRP that greedy American dealerships are charging. Nobody in their right mind paying $65,000+ on this.

[@omgitsme435]

Don't forget the second worst infotainment and far behind the Germans and Koreans

[@Soh90]

Yes, thank you. Genesis is going to tear through Acura in the next few years. And I’m saying this as an Acura fan. I wouldn’t even buy this Type-S over a Stinger GT. Let alone a Lexus IS-500 with a NA V8 or a M340i that is an absolute weapon in disguise.

[@boneknuckles8965]

I agree with everything here. Additionally - all automakers have greatly increased reliability as technology, RnD and materials have advanced. In my eyes the Japanese auto makers can’t rely on reliability as the main selling point anymore and things are getting stale in my opinion everywhere else. Personally I don’t keep a car for more than 4-5 years anymore and most warranties cover the most if not all of that time period anyways. I know the TLX is allegedly targeting the S4. But - I cross shopped with the S3. They end up being the same-ish price but the Audi is more up to date on cabin tech and from what I can tell on pictures and video reviews the Audi S3 has more backseat leg room and in a smaller package. I think the TLX looks cool and has Acura heading in the right direction. But they cut too many weird corners in creature comforts. No touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, rear chargers or rear seat heaters? My wife’s 18 civic has all but the wireless CarPlay and the newest civics have that. 🤯

[@jarethholub7099]

@@Soh90 stinger’s fake hood vents/scoops are a huge turnoff

[@KELWHITESIDE]

Yes! The video I’ve been waiting for since I saw your Instagram post with the Type S! I’ve had my Type S for about a month now & I absolutely love it! Thanks for the excellent review as always, Alex!

[@ednchicago]

Hi Alex, amazing review!!! I have a question: what do you think about reliability and longevity for these vehicles? I keep seeing all the experienced mechanics like Scotty saying that car makers like Genesis, Volvo and even BMW make cars that break much earlier than Honda and Toyota. Keep up these amazing videos!!!

[@covidhoax7646]

This should have been the base TLX. This maybe the best TLX-S review on KZbin. Great job!

[@suserman7775]

I had a much more negative opinion on this car until Alex delivered a better explanation than the other channels have. Seems like this car has so many engineering shortcomings in packaging, but at the end of the day the effectiveness of SH-AWD saved the day. I still think the G70 rules this class, and to think Acura had the benefit of time yet STILL came up short.

[@ciello___8307]

its size is definitely different. Its a much larger car than the G70, 3 series, etc but its also a lot less than the germans in terms of pricing

[@suserman7775]

@Ciello ___ you missed the part about how this car is bigger on the outside but smaller on the inside.

[@drivescene6747]

The G70 does not rule this class, that honor goes to the M340i.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, We have to hand it to Acura, I never thought we would see a sedan with less headroom than a Lexus IS but somehow Acura did it!

[@Toyota4Life]

A over weight/Obese car with no interior room.

[@ARentz07]

I'm glad I went with the IS now lol. My 5-foot-11 mother-in-law is occasionally a backseat passenger in mine.

[@stgeorgee]

Nice review. I ordered my TLX type s with this exact spec. I am going to have the underbody/rear spoilers, heated steering wheel and black out badges, added by the dealer.

[@DigitalChaoS]

I love this video very much and thank you. I agree with all of these points, having a Type-S myself and almost reaching my first 10,000 miles on the odometer, it's been an absolute blast and a pleasure. Acura really have outdone themselves with this car. Worth every penny!

[@Toyota4Life]

Said no one ever 😂😂

[@DigitalChaoS]

@@Toyota4Life does that mean I am no one?

[@v60polestar88]

Another wishy washy Acura product. Such a huge disappointment!! This thing can barely beat a Accord 2.0T. .5.0 sec to 60 is way to slow for such a overhyped car

[@DigitalChaoS]

@@v60polestar88 you're not the first one, I've encountered many people who have complained about the same thing about it's speed. But, I didn't buy it for speed alone. I bought it for reliability, efficiency, and how sexy it looks. Honda/Acura is an established brand and well known. But then again it's my first new car and coming from an 04 Acura TL, for me it's huge lol.

