2021 Acura TLX Type S | Review & Road Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- For the latest Acura TLX pricing and information: www.kbb.com/Acura/TLX
In simplest terms, the 2021 Acura TLX Type S is a TLX with more power, racier handling, and track-ready Brembo brakes. That’s a lazy encapsulation but Acura went to all the effort of renting a racetrack for our TLX test, so let’s dig deeper.
Item 1 is the engine. The base TLX’s turbocharged 2-liter engine has been replaced with V6, boosted by a single twin-scroll turbocharger (355hp, 354 lb-ft). The V6’s output is shuttled through a “sport-tuned” 10-speed automatic transmission to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Quick recap, the “super” part of that name refers to how the system can send up to 70% of the engine’s power rearward. And up to 100% of that power to either the left or right rear tire. The ability to focus power on the outside tire helps the TLX turn with enhanced gusto.
If you’d like to spot the Type S in a crowd just look for its dark trim, quad exhaust outlets, lower lip spoiler, and this pentagonal grille that’s been reworked for better airflow. Or, perhaps, a slew of Type S badges might tip you off. Inside you’ll find more Type S insignia and Ultrasuede 16-way seats with adjustable side bolsters.
In motion, I love how the standard TLX steers. It has a steering ratio that quickens off center yields a satisfying blend of high-speed stability and low speed agility. The Type S offers that same feel just slightly quickened throughout the steering wheels movement. The result is a satisfying urgency when steering
Despite the Type S’s sporting intentions, ride comfort is excellent in comfort mode. While the Type S features 40% stiffer front springs versus the standard car, the standard adaptive dampers still mask the worst road imperfections
As for power there is more than enough. Floor the accelerator for immediate propulsive hit followed by a rising swell of thrust as the turbocharger spins up to speed.
In comfort or normal modes, the transmission doesn’t downshift as quickly as I might expect. But switching to Sport mode perks up the transmission’s alertness.
Oh, and while there isn’t a true launch control feature, with Sport + active you can mash the brake pedal, floor the accelerator, and the Type S will hold the revs around 2,000 rpm for an eager standing start.
When applied to the nearest racetrack, the 2022 TLX Type S continues to impress. While there’s enough power for a good time, what impressed me were the brakes. They stop confidently with a firm, satisfying pedal feel. That excellent brake feel comes via 4-piston Brembo front brakes with 14.3-inch discs operated by an electro server brake controller derived from the NSX.
Left in Sport Plus mode, the transmission was always in the correct gear. Approaching Laguna Seca’s renowned corkscrew, the 10-speed smartly downshifted without my intervention, landing in the correct gear for a speedy departure at the corner’s exit.
Adding to the good track vibes is a steering wheel that approaches ergonomic perfection when held at the 9 and 3 position. I’ll add that the seats held me in place well and their standard ventilation kept me comfortably cool.
On a critical note, the V6 sounds fine but Acura could have injected more audible emotion. For reference, check out the crackly bombastic sounds of the Hyundai Veloster N.
For those who care, the TLX Type S is decently efficient, returning 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.
As for price, the 2022 Acura TLX Type S starts at $52,300 plus destination charges. That’s a healthy jump versus the standard TLX’s base price of $37,500 but the Type S does come loaded and some types of fun costs money.
Keep in mind, there are pricier performance sedans out there. For instance, a base BMW M340i xDrive has a 27-horsepower advantage versus the Type S but costs thousands more. Meanwhile the Audi S4 starts under $50,000 but it’s down 6 horsepower and lacks the Type S’s rich equipment list.
Compare similarly equipped models and the TLX Type S is a compelling value. That said, the Type S alternative I’m really interested in is the upcoming 2022 Genesis G70. With a twin-turbo, 365-horsepower V6, rear wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential that G70 should be a heaping pile of fun.
Like the standard TLX, the TLX Type S is a bit understated. Depending on your taste that’s a plus or minus. Personally, I dig it. I also dig Acura’s holistic approach to performance. Every aspect of the Type S has been thoughtfully considered. Whether driving the open road or a closed course, the Type S quick, composed, and, most importantly, fun. And man, I think we’re all overdue for a bit of fun.
