2024 Acura TLX vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift towards SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals, and the brand's decision not to flood rental fleets with its vehicles added to the TLX's rarity on the road. The 2023 model, particularly the Type S variant, was a striking vehicle with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements, priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this came at the cost of rear-seat space and cargo capacity. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required some adjustment.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura TLX received a subtle update, most notably with a frameless front grille and the removal of the radar emitter, giving it a more refined look. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and air intakes added to its visual appeal, while the character lines along the sides demonstrated restraint. The 2024 TLX came with 19-inch alloy wheels on the A-Spec trim, while the Type S featured 20-inch Berlina black split-spoke rims. Inside, the TLX offered a luxurious experience with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The new 12.3-inch infotainment screen was a highlight, though the busy centre stack and push-button shifter required some acclimatization. The Type S model, with its red leather upholstery and ambient lighting, delivered a true performance car experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes. It could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. However, the brake-by-wire system was a drawback, causing a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2024 Acura TLX A-Spec retained the 2.0-litre engine with the same power output and SH-AWD system. The Type S model, with its 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering blistering acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in about five seconds. The transmission handled shifts smoothly, and the car's multiple driving modes provided noticeable differences in performance. The adaptive dampers, stabilizers, and Brembo brakes contributed to the Type S's nimble handling, despite its weight. The steering, though electrically assisted, maintained accuracy and responsiveness.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with low-contrast red markings were notable features. The front sport seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, comparable to a compact car.

The 2024 Acura TLX's dimensions placed it between compact and midsize sedans. The front seats offered ample space, while the rear seats fell short of midsize standards with 886 mm of legroom. The trunk capacity remained at 382 litres. The TLX's long hood contributed to its visual presence but affected interior space. The front seats were supportive, and the driver enjoyed a comfortable and ergonomic experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX's technology was a mixed bag, with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system causing frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, relying on the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless smartphone integration and the TTI's distracting nature were drawbacks.

The 2024 Acura TLX improved on technology with dual 12.3-inch displays for the driver and infotainment. The ELS Studio 3D audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad were standard. Amazon Alexa was also integrated. The TTI remained, offering a one-to-one mapping with the display, but phone projection systems like CarPlay and Android Auto were less intuitive, requiring multiple swipes for navigation.

The 2023 Acura TLX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX's ACE body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura TLX continued to offer an impressive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating, while the IIHS gave it top scores in all tests, though it had not yet received the Top Safety Pick+ designation for 2024.