[@RagingBullNuts]

@@v60polestar88 It’s gonna be another beast with Full bolt ons and a tune. 500hp no problem.

[@weirdshibainu]

I really like the Sean...can't wait for the Sedan.

[@nsu300zx]

I'd go with either the Genesis or CT4- V

[@jaddyrose9318]

Finally someone thats not a HATER review on TLX Type S

[@dreamfunction4491]

Very good report. Thanks.

[@ivanlowjones]

I might pick a fully specced Kia Stinger GT2 AWD, over this Type S.

[@Soh90]

And you would be a very smart buyer as a Stinger GT absolutely bodied this car in every way.

[@jiljwc]

I was about to say the same thing! Run me the Stinger GT2 AWD and they can have the underwhelming Type S.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Alex On Autos, Who is "Acura Sean?"

[@andrewkennedy9704]

Te hotest acra sean evr

[@inevahdie]

Damn. You beat me to it

[@FoolishImp]

Sean is 🔥

[@kostaspiliopoulos1531]

You beat me to it.

[@lex350us]

Sedan

[@milliebays1801]

Solid review. Got to the nuance of what makes hondas great.

[@galactictomato1434]

The TLX is way too big. The long hood idea was a bad one.

[@foadrightnow5725]

I really loved my 2002 Aegean Blue Pearl TL Type S! The best looking TL of them all, IMHO.

[@cayennepeppa707]

Hi Alex. Curious, do you think this car could be sportier IF it had a 6-speed stick option to it with a limited slip differential? Otherwise, the more I learn about this car, the more I'm liking it. Thanks. Really good review.

[@justins8895]

Sean does sound dreamy! 😉 Excellent review...you are the best in the business.

[@chrisdaley4897]

I guess if you buy one you know what to name it.

[@courtneymolloy9814]

I love both my acuras. I have the tl and the older type s. I can't wait to get my hands on this one

[@Javierm0n0]

Please dont change the title, we love it xD

[@jcwatts5000]

Pick up mines 3 weeks ago only complaint I got is that I wish they could of put a little more red leader in the bottom of the dash like the MDX

[@ljpr360]

I don't know if I can agree with that (about it being the best Acura) the performance gains over the outgoing RLX Hybrid are a bit lame for the fuel economy penalties. However the lower starting price can't be argued with... & Japanese reliablity over European sloppiness everytime.

[@jameshayward8533]

I went to Acura for a TL in 2005, that I still Have, after I tried out that European "Sloppiness" in the form of a 2004 BMW 330i.

[@DylanandJazi]

@@jameshayward8533 what’s the tl’s mileage? I have an 05 that just got to 187k and it’s still running but needs new front suspension like it’s control arm bushings and maybe an axel.

[@omerta113311]

very good review. good narrator.

[@EDKsurly]

Excellent review.

[@Popcornbeetle]

Great review. Unfortunately Honda just not pushing things enough to make a difference.

[@VPoje]

I agree and here in Canada the price is ridiculus, higher then a 340i.

[@bbbt8090]

My favorite 4 door sport sedan under 60k

[@Emurselovic]

Not to be confused with the Lamborghini Sian. (Well done on the review, as always! :P)

[@marknatanael6915]

How does the Acura's highway driving feel when compared to the G70 or the Stinger? Does it feel more planted because of the extra weight? How does the front driver's seat feel when compared to the Stinger GT2?

[@sammydavis991]

Alex is a factor of 10 better than other reviewers

[@rtyugsaf]

Yes, other reviewers fill their videos with useless BS.

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

Alex, I think you made a mistake in "The Heaviest". To me it's G70 or Stinger, TLX just isn't in the same league - too many flaws.

[@2006gtobob]

After 35+ years, I will NEVER understand why Honda hasn't allowed Acura to develop and sell a REAR WHEEL DRIVE car for its mainstream platforms to actually compete and steal sales from BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. Honda just doesn't "get it" as it plods along with relatively slow sales and cars without legendary names in its Acura division.

