While the first generation of the Acura TLX was a success, the compact sports sedan could have used more power. The car is in competition with luxury sports sedans such as the Dodge Charger, which have power beyond their sleek looks. The upgraded 2021 Acura TLX offers more power and enhance drivability.
The 2021 Acura TLX starts the second generation of the TLX, debuted in 2015. This second-generation brings the power and performance that the car was always intended to offer from the start. With the new engine options and the sleeker appearance, the car can now compete with Audi and BMW among other German cars.
What Powers the 2021 Acura TLX?
The new compact sedan will draw power from a turbocharged 2.0-Liter four-cylinder engine that generates 272 horsepower with 280 pound-feet of torque. Although this is less horsepower than the previous V6 engine, the car has more torque and performs relatively better. It comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels, but Milledgeville drivers can opt for the Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
Acura brought back the Type S, which is designed to perform better than other trims. This trim runs on a turbocharged 3.0-Liter V6. This engine not only offers more power, but Acura notes that it is compact and lightweight and uses a dual-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate for a high-torque response.
Compared to the first-generation engine, this new turbocharged engine offers Warner Robin drivers dramatic power gains to start with a roar. It offers at least a 50 percent increase in torque, which places the car in competition with the German cars. Although Acura is yet to release the engine output figures, the car will offer at least 350 horses.
Thanks to the upgraded engine and performance, the Type S will also upgrade in brakes to offer four-piston Brembo calipers. Better yet, the car also gets better suspension to enable sharper handling.
What’s Inside the TLX?
Acura gave the new TLX a complete makeover to give it a more modern look. It comes with added legroom and cargo space, a more intricate dashboard, and more luxury material. On the dash is a 10.2-inch infotainment display with a host of a button. The climate control button sits below the screen. Below that are gear selector buttons all grouped together (Normal, Comfort, Individual, and Sport). The infotainment trackpad sits where your right-hand rests naturally.
The front seats are 16-wat adjustable, making them comfortable. The rear seats may not be adjustable, but they boast more head and legroom for comfort. The upholstery is also more high quality than in the first generation TLX.
The infotainment system may not be the most advanced in the world, as it is the same in Lexus and the Acura RDX. The only challenge with the infotainment is that it is more challenging to control than the conventional touchscreen or the dial controller.
It has other tech features such as Wi-Fi Hotspot for remote control through your smartphone. It also has advanced safety features in the AcuraWatch suite including:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Frontal collision mitigation
- Lane keeping assist
- Low speed steering assist
- Driver attention monitor
These two last features are optional on most luxury sedans, but Acura offers them as standard in all the TLX trims.
Test Drive the New Acura TLX in Macon
The changes on the 2021 Acura TLX make it a competitive model for anyone who does not want to go with the obligatory German sports sedans. The under-the-hood improvements allow the car to drive better. You can test-drive the new TLX at Sutton Acura near Griffin, GA and feel the roar of the new engine options.
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