2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD | Finally the Car it's Always Wanted to Be
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Acura’s just an SUV brand, right? Well, that’s not entirely accurate though the RDX and MDX do outsell Acura’s 4 cars combined by nearly 3-to-1. But Acura’s here to remind us that their cars are still worthy of the caliper badge and that begins with one of their many underrated models, the TLX.
Click to Subscribe! bit.ly/subTestD...
Check out my Mid-sized Contenders playlist! • Mid-sized Contenders |...
Like my Facebook: / testdrivenow
Browse my website: testdrivenow.com/
Follow me on Twitter: / drivetimevideos
About TestDriveNow:
Welcome to TestDriveNow official TH-cam channel! I deliver trusted, top-rated popular car reviews on cars like the Honda Accord, Audi S5, Dodge Durango, Subaru Crosstrek and more! TestDriveNow.com features Drive Time with Steve Hammes offering video program segments showcasing the newest vehicles and industry innovations coming to market.
2021 Acura TLX A-Spec SH-AWD
• 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec ...
testdrivenow.c...
TestDriveNow
/ stevehammes
testdrivenow.com - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
This is the only Acura I would consider buying.
NSX
@@mrsj1417 MDX is an suv for soccer moms. This is a car! Different market demographics.
Yup free of oil dilution problems.
@@mrsj1417 “practically every way” TLX gets better gas mileage, looks sleeker, and will handle a lot better than the MDX. The only way the MDX is better than the TLX is family duty and maybe slight off roading.
@@vehiclehornz8394 Exactly
I would take this Acura over any "German" competition... This is a car meant to last!
It is simply gorgeous, sporty and elegant!
Agree.. !! Fun and great on performance. Reliable.
BMW - People only lease them more. -over 5 years, their engine started to deteriorate ( Not reliable )
@@jayzee2404 You know why BMW drivers don't greet each other on the road? Because they already met at the shop that morning.
I took one of these for a spin 2 weeks ago and was blown away. After playing with the touchpad for a while I got used to it. At least there’s a volume knob on the console so to me, it’s not a dealbreaker. The sound system is heavenly and the styling is to die for with a RWD look. Seriously considering it.
Did you end up buying one? If so, are you still loving it?
I test drove one and plan on getting on soon! I'm planning on white with red interior (and some tint on the windows, of course!).
The sound system is indeed spectacular and the looks never will get old. It's an eye catcher for sure.
Still one of the best car reviewers on the net. Straight to the meat, without all the fluff. Been following you from the very beginning. Happy New Years to you Steve.
Happy new year!! Thanks very much.
Completely agree with you WTI. Can’t believe he doesn’t have 500k subscribers
Ditto. Steve’s review helped me get my Explorer years ago. One of the best...
that is a great looking sedan
Unless you go for the SH-AWD trim, this car has no reason to exist with Accord 2.0T out there. The Accord is faster and 30% cheaper plus the top trim Accord Touring 2.0T has way more options than the more expensive base TLX FWD. On the other hand, if you do go for the SH-AWD, you're paying WAY too much for what the car is and there are so many better options at that price range. Either way, this car in it's 2.0T form has no place. Finally, the V6T Type S will be great but it will be extremely expensive and again, once you get into that mid $60K where Type S will be, there are many other better options.
My thoughts exactly, thanks for typing it for me.
Very well put. The Accord Touring is absolutely that good. In the mid 60's where the Type-S will live there are better options, but we'll see if Acura does it right.
The only problem with the accord to me is that it’s to damn fugly on the outside also the interior is not as nice either . I hear these same arguments all the time comparing the accord to the tlx just because they share the same engine and transmission. These same comparisons could be said about Lexus and Audi line up really.
Plus you have to put super gas in in it and not regular. Better have deep pockets....
Accord over tlx? Accord design is ugly as hell. The camry looks better than the accord let alone the tlx. Lol
Great review! Unbiased, not whiny, and straight to the point. Thank you!
47k I’ll just get a Lexus Fsport for that
Why is it with cars like Honda, Toyota and Nissan that their top of the line cars are more luxurious than their luxury brands?
That wasn't always the case....in recent years, the top level cars just caught up to the luxury brands.
They just caught up! And man they are gorgeous
Honda, Acura arm, has focused on performance first, luxury 2nd. Acura is positioned as a Performance focus maker. Having owned and driven Toyota and Nissans vehicles, My current vehicle (an Acura) sure lives up to that branding, such a satisfying car to drive.