[@chiemekaa]

I'm frankly disappointed too, especially coming from the same company that's made something as fantastic as the S2000.

[@Soh90]

Baffles me too. When I heard that the TLX would be on a new platform I was very excited. Imagine my face when I learned that Acura was developing a bespoke FRONT WHEEL DRIVE platform. I mean, what’s the point? Might as well use the Accord’s platform. And judging by how heavy this thing is, using the Accord’s platform would have been better. SH-AWD is not a fix for a sedan weighing more that 4,200 lbs with 60% of its weight hanging in front of its front wheels. That’s just physics.

[@edysinsimon8646]

Always a throughly look at a nice sporty sedan. I kinda wished I could get this engine/drivetrain in the standard exterior/interior colors. However its still a very decent sporty sedan.

[@JayJay-he9bk]

I think a refreshed type s will be the way to go that’s if they add the missing features from the advanced. I think the power is perfect for a daily car. It’s really only 0.5 sec or less slower. Will be interested to see what they do with the 2023 model.

[@damilolaakanni]

With what Acura did with the 2023 integra prototype, I'm not expecting much.

[@joshuaalan7580]

Power and weight be damned, this has the best looking frontend of any car in its segment with the chrome blacked out. The headlights are beautiful, and the radar lens disappears from view when you look at it long enough.

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

What's the difference between cornering being more fun in the Type-S and G70 being better. More fun sound like the direction I would want to go, but I'm not sure about better. I would think that better would be more fun. I brought the 2022 Type-S and I love it. I've driven the Genisis and it doesn't 'feel' as good to me. However, I am biased having driven Honda/Acura for 40 years. Driving on a winding road puts a very big smile on my face. 0-60 is good in my book. If you torque brake the car it gets under 5 seconds. If the 'competition' isn't riding alongside me, I wouldn't know they are faster, at least not in a matter of a half-second. I've driven cars more than a full second faster to 60 and I can feel the difference in that case. G-forces are too much for me. Type-S is a sweet spot in acceleration, price, handling, and fun for my needs. By the way, I didn't pay anything over MSRP except for the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and the shipping and handling.

[@eduardoforneck3335]

Acura did what nobody could: combine all the drawbacks of a FWD and RWD but none of the benefits.

[@diasporael7563]

EXACTLY

[@diasporael7563]

Technically this make the Kia Stinger superior in every way.

[@DrBrainrape]

Infiniti Q50 red sport over this car

[@zero11010]

That’s a bold statement! There was a sedan version of the Integra GSR.

[@atmartens]

I think it’s a great package and deal. I own a TL Type S and a RDX, and this makes me excited for the brand. The touch pad isn’t going any where but I wish they’d go with touch screen. I personally am excited for the RDX Type S if it’ll ever come…

[@khafrebevins3025]

It’s coming with the all new RDX 2023 or 2024

[@JoeTryn]

​@@khafrebevins3025where ?

[@StrappedCleric91]

hey alex how would you compare this TLX to a BMW 540i, or an E class and a Audi A6? i havent heard much you compare to those vehicles since a TLX is a tweener car

[@IsolestiK]

meh performance. Stinger GT, G70, S4, S5 etc. there are just too many other models with better performance to consider.

[@damilolaakanni]

IS500. It has way more power than this, a great sounding V8 (all the other cars you mentioned have a turbocharged or supercharged V6) and rear wheel drive. But you'll pay significantly for that much performance.

[@gelotilza3788]

Hey alex can you do a review on the new civic hatchback ….thx

[@x1bl0odman]

Im basic when it comes to car colors, i.e black and white but ooof this car looked so good when I saw it a couple of nights ago

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

I love Acura cars!! I'm buying this car Alex.

[@gabevillarreal96]

I believe textures on dash and doors should be exact on a car of this caliber. At least very similar and exact in quality.

[@sasesq4000]

Hey Alex. At 17:30, you mention adding more power to help with handling on turns. Do you mean simply accelerating, or is there a setting you can adjust to assist with the corner turn handling?

