2021 Acura TLX SH AWD Type S: The Brand’s Flagship Luxury Sports Sedan

Highlight: This is the TLX’s first 365-horsepower trim.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $54,145 (Base Model: $38,545)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; road departure mitigation; traffic jam assist; traffic sign recognition; pedestrian detection; a driver attention monitor; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision warning system; electronic blind spots for exterior mirrors; rear cross traffic monitor in rearview camera; rear camera washer; traction control; a tire pressure monitoring system; a tire repair kit (front wheel drive); hill start assist; and a spare tire (all-wheel drive)

Standard Equipment (Base): 18-inch wheels; a 10-speed automatic transmission; a dual overhead cam engine; paddle shifters; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a push button ignition system; leather-like seats; memory driver’s seat; heated front seats; 10-way power front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; automatic rearview mirror; remote start entry (front doors); and a power moonroof

Standard Equipment (Type S): 20-inch wheels; quad exhaust outlets; rear diffuser; Tiger Eye pearl paint; ventilated and heated front seats; leather interior with suede inserts; Type S badging; bright red brake calipers; a carbon fiber decklid spoiler; full LED exterior lighting; a touchpad interface; a 3D navigation system; a wireless charging pad; 16-way power front seats; heated and ventilated front seats; and heated rear seats

Options: A high-performance wheel and tire package

Other Trim Levels:

TLX 2.0 Turbo FWD

TLX 2.0 Turbo SH-AWD

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an ELS 9-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/354-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/25-hwy

What’s New: For the 2021 model year, the performance-oriented S-Type is the latest addition to the TLX trim.

Why: 

Powerful engine with a throaty sounding quad mufflers

Almost like the iconic Legend styling, except with four doors

A standard exterior spoiler

Vibrant exterior colors available

Airplane-like instrument panel layout

Carbon fiber trim available

High-tech vehicle with a host of standard safety driving aids

All-wheel drive

A variety of driving modes

20-inch wheels

Pirelli P-Zero tires

The red Brembo brakes!!!

Rear seats fold down for additional storage

Easy to operate navigation and infotainment system

17-speaker premium audio system

A remote starter function

But: 

Cramped rear seating area with limited legroom

Handwriting recognition – needs to be perfected

No rear heated seats

No power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

No oversized panoramic roof

A heated steering wheel is optional

No heads up display system (HUD)

Difficult to find the button to open the trunk underneath the rear taillight

No touchscreen infotainment system

No rear compact tire

Verdict:  As automakers such as Lincoln and Chrysler have exited the midsized premium car segment, Acura has re-tuned its portfolio. In fact, with the return of the 2023 four door Integra in 2023 to the brand’s line-up, after a long absence, its further evidence the Japanese luxury automaker is back in the car game again.

The TLX S-Type, with its 10-speed automatic transmission and snug-fitting interior, is icing on the cake for Acura enthusiasts. The well-equipped high-tech vehicle, which is priced near the mid-fifties, is the perfect alternative to many of its German and Japanese competitors. Because of the vehicle's dimension, the Acura goes against more compact-sized sedans as opposed to the traditional midsized vehicles. The vehicle and the luxury brand are finally headed in the right direction with its new flagship, after the design and engineering team has made so many missteps with previous generations TLX and TLS 

Competition: Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; Cadillac CTS; Genesis G70; Infiniti Q50; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; and Volvo S60

Direct Competition: Audi S4; BMW M340i; Cadillac CT5 V-Series; Genesis G70 3.3 T AWD Sport; Infiniti Q50 Red Sport; and Mercedes-Benz AMG C43