@@burneraccount9100 I've always been curious about Aura. Seriously considering it as my first owned car
Not really the case with Honda. The Accord's interior is quite a notch down in quality aspects to the TLX. Whether it's worth that extra money is your opinion but don't be fooled to think that the Acura's interior is of the same quality of plastics, trim, and molding. It's way up from that.
I think Acura did an amazing job with the TLX. Acura as a brand is on the come up, but they have some really tough competition with Genesis offering some very good offerings. This will still sell very well though
On the come up? They were at the top once, been downhill for last 15 years. The value is not there underpowered, or overpriced pick one.
@@IRaoulDuke look at the rdx sales.. the old mdx sold so well too. They have the new mdx and tlx coming too they will be doing much better.
@@Pabla98 I hope so used to love Acura back in the day I'm in Audi now but the hoping the TLX-s is really good as it has to be to compete with my 18 s5
TLX is definitely catching eyes and stopping traffic.
I've only seen this car 2 times. They look fast i can't lie. One silver one pulled up next to my 2020 toyota avalon trd at the light & tried to get in front of me & I saw the exhausts I'm like god damn. I destroyed it 3 seconds later from a roll. I realized that they aren't as fast as they look & I see now that they're only pushing 272 hp
After owning the car for a month, at 60 mph I can get to anything on the infotainment center without looking away from the road and will beat you with the touch screen under the same circumstances every time, i.e. you using the touch screen without looking away from the road at 60 mph.
I agree. I have the RDX and I put the 4 most important icons in the 4 corners and all I have to do is feel press that corner, don't even have to see the screen, and screen is always clean. Touchscreens are just great for show-off demos while parked, but operating them while moving and having your arm extended on the air trying to hit a spot that will register as a tap and not as a swipe is just counter productive, and that's why MB, BMW still provide a touch or wheel alternative for driving.
@@ckeledjian Mazda and BMW are the only people who seem to get this. I for one am glad that Mazda has done away with touchscreens entirely. They are nothing but a distraction and another piece of technology to go bad in 5-7 years.
Other than the horrible dual screen infotainment crap. The previous gen TLX was a pretty solid car honestly... I feel like it gets too much hate. But I’m so glad to see it get some much needed upgrades though. And the return of a much needed Type S :)
I prefer the dual screen infotainment... being able to select things without messing with the carplay is way better
@@MrTresto select what tho? CarPlay has your audio and mapping stuff covered. The bottom screen is largely redundant also showing audio information. And now that the new TLX has physical climate controls. There’s no need for that on a bottom screen.
That 9 speed ZF used in the previous generation V-6 models was horrible!
@@romeotango58 the transmission actually wasn’t that bad once they worked the kinks out in the later years with the tcm programming. But the first year or two of TLX with the V6 I’d stay away from purely because of that.
The touch pad is a dream. Come on man. I'm 65 years old and picked up on how to use in short order. Great job Acura. My 2021 Acura TLX A spec is black on black. Love it
Yeah it's quite intuitive. I wish they made it touchscreen AND had the touch pad so you had both options. But alas, this is not a deal breaker at all.
You still loving your car? I'm planning on getting a '22 in white with red interior.
@@dansourile5444I know this comment is a few years late lol but we just bought the 24’ TLX A spec in black on black and it’s the same as in the video minus the front plate around the Acura logo is gone and has round tip exhausts. Love the car so far. No regrets!
I’d take less MPG & Reliability over the Bimmer any day
I love my 2021 TLX ASPEC fun to 🚗 drive!!!
Spring twenty twenty one is almost here, and we all know what that means!
Type S
This review reminds me of motorweek. Nice job 👏
Gorgeous vehicle. Again, young gen loved this car!! Seriously worth the money. Still better than BMW, because over 5 years, their engine started to deteriorate.... I rather have a Acura.
I'm not happy with the 2 litre turbo.. Acura should've stuck with the v6
They have V6 Turbo in the 2021 TLX Type S
I think this car will be nearly impossible to sell alongside the RDX. It's not faster. Has way less room. Is no lighter. Isn't more powerful. So you give up sitting high, will be going the same speed, and have a car that can take kids or (more likely) grandkids along in their enormous, bulky child seats. The RDX isn't even more expensive. This car has 1.5 selling points. It has a very nice AWD system that partially offsets the fact that it's a frumpy FWD based trying to look like it's RWD and failing with the enormous front overhang. The only full point is that the stereo is apparently absolutely wonderful. My advice would be get the Accord Touring that is faster and has a foot more leg room in the back if you want to be practical, get the RDX that wears its design compromises far better if you want a nice Acura, or get the new MDX Turbo because it won't be that much more expensive than the Type S TLX. Or go get a cheap Stinger GT AWD and at least go fast for your 40-45k.
