2018 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec - Redline: First Impressions

[@alexstafonis1763]

Love what Acura is doing with their cars recently, that front end looks brilliant. The jewel headlights and diamond pentagon grill compliment each-other very well. Acura has the best all wheel drive system in the market and they know how to build a solid car. They stumbled on the looks department but they definitely picked up the pace. I don't like the push button transmission though, wish theyd just offer the dual clutch only...

[@jmen8888]

I still think the 07-08 Type S is the best looking car.

[@jakewallace528]

I had an '03 TL type S and I loved it. Just got rid of her. Drove that puppy into the ground. 210,000 miles, and 10% brakes left, and subfram rot when I traded her in. Got $1350. I learned to drive on that car. Rest in Peace

[@jmen8888]

Had a 2001 CL Type S, then I got an 04 TL. Put 175,000 before started having problems.

[@mikemassino]

I had the same 2 cars. Traded in the 04 TL for a 2012 TL which is a great car. Drove a couple of TLX's as loaners from the dealer. What a POS. I'll wait until the next gen TL before I trade in my 2012 and hope it's a big improvement from the TLX.

[@jmen8888]

My supervisor just bought a 2012 and he really likes it. Not a fan of the looks, but I guess it grows on you. He had something done with it at the dealer for the day, and they gave him a 4 cylinder TLX, and he said the same thing, a POS. He said it rattles, not solid feeling at all, he did like the LED headlights though.

[@mikemassino]

I have the SH-AWD option on my 2012. It modulates torque vectoring to the rear wheels in turns. Good engineering and worth the extra weight/cost.

[@motorhead_jt21]

People are hating a lot on this, but I'm REALLY excited to see where Acura is taking the brand. I have a feeling that their next generation lineup is going to impress people.

[@ericssonerick6972]

Scott Watkins yeah it looks like they are getting back into the scene.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Yeah, no one complains about Volvo using transverse engine. :)

[@jmen8888]

I had a TL for nine years and loved it. Wanted the new TLX but way too expensive. Then I read Consumer Reports reviews, and it got a bad rating so I am saving for an Audi A4, which will take a few years.

[@omgitsme435]

Scott Watkins they haven't taken it anywhere..

[@molchatmodelo7200]

Scott Watkins wowie!

[@TypeRyRy]

Dayum...you know what, I can get over the grille....Good job, Acura, way to up the game on the new TLX.

[@TypeRyRy]

Oh my goodness though...#2 Dislike, YES! the lack of a manual transmission in any new Acura car is the only reason why I'm not considering any of them.

[@christianjames9667]

I don't get how someone can hate luxury cars like this. It's reliable, gets you from point A to point B, and gives you decent value for your money.

[@snazari1994]

Matthew B no.

[@omgitsme435]

Christian James cause it's not luxury, it's premium. The interior is far from luxe.

[@MrHav1k]

Because it doesn't have the triple pointed star or the four rings on the front lmao. It's just to impress people, not value.

[@JDMHero47]

What he says. Acura's typically include the sound-proof glass that Honda makes you step up to the Elite models, just to have as an option. Then there's all the un-optional items like the different glue, sound engineering in the sheetmetal and door panels - that you can't get in the Honda as they're the same from the LX up to the Elite.

[@oldtwins]

You folks are all forgetting that the 2018 Accord comes out this fall/winter and it's expected to be an epic change from the current one (to compete against Camry mainly, and the others). The TLX will be a generation behind in just a few months, not even from the competition, but its own in-house catalog.

[@tagaford]

the new grille looks great.. I wasn't a fan at first, but it's really grown on me

[@tianjunnanshi6858]

Bad Drivers of Ohio grille looks good. don't u think that badge is too big?

[@tagaford]

The badge is a little large, I'll admit

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

Bad Drivers of Ohio same as Mercedes, yet people don't really complain.

[@meekfan4life252]

Todd Medium Wellington The recently refreshed Nissan Maxima has a big emblem on the front as well and I like it. The rear for it is small though. Not a big issue though.

[@tagaford]

I'm not hating on it. I really love the refreshed design. I just think the emblem could be an inch or two smaller.

[@infamousian123]

Acura is making a comeback this year.

[@bornjamerican52]

I remember years years ago I had a 1997 Acura legend . I think I’m going back to my roots and getting a Acura TLX ☺️☺️

[@bryceno5385]

At first I really disliked the new grille on this car becuase of its size, but now looking at it again, it's starting to grow on me. Great first impression video! 👍

[@a32tl]

Seriously good looking car 1:48 - 2:08!! Very handsome and I would proudly own one of these. This blue color is gorgeous!

