Used 2023 Acura TLX

That’s not a huge amount of money for a luxury car with a lot of equipment as standard, including many driver assistance features. A German rival to the 355-horsepower TLX Type S equipped to a comparable level would be appreciably more expensive.

It isn’t just equipment. The TLX also has the overall quality as well as the driving talents to make it a superb choice from a class full of great cars.

Although its exterior dimensions are similar to cars the next size up, the 2023 TLX is in the same financial ballpark as compact sedans like the Lexus IS and Genesis G70. Its interior space is most definitely in this smaller category.

In addition to the relatively reasonable pricing, the TLX also holds its value well. No wonder, since it has the reliability of its Honda parent company backing it up. Whatever the TLX might lack in prestige compared with a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, it compensates in other ways.

The TLX can be described as a luxury sedan, or it could be seen as a sport sedan with luxury elements. With a certain agility and poise, it definitely exists to engage the driver while not being so firm in its ride quality that it upsets the passengers.

Every version has sport front seats with pronounced lateral cushioning, plus paddle shifters beneath the steering wheel for whenever the driver decides to change gear — instead of letting the (perfectly capable) transmission do it automatically.

Both engine options make respectable levels of power, although the V6 in the Type S is naturally the enthusiast’s choice. It comes as standard with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, distributing torque between the front and rear wheels. Through quick corners, the car holds its line with a virtually unshakable resolve.

The Type S also has an adaptive suspension as standard, with a greater range of comfort and sportiness than the passive setup in the lower 2.0T models. This suspension is also part of the optional Advance package for the 2.0T TLX.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of luxury compact cars, including this Acura TLX.

A rotary control takes pride of place in the center console. It selects drive modes while underlining the car’s intention to provide a thrill or three.

The usual luxury stuff is still evident, though, like high-quality materials, ambient LED cabin lighting, and comfortable spots where the elbows land.

Adults sitting in the back won’t love the 34.9 inches of rear legroom. They’d prefer a roomier German rival, but they can consider themselves lucky that this is still more space than a Lexus IS.

Trunk volume of 13.5 cubic feet isn’t especially generous, although it’s still one of the best in the luxury compact sedan class.

Our main complaint regarding the TLX’s interior is the touchpad for the infotainment system. It’s similar to the trackpad of a laptop computer, yet doesn’t feel particularly intuitive. No doubt getting used to it will happen over time, but other automakers have already been there, done that, and moved on from this type of interface.

GPS-linked climate control
Using information from the navigation system in tandem with a solar sensor, this feature helps maintain a consistent cabin temperature. It’s standard in all but the base model.

Head-up display
Information projected onto the windshield helps drivers keep their eyes on the road ahead. This is part of the Advance package offered with the 2.0T model.

Wireless charging
Just place a smartphone on the pad in the center console, and the recharging process begins. This is optional in the base and with the Technology package, standard elsewhere.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
This system goes beyond just providing extra confidence on slippery roads. It really does bolster the handling of the 2023 TLX with its incredible grip.

ELS audio
Grammy-winning recording engineer Elliott Scheiner (Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters) is the golden-eared expert behind these high-end systems for the 2023 TLX.

Brembo brakes
Italian company Brembo specializes in high-performance braking systems, with a client list that includes Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. A set of Brembo brakes is standard equipment on the 2023 TLX Type S.

One of the most powerful base engines in the luxury compact sedan class lives under the hood of the 2023 TLX 2.0T. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The more affordable versions have front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.

Type S models come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing a substantial 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard in the Type S.

Premium gasoline is recommended for both engines. They each connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
272 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg, 22/30 mpg (A-Spec FWD), 21/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Type S)
355 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg, 19/24 mpg (Performance Wheel & Tire package, PMC Edition)

More Acura TLX fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Excellent Safety Ratings

The 2023 Acura TLX earns a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ making it one of the safest cars in its class.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2023 TLX luxury compact sedan lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The powertrain warranty is for six years or 70,000 miles. Lexus offers the same arrangements and German rivals have shorter warranties — Genesis leads the pack in this respect. Complimentary scheduled maintenance over the first two years or 24,000 miles is a new inclusion for 2023.