LMAO
50k for a little 2.0 liter engine nice looking plastic and red faux leather. 0-60 over 6 seconds? This car is a Gucci purse on wheels.
0-60 is less than 6 seconds (5.7), the leather is perforated Milano leather (high end grain), sound system is crazy, and with the current discounts (rebates, dealer cash, other promotions) you can get it for around 41k! I know since I have this car!
@@jonathanrivera9931 enjoy living in your car. I'll prefer driving mine (v8 manual). But let me know when you install that espresso machine in there 😜
@@GeronimoBiggles dude you probably have an old ass 2009 challenger that has seen better days. Sorry you cant afford anything better.
This thing actually looks great in person. I just saw one today and trust me this videos or images don't do justice. It's so wide and low.
Buy this used 5 years from now for $12K.
Try $20k.
You mean $12k down.
Yeah sure... and 2015 models are $22-25k as we speak lmfaoooo
Go Acura. About time you give us something actually good. Not some bland oatmeal stale piece of toast car. That said i still think 90's Acura would blow this car away. That is if they kept up w/ their 90's drama and appeal. But what ever this is the best swill they give us sans the NSX.
I don’t want to feel fast I want to be fast ☹️
They stretched the wheelbase, yet it has less rear passenger (leg) space than previous gen, and made it 4000 lbs housing a mere 4 cylinder. Poor fuel economy too compared to competition which are 200-300 lbs lighter.
OK at best.
Type S will be a looker, but fuel economy abysmal lol.
I dunno....I’d rather have a Camry XSE V6 and save about $10k. Acura and Lexus need to step up their game because Honda and Toyota are starting to cannibalize their respective lux brands!
A camry?? Booooring
2.0T? WHY NOW AFTER ALL THESE YEARS !!! ILL STICK WITH TL 3.5 ,MAYBE 1 DAY I''LL CONSIDER BUYING WHEN ITS ALOT CHEAPER.
Hopefully Acura can make a wagon version of this TLX, Acura need to make something that counters the dumb "Coupe SUV" trend, and that's what a wagon does.
😂
looks very sporty and fast but isn´t.
SH-AWD makes us forget it is a front-wheel drive car. The engineering that went on the system is very sports oriented.
Acura can keep that touch pad interface. No thanks! Touchscreens are better in every way.
How? It leaves fingerprints on your screen, takes your eyes off the road and tiresome having to reach
@@donnie4262 🤣🤣🤣 "tiresome having to reach " You need to get to the gym 💪 🤣🤣
Finally, it took Acura more than a decade to design a decent looking car again, the last one was the 3rd Gen TL. But the performance of the TL was better, I don`t understand car companies anymore. And one thing that I hate about the new Acuras, is the gear shifter, what a stupid and awkward design.
Acura Is Back! Now can we get a New Acura ILX?! At least base it on the 16-21 Civic! And bring the 2 door compact back from Acura with the Civic Coupe Platform Please
The first car review video I'm seeing in 2021 and it is a good one!
Steve's beanie is fashionable and on trend.
To quote Siskel and Ebert, "Two thumbs up, way up!"
I think it is a missed opportunity due to jacked up prices. I happily leased a 2020 V6 TLX Aspec because that V6 sounds better and is much smoother than A4 or 330i and is much much cheaper. Even as an Acura fan I understand Acura is not as luxurious as BMW,Audi,MB or Lexus. Also 330i is a better car in many departments but I am paying 550$ Canadian for my lease for AWD fully loaded V6 where a comparable 330i or C class would have been twice as much easily. I gladly take TLX for half the lease payment of 330i even though it is in fact inferior. Now they jacked up prices so high that it is very close to BMW. Also they increased their interest rate which means leasing a TLX is almost the same price as a 330i, this was a huge mistake! even for someone who for whatever reason wants to stick with Acura and does not shop around other brands, this is a missed opportunity. You cannot increase your price by 10,000$ CAD and replace a beautiful V6 with a boring turbo4. Yes this is a new architecture and is wider and nicer and has the new infotainment system but it is smaller inside(!) and I honestly prefer that old dual screen over this busy and pointless touchpad. Also that V6 had character, sounded great, was a unique thing among all other turbo4's. If anything they should have kept the price the same, unfortunately I believer this will not sell anywhere near 3series,A4,IS or C class
Those cars you’re listing lease for the same amounts because they are similarly priced. Not trying to be mean but you don’t know what you’re talking about.