[@AlexTampa-zn9xo]

Excellent unbiased review as usual. Looking fwd to see comments/impressions post the embargo. Great channel too, I'm in the market for a new car by end of year and this source has been just great. 👍👍

[@waynemagin2554]

You do such a Great Job at this. This is your passion, and it shows. Keep upp the great work.. Smile.

[@EKFiPod]

when I sat in this at the New York auto show I fell in love immediately! hopefully one day I can get this one day.

[@evanmachado2297]

Haven't watched the full video yet, but dropping a like right away :)

[@richbf2]

Nice front end; grill looks much better. "Faster than a lexus", he said. Yes, if course. Personally, I would go with Q50 or old G37, which has true dual exhaust.

[@Donkey123m]

BEAUTIFUL! Thank you for the early review!

[@justinade81]

There's too much hate directed towards Acura, much of it coming from fans of unreliable Euro brands. People complained about the beak, and yet after it was replaced with a better looking grille, most people are still complaining about it being too big. Well Lexus, Hyundai, Audi Mercedes, Mazda all have huge grilles, most people who praise those brands over Acura don't fault the size of the grilles in their beloved brands. Same thing with the hidden exhaust tips, Acura listened to customers wishes and what happens? People complain that the A-Spec has fake tips. Again, Lexus, Mercedes and Audi use fake tips too! But then, it doesn't matter because as most Acura bashers say, those "brands" blow Acura out of the water. Without a doubt, the Acura interiors could do with some much needed refresh, but, it's not as bad as people make it to seem. Up till today, Lexus and Infiniti don't offer Apple play or Android auto, the 2018 LS dashboard looks very similar to a 2018 Camry's, with a dated navigation system and the same is true with regards to 2018 Genesis G90, with a dashboard also looking very much like a higher specced Elantra and Sonata. The much maligned dual screen is used in the 2018 A8 and the 2018 Infiniti Q50, but somehow, Acura bashers don't bring those examples up either. Acuras are not perfect, but they're not the disappointments that they're made out to be either.

[@tingokuman]

Acura is back !!!!

[@Jonathaneve5]

Been waiting for this for so long...

[@jchcmax]

Lol, keeping it real.."How many of you can actually afford an NSX?"

[@yutosi2109]

jchcmax not me 😂

[@aLaRmCaLL1983]

I wanted to buy this car but because of the grille, I'll wait to see the next gen of the accord

[@MrHav1k]

This means the review is coming soon!!! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!!

[@moshebenshaul]

Wow, you're such a lucky guy!! I can't wait to get my hands on that new Acura TLX A-Spec 😍💘

[@LinusTechT1ps]

Acura is stepping up their game

[@reyboricua1]

Brian Hernandez finally

[@artm5583]

Brian Hernandez their interior is the most bland design. They are stuck in the 2000's

[@BrawndoQC]

Good, no fragile fabric that can break under hot climates. No more Audi's or Bimmers for me. I bought an RDX 2017 for my wife and it's a great vehicle.

[@BrawndoQC]

+Boe Dillard NSX, TLX, RDX, MDX. All great vehicles.

[@LinusTechT1ps]

I can understand that 🙃

[@mr.worshippers6069]

This car is great all acura are getting soo much better!!!!!!

[@iAmInsaine22]

Front end is GORGEOUS!

[@DarthNero]

Shawn Meadows easy on the weed bro

[@Jonathaneve5]

Andrew Draxlar Its subjective.

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

Bao Nguyen exactly

[@venom5809]

It looks really nice, not bad Acura.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

I agree on the looks, it finally looks nicer than an Accord. FINALLY. And very nice blue color.

[@rightfight100]

About time Acura.

[@amanwithaplan4103]

I hated how this refreshed TLX looked at first, but it's grown on me.

