Used 2020 Acura TLX

#8 in Best Small Luxury Cars of 2020

The 2020 Acura TLX cuts its own path through the dense jungle of premium-compact sedans. Its formula of impeccable build quality, absolute reliability and generous standard equipment has made an impression on buyers, who keep flocking to the TLX. It doesn’t have German presence like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, nor does it have the European style of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE or the aesthetic impact of the revived Volvo S60. And it starts out as a front-wheel-drive model, displeasing the enthusiasts. However, there’s a large contingent of luxury-car drivers who don’t care which wheels are driven as long as they get them home at night and back to work the next morning.

The entry-level 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine links to an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission that works fine. The 3.5-liter V6 connects to a 9-speed regular automatic that needs to be in Sport mode to respond as quickly as it should. Front-drive versions enjoy rear-wheel steering that enhances agility and makes parking easier. Having the V6 in this configuration is asking for understeer, where the nose runs wide and any fun evaporates. All-wheel-drive versions are exclusively V6-powered and include SH-AWD. The “SH” part means “Super Handling” and it isn’t Acura being whimsical. By sending power to wheels with the most grip, the ability to maintain tight, fast cornering lines is amplified. A-Spec models ride slightly firmer, pleasantly so, but don’t have any more power.

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First impression: an unmistakable air of quality. Fit, finish, seat cushioning and cabin materials are all appropriate for the premium-compact-sedan class. The 2020 TLX offers perforated leather upholstery as a reasonably priced option, but the standard simulated stuff is pretty good. Models with the 4-cylinder engine have a regular gear selector, while V6 versions use a push-button system that takes some familiarization. A stacked double-screen arrangement for the infotainment system sits at the top of the center console. The upper display is for the phone, the lower touch screen for things like climate control and audio, so accessing often-used functions is made simple. Legroom for rear passengers is a little tight at 34.5 inches, but 14 cubic feet of trunk space is generous.

The relatively new look for the Acura TLX brings it into line with the marque’s other vehicles. It’s no Audi or Alfa Romeo, no strong styling philosophy or rich heritage in evidence, but it’s an improvement on what came before. Chrome accents front and rear, plus twin tailpipes adorn V6 models. The range-topping Advance package brings LED fog lights and a rear spoiler. A-Spec versions have their own cosmetic touches, like 19-inch alloy wheels with a Shark Gray finish.

SUPER HANDLING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Plenty of premium-sporty sedans offer intelligent all-wheel-drive systems, but this one might be able to discuss quantum mechanics with Neil deGrasse Tyson. As well as providing reassurance in bad weather, it engages in torque vectoring, sending power to individual wheels for optimum grip and stability.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
The least expensive brand-new Acura TLX comes with integration for both kinds of popular smartphones as standard. This enables hands-free texting, access to personal music libraries and more.

Every new TLX comes with an array of driver aids that includes forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. Automatic brake hold is another convenience that makes life easier for the right foot while waiting at stoplights. The rest of the standard equipment in the 2020 TLX is comprehensive, ranging from heated front seats that include 10-way-power adjustment for the driver to a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio.

Buyers looking at the 2020 TLX also have a 3.5-liter V6 to consider, along with the option of all-wheel drive. A Technology package is available with either engine, bringing navigation with real-time traffic updates, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker ELS audio upgrade. TLX versions with the V6 are eligible for an Advance package that includes heated rear seats/steering wheel, wireless charging, puddle lights, remote start and a 360-degree-camera setup. The A-Spec treatment may be applied across the range, adding darkened exterior and interior aesthetics, front/rear parking sensors and ventilated front seats.

Propelling the 2020 TLX is either a base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 206 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 generating 290 horsepower. Neither output figure is that remarkable, but should be adequate for most purposes. The 4-cylinder engine pairs up with an 8-speed automated transmission, while the V6 has a 9-speed automatic. It’s possible (although not particularly advisable) to pair the V6 with front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) always requires this bigger engine. The V6 also deploys cylinder deactivation to save fuel, while those with all-wheel drive have an engine stop/start function. It’s somewhat obtrusive when the engine kicks back in, so some drivers will be pleased to know that it can be turned off. Acura recommends premium gasoline for both engines.

2.4-liter inline-4
206 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm
182 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg, 23/32 mpg (A-Spec)

3.5-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
267 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/31 mpg (FWD), 20/30 mpg (FWD A-Spec), 20/29 mpg (AWD models)