@@Garrettpattonaf i actually went to BMW,Audi and MB before leasing my TLX so I know exactly what I am talking about, I have facts and numbers. You on the other hand are just stating your opinion which is totally wrong, no offense!
@@alifarsani2469 so you’re trying to say that vehicles that are priced within a couple thousand dollars of one another could potentially be double the lease price? That sounds like you don’t know what you’re talking about. I actually sell cars and I know how lease payments are calculated. I also have this car so I’m not just talking shit.
@@Garrettpattonaf oh boy here we go again, at this point I think you are very ignorant in the field of finances and interest rates and how it all works! TLV v6 Aspec used to be close to 7k less than 330i with similar options, the factory offered 3.5k incentive on top of 1.2k dealership incentives. That is around 12k(before tax!). BMW's depreciation is higher(50 vs 43% for acura) and then BMW asks for 4.99% interest rate versus 0.9% for Acura. I hope you can handle the easy math here now. You only pay the depreciation after conpound interest and HST on a normal lease so saving 12K and paying 4% less interest means you pay half of what BMW costs.
I never liked that red... is a little bit annoying..
The last gen tlx is a beauty.
Waiting for the type s
Seemingly a good one from Acura Nice review
Very nice but not worth $47k!!
It's almost impossible to choose this car when Genesis has the G70/G80.
Big facts plus the 2021 stinger
@@JustxLiving909 Exactly! Don't know why anyone would choose this.
Who sells more TLX 2021 or؛ G70?
@@aymanal_jahwari9148 globally, the G70.
Good car for small dudes
Exterior is great but interior is meh
The gauges don’t look premium or the center stack 🤷🏻♂️
0-60 in the "low" 6's , yeah they can keep it lol Acura = Dying brand like mitsubishi
I still think Lexus IS is better especially the 2021 model
May not have the same speed and power of its competition but it sure looks stunning!
And kills the competition in sound, looks, and reliability!
The Aspec is not bad until you try the Type S. Then you’ll never want to go back. I drove the Aspec when my type s was in maintenance. It was like nicotine withdrawal. The difference is significant.
i owned a 2021 TLX and love everything about the car
That car with some pilot all season 4 tires would be an absolute hoot. And then summer tires like the ps4s... And yeah. Fun to be had with absurd grip
Nice car, however, for the price it is difficult to choose this one over a BMW3 or one of its European competitors.
I was surprised to see just how much faster the Accord was then this. I think Acura should have put a bit more in it.
“It kinda reminds me of...” the RDX?
So damn expensive
I strongly believe with this years and the new type s coming out, they finally started putting all their might down on this design and power. After 2008, Acura seemed to go down hill. The rsx, tsx, TL, and mdx were the best before 2008. After that, it was just ehhh. So I’m very excited to see Acura finally doing something.
The Type S was the most important missing piece. For years Acura has tried to compete in a segment of entry-level luxury for people that don't want to overpay for a base model with a german badge. Their single engine option was a compromise of performance and economy, since most people don't care for horsepower they won't use. So they matched comparable base german competitors and as long as Acura specs were comparable or better, that was enough. But entusiasts and reviewers will keep comparing a $50k Acura with a 60k-70k loaded sports german. Unfair, but entusiasts remember Acura for performance and the SH-AWD is unparalleled, we needed an engine to match performance competitors, and people will pay a bit more if the product is solid. In terms of sound, AWD, Acura has been top drawer, so the new strategy addresses the lacking issues in design, materials, luxury and engine.
I own 2 Acura TLs one is a 2012 and the other one is a 2005 TL That being said thatsall I drive
"That's not entirely Accurate" ... how could he miss the pun?
Did he??? 🤔
This would be my car if it wasn’t for that ridiculous non-touchscreen interface.
I skipped the 2020 Acura because the interior was dated.
272 hp was impressive 15 years ago. Wtf are you doing Acura?
this, thats a best 272 at the crank before 20% AWD loss. i looked at a few of these before getting an SHO. though maybe the S-type V6 will get it done.
Almost 2 tons sport car without proper sport brakes, no thanks Acura.
