2021 Acura TLX Type S | Review & Road Test

For the latest Acura TLX pricing and information: https://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

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