00:00 2021 Acura TLX Type S Review
0:30 Engine & SH-AWD Overview
1:07 Type S Features
1:49 Street Driving Impressions
3:20 Sport + Mode
3:39 “Launch Control”
3:54 Track Driving Impressions
6:19 Fuel Economy & Pricing
6:36 TLX Type S Competitors - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[HIGHLIGHT] หมีLIVEปะ? | EP.171 เห็นแต่ในจอ วันนี้มาต้องขอคารวะ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gPWLxa0e_Z8/mqdefault.jpg)
If Zach’s nearby, you know I’m gonna put him to work.
Hilarious!
Well done!
Thanks for editing in the continued cameo from Zach, KBB!
I was waiting for Vlasuk to make his obligatory appearance - almost missed it.
Well, you watched the Acura TLX Type S, though, right?
Unlike the Audi and BMW, the Acura will still be fully functioning in two weeks time!
BMWs and Audis aren’t functional in 2 weeks?
All I got to say is Euro Trash!
@@mahp3039 Euro “trash” is better than any Japanese or American cars
@@kristians2704Euro Trash! Go drive your rentals!
@@kristians2704 if they also focused on reliability, would have been a different Ball game.
FInally, Acura has come in to it’s own. I am digging it too.
a modern turbo 6 that sounds good?? nice! Love the new design too
Thank you for this wonderful review Micah! So nice to see Acura make a fun to drive sports sedan with some character in a world of hybrid crossovers. Still think it’s weird paying $55,000 and not getting a heads up display or a full screen gauge cluster, but I’m sure that’ll be fixed in its mid cycle refresh.
Yeah, super weird lol
Considering that it comes with a V6 355 hp engine, and AWD, the Type S is a good deal.
I'm sure that turo engine is capable of 100 more horsepower too. But I'm guessing they kept it lower to keep it reliable.
@@Tjtjboy my only concern with the hybrid AWD setup. Would be quickly ruining the cornering and adding a ton of oversteer with more power only added to the front wheels.
Kia stinger is better!!
@@Vin-fu1rm Lol! Dream on.
8:08 ngl I was looking for Zach the whole video. It's KBB's Acura video, Zach has to be in it!
that color is so fine
Micah has a unique personality and offkey humor that other driving reviewers don't have, if he wasn't even a part of a company he'd be good even as independent TH-cam reviewer
He does have an independent channel that he regularly posts on. You should check it out! It’s more family oriented but also includes helicopter flights. The channel is “Micah Muzio”
Waited for this!!
8:08 That end credit scene was better than all of the Marvel end credits till date.
What are you ten smh 🤦lol
@@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049 9, some wrong?
@@henrybrar it was a joke relax kid lol 😆
And the Acura TLX Type S is a fine car, too.
@@squidproquo2241 not bad
It’s odd that Acura/Honda didn’t choose one of their dual-clutch transmissions for this car.
The colour is so stunning
that colour is amazing
Howdy, awesome video and great review as always Micah! Hi Zach!😸😸
Awesome review and i watched most of them. I'm glad you mentioned the 2022 genesis G70 because that's the only car i am comparing to and considering. After watching motoman drive it I think it seems like a better drivers car???? Thanks again Micah for great review as always!
I think you need to compare the kia stinger too.yes it's not a luxury brand, but it's not far behind in cabin quality, and it has more tech, And it's 10k cheaper here in 🇨🇦.
Aw man! Really wish we could have the new Acura TLX in Europe!
I enjoy seeing you in your element. Such a contrast from the Amish scooter you arrived with at the beginning. This video should help sell the TLX. Awesome job to the BOSS of the racetrack!!
Another thing to consider when cross shopping this with BMW and Audi, is this thing will probably be more reliable. (Previous 2005 TL 6psd owner, finally traded it in after 16 years and almost 200k miles and very little spent on maintenance that whole time)
And oil changes aren't $200
Yeah all you need is an oil change, there's your maintenance, cheap and simple
The 340i has been coined as one of the most reliable engines some time ago. Acura, like Toyota, has been known to have good reliable engines. Verdict will be out on this one though since it's a newly designed engine.
Best Kelly Blue Book review on TH-cam!
Love this car! Will probably buy one in a year or so.