[@carlosr5835]

I'm a huge fan of Acura. My first acura was a 2004 TL 6 speed manual Type S and it went past 300k (80% highway mileage) on the same engine, clutch and transmission..... Not having the 6 speed manual option on the SH AWD model is a really bad move on their part or whoever is in charge of making that decision. Car brands need to remember that car enthusiasts and specially people that love certain aspects about a brand are very powerful to their company. To this day I still rave about my 04 Acura and tell others about it. It has also left ingrained in me a bit of bias when looking at Acura when I need to buy a car or others ask for recommendations. So I would consider myself somewhat of an Acura enthusiast driven other brands like Audi/Infiniti/Nissan. When Acura comes out with the highest end model of a car and put a label of A-SPEC or S type with a limited amount of production at this point they shouldn't cater to the average consumer, they should think about what a brand or car enthusiast will go for. To me the design/build of a car is a type of art form. When a company comes out with a top model like , S Type, M sport, S, SPEC-V, it should be an expression of their unique technology/performance and love for their loyal consumer base and not just make it exclusive to one type of car where most people simply can't afford like the new NSX. It should still strive to give the car enthusiast/brands out there a taste. One of those options is a 6 speed transmission. There is a reason why the high end end models of Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar have the option to come out in 6 speed manual. I don't care about all the reason people say paddle shifting is better than manual. For me and this is just my experience and someone that initially welcomed the idea of paddle shifting in a car. It simply takes away the feeling of a car and the overall experience. I'm ok with making the base models of cars 100% automatic, because most people now a days don't drive manual and it is convenient in the city to have automatic vs manual, but when you don't give the option of swapping a transmission to manual in an almost 50k car, I lose a bit of respect for the brand and makes go look else where.

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

This vehicle should have a smaller turbo-4 with an optional manual transmission. Wow! I am loving this new design language that Acura is going towards! It looks a lot better over the outgoing's front end! Also, this A-spec is just jaw dropping! 👌 The Acura TLX is definitely one of the most over looked bargains in its segment, and is often forgotten about. A stick would have been nice, though! 🤔 I cannot wait until I can get this vehicle to conduct my full in-depth review of, too! Keep up the great work, Sofyan! I will be looking out for your full Redline Review! 😏 -DriveAndBeDriven 🚘 "The Quest To Record The Best!" 📽

[@bostonasphalt2]

I get a lot of looks during my afternoon commute home in my white TLX A Spec. Given it is "just" an Acura, its kind of nice to be driving a car at this part of the segment that turns heads

[@AlwaysOnCall]

Hands down, the sexiest Acura

[@silverfox488]

Thanks for the review man. I am with you, very nice looking car, but I am waiting for the twin turbo 6 cylinder too!

[@tlaccord]

looking forward to this car i wish they would have the tan interior in the aspec. going back to the acura family still have the 04 TL with 205,000 original miles trading in the 13 accord. When people say why buy an acura when you can buy a loaded honda. there is a difference in ride, quietness, material, service a free loaner car, solidness of slamming the doors, sound system ; )

[@icantw8]

That is one of the nicest facelifts ever.

[@LovensPresume]

My new daily after a couple of years when it depreciates . Love my 04 Accord but it's already at 205000 miles.

[@singletrackftw]

I LOVE this refresh. So sick.

[@En1337Rich]

THEY NEED A MANUAL ON THE A-SPEC!!! I'll just wait for them to come around until then, and plz offer the manual in the highest end trims and engines. I wanna enjoy driving, but I also want the swag and comfort.

[@AltaSonata]

Bring back the Legend - The ONLY Acura people remember

[@Trades46]

I admit I wasn't a fan of the new front end. However this TLX A-spec in this blue color is mesmerizing.

[@DimachkaS]

Im kind of liking the front styling ... my azn friends love Acuras

[@lowgpa]

can you review my golden retriever?

[@spoonkies]

"soft touch materials everywhere"

[@edwink1467]

"But I am disappointed that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not available"

[@はる-r1r9f]

LOL!!!!!!

[@Michael0697]

This dog is still naturally aspirated, but if you get the limited S trim, S being for Squirrel of course, you can opt for the turbocharged model.

[@Technerd96]

The dog's steering is smooth and responsive and makes quick movements when turning

[@Jia1337]

I like this new look, its the look that was suppose to be the original look of the TLX at launch. Hiding the exhaust was a mistake and they corrected it. The only thing left is the interior and engine(?) change for the next generation.

[@cdcruizer05]

I sure hope so...i think it might be the color, cause i liked the white he briefly panned to

[@Jmontesinos0966]

Acura is definitely stepping their game up. You should do a review on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit or SRT (Or Trackhawk when it becomes available) !

[@ParksMcCants]

Well done! Worth a watch.

[@zzanatos2001]

Nice sneak peek. I'm so glad they finally got rid of the beak on the front grille. Is Acura really planning to release a Type-S TLX, or is that just wishful thinking? I have an 03 TL-S in pearl white with a black interior. It's still very fast, and it still turns heads. I've been waiting for something special to replace it. Lately I've been looking at (and drooling over) the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the BMW 340i xDrive, and the Audi RS3.

