The 2022 Acura TLX is a small luxury sedan whose rivals include the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS. Since it was completely redone only last year, the TLX rolls into the 2022 model year with no notable changes. That’s fine with us, because this latest-generation TLX is agile and fun to drive, plus it has a choice of two invigorating turbocharged engines.
The base powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that sends 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a quick-witted 10-speed automatic transmission. This provides the TLX with more than enough thrust for every kind of driving scenario. If you want additional grip, all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.
Step up to the Type S and you get AWD as standard, along with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that delivers 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. As you’d expect, this engine upgrade gives the TLX an added jolt of acceleration and even swifter responses when flinging this luxury sedan through tight and twisty roads.
The Acura TLX (A-Spec interior pictured above) isn’t all about acceleration figures and pushing the limits of adhesion in corners, though it’s entertaining on both counts. Inside, you’ll find a cabin adorned in quality materials, including real wood and metal trim on the dashboard.
Occupants in the front face a sporty-looking dashboard and have plenty of headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. The second row is fine for average-sized adults, though it’s worth noting space back there is hardly cavernous.
The TLX is fitted with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen mounted on the upper portion of the dashboard. This system is controlled via a touchpad located on the center console which, rather conveniently, includes a padded section to place your wrist while scrolling through various commands.
Truth be told, a touchscreen interface would be simpler, though the TLX’s infotainment commands get easier with practice. Controls on the multi-function steering wheel provide some helpful shortcuts, too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Bluetooth, HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, two front USB ports, a 10-speaker stereo, and Wi-Fi hot spot.
Upgrading the TLX’s tech features means adding one of this Acura sedan’s available option bundles. For approximately $4,000 extra, the aptly-named Technology package includes GPS-linked climate control, navigation, additional USB ports, and a 13-speaker ELS premium sound system.
For an additional $2,750, the A-Spec Package comes with these features and adds an even more powerful 17-speaker ELS sound system and wireless smartphone charging, not to mention a flat-bottom steering wheel, upgraded leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and trunk lid spoiler.
Finally, the Advance package rings in at around $4,800 and brings along an adaptive suspension, 360-degree parking camera, sportier front seats, head-up instrument display, and heated rear seats. Of course, if you’re impatient about adding all these option packages, choosing the TLX Type S adds pretty much all of these features, along with the more powerful turbo V6 and AWD.
As we’ve already pointed out, the TLX has an interior that blends a sporty and youthful appearance with top-notch trim. It might not be as ultimately luxurious as some rival luxury sedans, though the overall impression is positive. Moving up the various – and somewhat pricey – option packages adds racy touches, like a flat-bottom steering wheel, more heavily bolstered front seats, stainless steel pedals, and higher quality leather seating surfaces with suede inserts.
No surprise, the TLX Type S is not only the quickest model in the lineup, but it also has the most aggressive appearance. The Type S sports a front splitter and rear diffuser to give it some extra visual punch, while at each corner are 20-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brake calipers peeking through them.
The available Type S Performance Wheel and Tire package adds lightweight Y-spoke 20-inch alloys, plus high-performance Pirelli summer tires. For another $1,000 or so, you can have a carbon fiber rear spoiler added to the decklid of this top-of-the-line TLX.
The TLX offers 13.5 cubic feet of trunk volume, which is relatively small for this class of luxury sedan. Thankfully, if larger objects need to be transported via your Acura, the 60/40 split-folding rear backrest affords extra cargo-toting flexibility.
Build and price your own 2022 Acura TLX to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see TLX models for sale near you.