The TLX Type S sounds way better than the Veloster lol…
Yeah that fake crackling & popping is soooo overdone at this point
Agreed! If anything, they should have aimed for the M340i...in sport mode, that exhaust has a decent burble
It doesn't even compete with the veloster lmao whats your issue
@@elis3533 6:11 he says the TLX exhaust sound could have been better and cites the veloster N as an example
@@elis3533 my issue is your lack of comprehension skills.
“Good job SHAWD” Lmao Micah
Having just come from making the comparison in-person, the paint on this car, up close, is incredible; you won't find paint this nice on the significantly more expensive M3/4.
Omg the ice cream looks sooo goood! How did you make the strawberry sauce without the pieces? With a strainer?
Gorgeous sedan!!! Thanks for that car, Acura!!
Europe needs this!!!
Love this car especially in that blue! One day I will own this car. It also helps that the wife loves the look of the new TLX
Corvette power with a trunk and reliability even in the snow. Incredible
corvette power is quite a stretch
Yeah a 1992 corvette
Fantastic review, now put this thing up against the G70 and CTV4 or 5!!
Awesome!
TLX Type-S shooting brake would probably look fantastic
I wished they did a sportback
i wished they did with a two doors coupe
Wish they did a convertible
Wooooo Tiger Eye Pearl over Orchid 🤩🤩 !! This or the G70 is the way to go !
Love this! Japanese engineering. Welcome back Acura.
Finally Acura steps up its motor
That is a fabulous colour. I wish more people bought cars in interesting colours.
This, is looking pretty well done? I hate to say it, what took so long? Had an RL years ago that was a blast in bad weather. It conquered Utah, Michigan and Colorado. Looks like this would be even more enjoyable to run in bad weather. I'm going to look at one of these soon.
They need to add a sport plus mode to the Honda passport!
Bring back the Legend
Honda Legend is already done with autonomous driving ability but only available in Japan
Nice color!
Is this color sunshine gold? Like the old CL type s?
THIS CAR IS THE REAL DEAL.
Allright!
Acura is back in the game 🙌 Sexy car, well designed, Japanese reliability...... awesome color.
Man, I’d love to own this car.
YES YES YES YES YES
That’s the rarest color right there.
Micah got new shoes!
I noticed it saying "BRAKE" a few times in the gauge cluster, was that from some sort of track mode or was it part of the press event?
It’s a safety feature in all the new Acuras
@@drivescene6747
Ah, was it just the auto-braking warning? My car has that
Miss Monterey and PCH!
We definitely do need more fun
Does the arm rest pass the test???
is that the tlx backfiring??
I'm not a car person and I'm looking at the mdx but this got me thinking
What about the MDX Type S coming out ?
@@b.f.378 holy Molly
The MDX Type S will be excellent
Would LOVE to see it in RDX
That would be the perfect CUV imo
They are doing an RDX Type-S. And an MDX Type-S
@@orangeVSappel the MDX type S has been confirmed, still no news on an RDX Type S however.
🔥
This car is getting to me.
The Cadillac CT5-V is a much more engaging competitor & is priced similarly
Prelude please
Over 4200 lbs for the Acura super-sedan🤯
A type S without VTEC?
Battery in the trunk and 59/41 weight distribution?
4200 lbs?🤔
Color. 👍
TLX Type S or CT5-V ?
No mention of engine size nor performance numbers
355 horsepower...... how UN-inspiring! Acura, you deeply disappoint. I hope the new Type S MDX is more impressive than this let-down but I doubt it.
I can't wait to get my TLX Type S but just an FYI the MDX will sport similar numbers. Straight from Acura: "Unlike anything Acura has built before, the MDX is the first SUV to ascend to the high-performance ranks of Type S. Featuring a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 producing an estimated 355-HP116 and 354 lb-ft116 of torque, the MDX Type S puts power to the ground with rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). A double-wishbone front suspension, 21-in wheels, and front Brembo® brakes deliver handling with exhilarating precision."
@@krylonblue I’ll stick with my GV80
@Paul Benedict Alberca I have a boomer in my pants with your name on it Paul.