[@booboojuice44]

push the accelerator

[@joeseeking3572]

Of all the online (new car) reviewers, and I subscribe to a number of them, AA offers the most bang for the buck. Rational, comparative, backed by facts, unhyped. He is the accountant, or if you prefer, the engineer, of the bunch and will be the one I consider most seriously when it's time to replace the current vehicle.

[@Xeyedjohn]

Alex didn't go over the buttons to the left of the steering column. I wonder if HUD is there?

[@GoofieNewfie]

Thanks Alex. Great as always. Just to point out, in Canada this car comes with a useless 360 cam, but still no HUD. In Canada it's 59,500 for the boring colors,and 60k even for the rest. Add an insane $2400 destination charge, pdi, lic etc, and finance at 4.2%. Stinger tops out at high 53k, G70 I believe is 59,500 all inclusive with maint free. Even the Germans aren't far off, and the Acura has by far the worse tech in it. So the "value" proposition doesn't fly here in Canada like it does in the US. The 340i I spec'd out was darn near the same with a better finance rate and discount.

[@GoofieNewfie]

@@EmmyJune212008 it is an option from dealer though but it should be standard.

[@pinkisforpimps]

Alex, why not mention the kia stinger?

[@pokerfred68]

It’s one of the most attractive cars in its class. I have an issue with the busy center stack including the touch pad, lack of touch screen, and odd looking set of buttons and knobs. Why no power trunk lid?

[@chiemekaa]

Honestly, how many times do you use your trunk to even necessitate power operation?

[@pokerfred68]

@@chiemekaa every day of the week.

[@aydenu9057]

Probably an attempt to keep the weight down

[@pokerfred68]

@@aydenu9057 that could be, but I hardly believe the few pounds would make a difference. Plus it’s already a slower car in comparison to others in its class, so most likely a cost cutting measure not a weight saving one.

[@MikeyBadabingBadaboom]

My biggest problem with buying this car is the electronic buttons to shift gears. Bring back the stick shifter.

[@moonman_8935]

I have this same exact car on order 2022 TLX Type-S Apex Blue. I take delivery in March. I currently drive a 2021 STI.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

I just saw a video of a stock K5 GT pulling on a Acura Type S with aesthetic mods (wheels, etc) by a reputable youtuber. No way is this a performance cars. I'd just ignore this car and go with either a Lexus IS500, m340i, or my pick which is the Genesis G70 3.3TT.

[@marco30599]

@The Insufferable Tool well it’s obvious this car isn’t meant to be a track performer which is why it was odd for Acura to host a track day with them for the popular KZbin car reviewers. Type-S not Type-R. I imagine you wouldn’t have a great experience taking a 2008 TL Type-S onto a track either.

[@aspecreviews]

Acura's idea of "performance" is fundamentally different. Acura is a driving-experience company, not a numbers company.

[@darrell9616]

This was a very balanced review. You covered all of the pros and cons of the car better than anyplace else I've seen. After watching this review, I feel that I can actually make an informed decision on what cars to consider in this category. Thank you and well done.

[@bobqian1129]

Definitely the Model 3 Performance, that’s what the fun meaning and putting a big smile on your face

[@richardhaas9519]

Does it have auto stop/start, and do you have to turn it off each time you start the car?

[@ThirdBrainLives]

Love it! Incredible work by Acura!

[@kristians2704]

so incredible that it’s the slowest and heaviest car in its segment.

[@ThirdBrainLives]

@@kristians2704 And also the one with the best value and reliability. If you need to get to the grocery store in 4.3 seconds instead of 4.9, get a Tesla!

[@ShafinRehman]

I was really hoping that it has closer to 400 HP and a bit faster. I'm not sure it will end up replacing my 07 TL Type-S, especially after driving the Kia Stinger GT and the value that car offers while being slightly quicker.

[@jameshayward8533]

TOTALLY agree!!!!!! I wanted three things: Touch screen, 6 MT and 400 HP.