At least it's oil dilution free!
Too slow, too thirsty, transversely mounted engine. No thanks.
Always loved the quality of your videos Steve
That’s a sexy color too
Thanks, Miguel! Happy new year.
Just the infotainment keep me far from that car , it is like going backwards
Nice car but:
The taillights are ugly. Should have stuck with the concept design that look like the ones that will be coming out on the MDX
0-60 is slower than the Honda Accord
Terrible MPGs compared to German brands.
Uses Premium fuel and still slower than Accord
Huge front sensor plate on the grill is hideous. Only brand to have done that was 2016 Hyundai Genesis.
Perfect competitor for CT5v
I'd agree if I knew which one the CT5 was. Curse you de Nysschen!!!
CT5 V has a TT V6 and like 100 more HP. Not really a good competitor at all .
Bro this car is better than the Germans too
Good point though I have to say I like him. Very nice guy.
It’s slower and gets worse gas mileage , how does that make sense? And has electronically altered engine sound how is that not diluted? It’s got looks but that’s all it’s got going for it plus the sound system . Think Acura missed the mark
Type-S is going to be a killer, I hope
The YT notsees apparently did not like my comment bout the Toll road device. Way to censor Heir Ghieger!
This is a great car, prob my favorite out of the segment.
This version has nicer exterior and gawdier interior.
boring, ugly, and slow for being a 2021. Base for 50G's hell to the no.
You meant the BMW.. LOL. "2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Looks Boring in Latest Spyshots" and the X3 and X5 looks identical, but just bigger.
Waiting for that Type S
it will come in last mayyy
I think acura will roll an update to the TLX CarPlay to feature wireless Apple CarPlay as seen on the 2022 MDX ... probably shortly after the new mdx is out this spring
Give if to Eu pls!!! Love it!
All fine and dandy until you hear it's $50K before TTL. Also, that is a hideous Windows 95 MS Paint Geocities font on the dial saying "Dynamic Mode" -- makes it look like a cheap chinese knockoff they found on AliExpress/DealExtreme. Should just been an aluminum CNC machined part with embossed/debossed text in a professional font that just says "DYNAMIC".
Beautiful car
Happy New Year 2U! I don't like Acura's anymore… the last time they had megahit was the 1992-1993 Acura Legend… a solid V8 with solid power… until they come with a Lexus LS/GS killer they will maintain #bottom of the barrel status
You better have deep pockets to keep all the gadgets working.
Suvs and pickup truck popularity is only in US, where awareness of environmental responsibility is lower than other places. Everywhere else (ie. the other 95% of the world) still are very much into sedans and cars.
Straight to the meat, without all the fluff. Subscribed!
Thanks, Joseph!
Is it faster then a pontiac g8 3.6l v6
Those headlights and tail lights are splashed in every model of every Brand nowadays, from Audi to Alfa; too bad Acura is in the Middle of nowhere
I accidentally noticed the hazards button smack dab in the middle of the dash. You mean to tell me Acura couldn't find a better place for that? It ruins the whole design of the dash for me.
If this got better then why did the civic got uglier
I’m getting one although the Accord styling is nice but the accord style could never 🔥🔥💪🏾💪🏾
if they made it quick enough to compete with 340 and Q50 performance its a steal. 6cyl turbo?
Not a bad car, but that Nissan-esque badge is an eyesore.
at this point any new car that is not electric seem looks silly to buy new. It's used ICE cars or new EV cars market only.
I need a girl to get this beauty for me 😉
No, you need to be a better man and grow up.
2021 RDX A Spec much better value with same engine
It gives a sport appearance but not a sports performance sounds like a ricer. I have the 2020 and driven the 2021, it feels slow.
Why does it feel like I’m watching the news … 😭😭💀💀💀
Because you’re used to watching crap?
nice action shots at park8ng lot speeds
Omg that black wheel is so ugly, I looks like someone take their stock wheels and Pepboys rattle can it.
Can the piped in sound be turned off?
18-20 have clearly been a disappointment.
21 makes up for it!
Idk if its just me but prefer the exterior of the previous tlx a spec models the interior on this one is much better though
"...According to J.D. Power research data, 65% of TLX buyers are men, matching the average for the Compact Premium Car segment. They are slightly older than average (58 years of age vs. 56), and they're making less money than average..." J.D. Powersteering
I’m 27 driving a 21 tlx at half the age
$47,000 for 272 hp and no touch screen? i'll pass