[@Scrapez-un3xj]

That is a sweet ride!!!

[@hamidmghazi]

Way better looking than lexus products imo

[@akalima2shaw]

I agree that they need more power for sure. But the turbo remark is off the mark. I have both a turbo car and a TL SHAWD. Granted the turbo is a monster but driving the larger displacement car is far more relaxing. Acura is not late to the game. Remember the RDX turbo the Acura built forever ago?? They were far ahead of anyone else. What they need is to keep that beautifully built J series engine and augment it with an hybrid system like the NSX. Now that would kick ass

[@larz456]

Nice looking car. If it had a 6 speed manual and 330+hp with upgrade options (Comptech could do some fun things), it'd be a huge seller! Still good for the price, but man, they were so close to a great car.

[@JLanc1982]

You are the man!

[@SR3TG119]

Nice! Now bring this look to the RDX and it will be awesomr

[@fabriceny.1579]

Thank you thank you for your work amazing I like the car a lot

[@rkvang479]

yay exhaust tips!

[@dz95legend]

Got to sit in one at the NY Auto Show. The materials and hardware still feel cheaper than the last generation TL.

[@acuraracing5205]

I wish they would have made the headlights bigger. I think it would make it look even better

[@thegrafas1995]

I want this in europé! looks really good and different, here is VW and Audi on every corner felling sick then see VW and Audi.

[@DJBoyToy]

SEXIER THAN A BMW 5 SERIES I'LL GIVE YOU THAT!!! Hell yeah!

[@dakotawitters3244]

Not a fan of the front-end besides the headlights. The back-end though. I am so glad they added the exhaust tips to the rear again.

[@MrHav1k]

I initially trashed the looks, but if this thing is reliable and performs well, this could one up the Germans just like the TL did a little over a decade ago.

[@Arcamea]

I'm still not sold on that big front grill...but other then that they finally brought back the visible exhaust tips

[@nicktune1219]

I think it was a mistake to not offer a manual transmission along with the other transmissions.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Yeah, it would be nice to have engine and trans. from V6 Accord Coupe. :)

[@dawicked2k8]

H0okemh0rns the A-Spec has AWD

[@vikk5459]

Why would they do that? They hardly sell any manual Accords, which is why you have to special order one and they are rare to see on the lot- because no one buys them. It wasn't a mistake.

[@04tsxpower]

More Power! Since when is a TL compact?

[@toddmediumwellingtoniii478]

POWER because of its wheelbase and not the actual size.

[@04tsxpower]

Then I guess they better add quite a few more that are list as mid size

[@Jonathaneve5]

Todd Medium Wellington I've always thought the TLX were a mid-size sedan.

[@roworth30]

You said it they need a twin turbo V6.

[@MrHav1k]

Not even twin, just even give us one Acura lol. They make the car look better, but the performance still isn't there and the transmission is still meh. They're still just begging everyone to go with the Germans

[@jakewallace528]

Isn't the NSX a TT V6?

[@MirageTactics]

TheHvk every new turbo v6 is sequential turbos.

[@adventuretraveling8957]

Looking so Awesome but I heard that Acura from consumer report Acura having a problem with transmission & no good liability, so what's your opinion

[@jrasero23]

I think they did a great job. IMO I am not of a fan of the pentagonal grill, I actually loved the OG beak, but that shows you how subjective styling is. What is actually quantifiable is how Acura upgraded the car's look and materials to a premium/luxury level and not just an Accord plus trim. Really I have heard mostly positive stuff from other auto sources on the updated TLX which really homers the fact how basic last years TLX was yet how good (relative word) the 8 Speed DCT and V6 power trains were. The ZF V6 transmission probably is the Achilles heal on this car since it's God awe full and even with the new tuning I still question its long term reliability. I think Honda's in house 10 speed and Type S which I hear will have a similar sport hybrid system like the MDX will really put this car into an awesome position to fight some Germans, but for now nicer leather, new grill and bumper, and Android/Apple interface is what we get. Actually what I am more excited for is the ILX since it's platformed on the 10th Gen Civic, so fingers crossed a Acura ILX Type-R variant?

[@justinnegron4843]

Remember guys this is a refresh not a redesign, this will be out for two years before the next generation comes

[@GBraidi78]

I have a feeling the next generation TLX,MDX,RDX are going to be bad asses. Just watch!

[@Jonathaneve5]

GBraidi78 Might be even uglier, lol.