[@Yoshdogg]

Actually wondering why Alex didn't even mention the Stinger GT - it seems aimed right at it in most respects.

[@diab748]

The infotainment system and touchpad is a killer for a car of this caliber. Acura really needs to look at upgrading this

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

I’m Sure they’ve put zero thought into it. They’ve gotta recruit you…🙄

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

Just wanted to throw in my summary as I have seen this theme repeated in many Acura videos. Acura designs the rear wheels to overdrive by a small percentage (2.7%) and a small tendency to spin faster can redirect large amounts of power (since all the wheels want to move together with the car at the same speed). I also agree that just like any RWD car, rear power transfer produces increased yaw rate (oversteers or corrects understeer) as the front tires have to only provide lateral (steering) forces and does not use up available grip to provide as much longitudinal (acceleration) forces. But the driving line correction by on-power action is limited. At least from my perspective, a key point that is missed to the viewer is that only on-power under steer at the limit can be corrected by on power AWD. Off power under steer below the limit can be corrected too but that is also accomplished by increasing the steering angle. Only at the limit does increasing the steering angle not help with under steer anymore. At this point, if one is already on throttle, Awd will help. But if off power, going on power won’t help. In other words, Awd won’t increase the overall limits of your car, though it can help you follow the line better before the limit and reduce error between line and steering angle

[@theyadmire511]

But the TLX has a mechanical torque vectoring rear diff. That can mechanical send power from side to side across thee rear axle via clutch packs.

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

@@theyadmire511 you are right, I edited my comment to remove that line on torque vectoring

[@jjukjkjiok7782]

@The Insufferable Tool agreed

[@Soh90]

Agreed. I’m an Acura fan so it warms my heart that many are seeing this turd of a car for what it is. Acura needs to do better. SH-AWD is not a fix for a car weighing 4,200lbs with 60% of its weight hanging over its front axles. I wouldn’t be so upset with this car if Acura had just released it when they released the regular TLX. But they had the audacity to delay it and then host an entire event for a car than can get bodied by a KIA K5 in a straight line. I would happily spend the extra $4,000 for a base IS-500 or M340i.

[@FantomLightning]

I really don't understand the proportions that seem to mostly be for styling reasons. We're left with a larger vehicle with the same interior room and far less cargo practical from that brace in the rear. Honestly one of the biggest reasons I'd buy an Acura would be for price and practicality.

[@Popcornbeetle]

What I was thinking re the design. Like they took all their mechanical limitations and exaggerated them on purpose. Huh?? Long hood cars suck to drive and park.

[@Soh90]

“Let’s give it a long hood so it looks like it’s RWD” No, Acura. It just looks stupid now. That front overhang is atrocious.

[@ARentz07]

Not only is the TLX larger than the compact options with merely similar space, but it is also heavier. It's sad to me that the V-8-powered IS 500, which is on a relatively old platform, still manages to not only be more space-efficient than the TLX, but also weigh almost 300 pounds less despite a big ole V-8. We could blame the RWD versus AWD disparity for a portion of this, but based on other IS models, I'd say that would only add somewhere around 130-140 pounds to the curb weight.

[@carlolo607]

The most informative and thorough reviews hands down. Alex is #1 in auto reviews. Definitely underrated.

[@mrgold3591]

I have an 18 RLX hybrid and was considering upgrading to the +22 TLX Type-S. I would be giving up too much to make the switch to the TLX (less hp, less cabin space, no spare tire, 8-10 lower mpgs, slightly slower 0-60 times, no HUD, no Krell Audio, no heated windshield/steering wheel, no LED fogs). I really want Acura to add the same unique features found on the MDX Type-S Adv on the TLX Type-S eventually.

[@aspecreviews]

No VTEC scream...

[@mrgold3591]

@@aspecreviews You still get the VTEC scream; but, you also get 60-70 extra hp/tq on top of the scream with the Sport Hybrid system.

[@aspecreviews]

@@mrgold3591 The Type-S doesn't have VTEC and it sounds like it's got COVID, only revs to about 5900 rpm.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

I still consider to buy a 22' Acura TLX sedan.

