First Impressions

It’s tough going in today’s luxury sedan market, and the 2018 Acura TLX is going to make it even harder for rivals to score sales.

We’ve been impressed with the TLX ever since we first saw the concept at Detroit’s 2014 auto show. It went on to replace both the mid-size TL and compact TSX, a tough job on its own. 

Now, this refreshened 20-18 TLX impresses us more. It’s only the second Acura to adopt styling cues from the brand’s recent Precision Concept, most notably the dynamic diamond pentagon grille. Bumper, hood, and fenders are also tweaked.

Standard power remains a 206 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-4. Stepping up to the 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 adds a redesigned rear fascia with exposed rectangular dual-exhausts, plus new 18-inch wheels. 

The sportiest A-Spec TLX builds on the V-6 with a dark grille, round fog lamps, an aggressive rear diffuser, black spoiler, round dual exhausts, 19-inch wheels, more aggressive seating, plus the Technology Pack.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is now available on the V6 TLX without extra packages being required. 

Acura claims new software makes the dual screen On Demand Multi-Use Display respond 30-percent faster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AcuraWatch camera are now standard. 

The 2018 Acura TLX arrives in June starting at $33,000.