Man honestly I'm not going to lie but I think Honda would have knocked it out of the park if they had put a Dct and this monster. Wow they could have easily been sports luxury of the year no contest.
wait! was that a crackle? 2:49
Now let’s see a race with Acura TLX Type S vs Honda Civic Type R. . . 👌🏿😎🌴🌙
If it was rwd it'd be a home run but getting closer.
It is a home run because it is an AWD, translates to a quicker acceleration than a RWD and better handling with the SH AWD. Stop hating.
The grill gives me a black panther vibe
Hmm. This or the IS500??
Lol at that Easter egg at the end
Never clicked so fast! Lol
Same 😭😭
I want a is 500 vs tlx s
Are they going to make an rdx type s?
Every model in their line will get a Type S version
If you buy one of these, why not?
How about some 0-60 and 1/4 mile times?
Right….that’s why I watched this
4.73 I believe according to Redline Reviews
@@ashton3002 more like 4.5/s considering there were two people riding
@@amd1055tify and it was pretty unfavorable conditions. He started on the side of the road, turned back into the road and immediately had to take a slight bend. I think this could comfortably hit mid low 4s.
@@alexc7864 exactly
I think 8 speeds is enough but it’s 10. Now bring back the 6 speed transmission back.
👌🏼👌🏼
I prefer my exhaust not crackle, but burbling is ok
Compare it to the IS500 when it comes out.
The IS500 would likely beat this. I like the look of this better though.
If you're going to go that aggressive with the exhaust tips you better match the sound. Some missing features for the price imo. HUD, 360 camera, digital dash & auto-adjusting steering wheel.
If you re interested, 2022 Kia Stinger solves all of those, with an almost identical price, better backseat room and overall space throughout. Obviously looks are subjective and if you care about the badge then just disregard my comment.
@@unrealisticgoals I have yet to see a digital gauge in the stinger
Digital dash is cheap.
@5:26... lmfao🤣
Nice looking Buick
Wouldn't the real TLX Type S competitor be the Kia Stinger, not the G70? Sized way closer together. I think some comparisons need to be made.
I think its compared to the Genesis because that's Hyundai's upscale brand.
I think the stinger and g70 have the same engine, I think.
Ah!..., Laguna Seca Raceway, 😉
Wasn’t ratiti there too?
Yup, had a nice chat with him. Great dude.
I wear jeans a lot and like this white interior. Did you get a sense jeans would be a no no with this interior?
Wearing a jeans and driving this machine would be incredible. . . I can't wait to try that on when I get mine next weekend.
Still can't believe, I'll be having my hands around this machine real soon. My involvement in trading Crypto is indeed paying off.. . .Just glad I did
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@@hugocharles824 "it's a trap!"
This or Kia Stinger GT2 AW?
Stinger will have better performance, this look better though.
I like these Acura’s a lot but they’re expensive
Then try to buy a European junk you will find the difference.
@@squidproquo2241 I drive a 2018 Ford Fusion Ecoboost and I have 0 complaints. I’ll take Ford over European any day
@@MrSamwiseable "I drive a 2018 Ford Fusion Ecoboost"
You don't own it..
"and I have 0 complaints."
Of course, because you don't own it.
"I’ll take Ford over European any day"
Ford Fusion 2.0T Titanium 2020 MSRP is $37,645 (KBB Website). 2021 Acura TLX 2.0 L Turbo MSRP $37,500.
You don;t know what you are talking about as it seems. This TLX Type S is bargain ib its class and with standard features, much less being expensive
Zach!!! 🥲
My dead grandmother would love this car, she hated driving fast!
Coupe?
Zach?!
If non type s isn't that slow. I think that will be my pick
276 hp for a spec it's plenty fast for a daily driver
I was never a fan of the button shifters, like I get why they it but I’d miss resting my hands on a shifter.
Hahaha lol...
I guess I'll try that out when I have this machine packed at the parking lot...
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6:25 well there we go with the “huge loads” required to get one of these things...😉
There is nothing spectacular (stands out) about the car...I was hoping it would look like the concept car...or at least have more power to lead the class... but neither is the case... good review guys 👦👍.
Its a turbo 6,from Honda, im pretty sure the horsepower potential is very optimistic.
It looks like it has no trunk makes it look weird.
Wish the graphic on the screen would show a type S model with the quad exhaust and not a regular model. Seems a bit lazy on their part.