[@AFCompany]

When I went to Acura they had a 10-15k mark up and it was 63k and already sold.

[@kaneo1]

Thanks for your review route, this is exactly the type of road I prefer. Going fast in a straight line or tracking seems very boring; canyon carving is highly entertaining. -$50+k and no heated rear seats? My Civic has those for 20k less. -Honda's LKAS lane keeping is a joke. Only works over 40, barely sees lane markers at all, and is overwhelmed by even gentle curves.

[@aspecreviews]

Newer Acuras have more capable LKAS that works all the way down to almost a complete stop.

[@YasssStitch]

Alex, love your reviews. The Type S is great but I'm tired of hearing Acura talk about how the SH-AWD on the Type S is some revolution. My 2006 Acura TL that came out at the end of 2004 (as a 2005 model) has SH-AWD that can send 70% of power to the rear and 100% of those 70% to left or right wheel. Literally nothing has changed minus some fine tuning.

[@ryanshannon7703]

Is this a North American TL Type S? All TL's prior to 2009 were FWD, (even Type S versions). 2009 (the "Beak" generation) was the first to have SH-AWD as an available option (auto or manual transmission). However, you are correct in that manual transmission TL Type S did have the LSD that you mention. I've drive a few of them and they were in fact, quite fun to drive. The later model TL was nice, but definitely greater in heft. As far as knowing if you have AWD in the future (aside from the hybrid AWD system in the RLX AWD only offered as a hybrid where electric motors power the rear wheels), you will find there is no differential on the rear axle, unless a drivetrain transplant took place. But, from the manufacturer it didn't come with a SH-AWD option, but not sure if it came with a SH badge/option (like the early 2000's Honda Prelude). Cheers!

[@YasssStitch]

@@ryanshannon7703 Sorry, a typo. I have RL, not TL.

[@boostseason]

you also got 5.0 for the 4 cylinder Audi A5. I know the TLX has better sound, dynamics (probably), etc. but purely acceleration wise, 5.0 for that just doesn't compete with the S4, M340i, etc.

[@YrocFrick]

10k mark up at the dealer I went to, don;t think its worth 65k

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

Great review as always Alex, I really like the TLX, always been a fan of Acura, but could they have just offered a panoramic sunroof or even just a little bigger sunroof, get with the times Acura...

[@drivescene6747]

The M340i nor the S4 offer a panoramic moonroof. Are they behind the times as well?

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

@@drivescene6747 Yes the A4 and S4 are definitely behind the times, considering that A3 has had a panoramic roof since 2004, but the 3 series G20 at least has a larger sunroof, I currently have one as a loaner and it’s much bigger than standard size Acuras, and all the previous three series

[@drivescene6747]

@@nicholasbabeaux2052 it’s definitely not much larger, it’s around 1.5 inches larger than the Acura maximum lol. I’ve driven both the G20 330i and the TLX Type S, minuscule differences in the moonroof sizes

[@drivescene6747]

@@nicholasbabeaux2052 also, the only Acuras with standard size moonroofs are the TLX and ILX, the RDX and MDX have panoramic moonroofs standard just fyi

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

@@drivescene6747 Oh most definitely I know that, only recently did the RDX with the redesign in 2019 or whatever, and the MDX this year have panoramic roofs. I’m just surprised that for a new generation and new platform with a TLX they didn’t build that up from the beginning because the cost of putting it in afterwards and adding structural rigidity would be very high. It’s just like Honda they just started putting panoramic roof in the CRV two years after the newest one came out. Ironically though you could get a panoramic roof on the CRV in the UK back in 2010, as well as the civic in Europe over 10 years ago in the hatchback. And with the Lexus NX the first generation we never got it here in the states but in the UK you can get a panoramic roof, now of course the new NX has it but it’s just weird that they didn’t have it in the states at the time, possibly due to crash test standards but cars have been having panoramic roofs for decades🤔 www.motors.co.uk/car-61782736/?i=16&m=sp

[@ruturaj47]

Wish you would have added Kia stinger to comparison as well.