[@TRUENLIVING7]

my lease is up on my infiniti q50s and i was a acura guy in the beginning had the type s was just wondering how do this car stack up against the infiniti q50s will have to wait till its released looks great

[@windanthonystream]

I'm waiting for Acura to put the new 10speed in the Acura before I decide to buy it the 9speed has been a problematic transmission from Zf, the Zf 8speed for rear wheel drive applications is such a great transmission used by numerous car makers.

[@crownr0yalonice]

they finally brought back the suede seats! woooooooo!

[@Nickm8561]

I really don't understand why people down a Acura interior for not being luxury when most german rivals have cheaper feeling interiors on there lower end models which this is what it competes with. Honestly just because it doesn't have a fake stitched dashboard and the softish carpet thats going to get dirty anyways.... doesn't mean this isn't luxury. It looks nice and has genuinely nice features for the money! With all this being said, i'll still pick a Lexus over this any day! Mostly because I have a Acura now and I'm ready for a change!

[@milkovas556]

thank you for the note u made about the manual transmission , keep remind them

[@DUNEATV]

Absolutely gorgeous car

[@Xander-Gen]

This car looks beautiful

[@TheMaybe2010]

When are you doing the new civic SI Sofyan? good video!

[@TechDrivenDaniel]

Pretty cool though to be (I agree) the first TLX journalist ive seen none on my subscription feed. I have an RL A-spec and im one of the very few heavy modded on the market and besides its headlights which ive seen can be done to my RL.. I couldnt see myself going acura.. Once the new redeisgn cockpit comes out which ive seen photos of.. once it comes out on whichever vehicle to launch with it I think is when acura owners will plunge to the markets.. bet you that engine is still pretty restrictive with cats and light on highway torque unless in the right gear ill stay tuned... lol Big car fan love to debate

[@robbiehernandez8019]

I'm glad they added exhaust.

[@decarloswilliams6099]

Best looking Acura in years. Honda Corp. has stumbled here and there over the last 5 yrs, but when they get it right it's worth the wait. The only thing I don't care for on this and other Honda products is the push button gear selector. Other than that it's all good. And the color of that test car, Wow!

[@mrxyz2k]

Beside providing a turbocharged version TLX, I wish Acura puts 3 or 2.5 liters turbo charged engine in a convertible 2 seats car, like a bringing back of Honda S2000, call it S2K or STK. Or even 4 seats coupe, retuning of Integra.

[@Neff5000]

i like the rear end with the large dual exhaust.

[@mujjuman]

great review as always looks like a hyundai to me

[@ultimaetsolder]

That "A" on the beak is waaaay too big.

[@theredline]

ultimaetsolder Definitely not a beak anymore! ;)

[@mrdrewlash24]

if you don't mind can you plz compare the aspec 2018 to the aspec type s 2008 . driveabilty,specs ,etc

[@GaryKetchum808]

I'm literally the only one who prefers the Metal Beak design. It looked great with the JewelEyes™. But hey this is pretty good too I guess. It looks more edgy.

[@splice247]

the a spec will be availible on the 4 cylinder with the 8 speed auto

[@theredline]

Not in the US market.

[@michaelrivera8943]

they should bring back the side marker lights like the Type-S 3rd Gen TLX Type-S

[@xxNickxx23xx]

Looks good except for the grill. Can't wait for a type S.

[@keomo]

The styling (front fascia) reminds me of the 2003-2005 Infiniti M45. Looks good though.

[@Jeragon186]

How does Toyota still not have a 2018 Camry tester for the press? I'm one of few people that actually like Toyota.

[@theredline]

We'll be flying out to Portland next month to film and drive the new 2018 Camry

[@Jeragon186]

Redline Reviews Oh I can't wait! Thank you!

[@Agent77X]

I will give Acura a benefit of a doubt and look at it when it is in the dealership!

[@tuanh5319]

I still get a lot of looks in my 07 lexus GS.

[@Biblebar]

can you do a review on 2003 Honda pilot because I'm planning to buy one I wanted you to review it

[@AnimeBaller22]

Why no video on the new TTRS?

[@philchao]

please please please review the new 2017 hyundai ioniq line (hybrid, plugin hybrid, and ev) whenever possible

[@happybeing777]

what do you think is the best car for a new teen driver? budget is around 25k new or 15k used

[@f181234]

I don't get why android auto and apple car play are considered premium features there meant lower trim cars without navigation or Bluetooth. Do you really need them if your fully loaded car has navigation and Bluetooth?

[@JEdmund81]

Literally super, super new, ya'll!