[@flyguy1889]

At about @2:35 when going down the side of the vehicle I notice some of the fit and finish is very subpar and was wondering if this is a production model? (Gas cap cover, trim gaps, door seals, etc)

[@AFCompany]

License plate is 3421 which means it’s not a production model and is a part of the press fleet. These models have been rushed out and aren’t tested for quality control.

[@MarkPharaoh]

Want this as a sportback

[@Dia1Up]

Apparently the reason why the radar window is so big, is they set it really far back. Less chance to get damaged in a minor accident. Idk if that was just a fall back excuse or not

[@marco30599]

It’s true the radar itself if it gets damaged in a front end collision would be thousands of dollars on top of the other damage to replace.

[@TheEDDIEGOTAY]

nice one there🔥🔥🔥

[@alphabeta8403]

The hottest Acura sedan ever was the 04-08 TL tech 6MT, followed by the Legend GS. Back when they were still innovating instead of showing up late in the game like they are now with their turbo V6. The bizarre thing about this overhyped TLX is how they managed to stretch the wheelbase by almost 4”, resulting in less rear passenger cabin space than previous 3 gens of TL(X), placed the battery in the trunk, yet weight distribution is an abysmal 59:41 F:R. This TLX also offers NONE of touch screen infotainment, VTEC and manual trans. An absolute failure by Acura, to say the least.

[@Verzula]

I absolutely agree

[@aspecreviews]

The screen is too far up on the dash to be effectively touchable. Acura can't move it because of the dynamic selector and the climate controls. The base TLX has a VTEC Turbo K20C3 engine.

[@rondail5675]

Alex, just another great review. No BS.

[@KING-MUFFASA]

I like the acura emblem in the front

[@flashsushi1843]

Alex reviews >> 99% other reviewers. Can't wait for Honda/Acura to build sport sedan BEVs with RWD-baised feel. That's probably not going to happen until 2025/26 but that's fine enough for me. Actually can wait.

[@shopwithaaron]

Where's the stinger in the comparisons...? G70 seems nearly the the same and just as tight...Thx Alex!

[@MidnightAspec]

Never noticed the materials referenced in my A-Spec. But definitely agree that the IS350 F-Sport and 330i xdrive are more direct competitors to this than the IS500 and M340i, which is on a different level. That said the handling is fairly amazing for something so heavy. (Roughly same curb weight as the 3rd generation MDX SH-AWD) Even my 21 A-Spec FWD is a fantastic handler for what it is. (Yes, the Accord 2.0T is quicker but it’ll never handle like the 21TLX nor is it a looker like the TLX)

[@acuratypes355hp9]

I love my type s, I love this car very enjoyable to drive a lot of fun.

[@dtay8913]

How does this compete with the blackwing?

[@norwegianblue2017]

My current and previous car are both Acuras and I loved them both. Currently driving a 2011 Acura TSX V6. Had a 2003 RSX S-Type before that. This new TLX Type-S just seems a bit overpriced and overweight. Should start under $50k and weigh at least 200 pounds less.

[@jeusvox2878]

Bro this is such an awesome car

[@tri3pleagent]

I love the looks of it. The tech is top notch. Still, at 54 k, I'd be looking to step up to the CT4 Blackwing.

[@ALMX5DP]

Blackwing is a beast for sure, but nearly a $10k delta if optioned with similar automatic spec, not to mention no AWD.

[@NeoNoggie]

I'd be looking more at the IS 500 at this price. NA v8, more power, similar mpg, lexus reliability, and only 4-5k more.

[@tri3pleagent]

@@ALMX5DP the regular CT4 v still out performs this and it has AWD.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@tri3pleagent true, just depends on what your preference is, neither is a bad choice in my mind.

[@tri3pleagent]

@@ALMX5DP certainly true. I really like the interior of the Acura.

[@TrapMoneyBobby]

Yo thon how much do da whip? I’m down to ghost ride dis thang.

[@paulh6517]

The Acura logo up front looks like a Band-Aid.