2018 Acura TLX

[Acura604]

...acura engineers: "lets remove exhaust tips for a few years, ok now lets put them back in now that we saved a bit of money"

...and IMO, another failed grill attempt.

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[Badhobz]

MDX and this hideous new TLX all have this pig face

[Cwift]

Looks like the fake exhaust is still there for the other models, and only the A spec gets those rounded tips.

[tomatogunk]

not a fan of the interior

[Acura604]

2018 Acura TLX adds sporty A-Spec to lure tech-savvy younger drivers

Chris Davies - Apr 11, 2017

Acura promised last year that its Precision Concept would donate its distinctive styling to production models sooner rather than later, and the 2018 Acura TLX is next in line. The company’s luxury sports sedan is targeting younger, more eager drivers with its big revamp for the 2018 model year, complete with the marque’s new signature diamond pentagon grille. Inside, meanwhile, there’s more tech and gadgetry as standard.

Having already shown up once before on the 2017 MDX SUV, the new grille takes pride of place on a massaged TLX body. In fact, there are now three distinct versions of the 2018 TLX, with the 4-cylinder and V6 cars joined by a new TLX A-Spec. That will slot in as the flagship car.

The 2017 TLX 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder gets a new fascia and bumper, more sculpting to the hood, new fenders, and a new Jewel Eye headlamp design. LED turn signals are now included, along with standard 17-inch alloy wheels. As standard it’ll get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, too.

Next up is the 2018 TLX V6. That throws in a new rear fascia with exposed, rectangular dual-exhaust trim, along with a rear diffuser. It also upgrades to 18-inch wheels as standard. The V6 TLX with Technology Package throws on chrome side sill trim on the outside, while inside there are new seats with contrast piping and stitching; the driver’s seat gets a power-operated thigh extension.

As for the V6 TLX with Advance Package, that introduces trapezoidal LED fog lights, a body-color deck lid spoiler, and power-folding side mirrors. Inside, there’s a surround view camera system, white LED ambient light piping in the cabin, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats. You also get a wireless charging pad for your phone.

New for the 2018 model year, Acura will offer its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system across all of the V6 TLX models. Previously only available on those with the Technology or Advance Packages, it combines AWD with torque vectoring.

The big change, however, is an all-new TLX version. The 2018 TLX A-Spec will come with Acura’s V6 engine, in either 2WD or SH-AWD configurations. It differentiates itself visually courtesy of an exclusive front fascia, round LED fog lights, more aggressively-designed side sills, and a rear diffuser through which large, round dual-exhaust finishers are visible. A gloss black decklid spoiler and dark-finish 19-inch wheels with 245-series tires round out the visual changes.

However, there’s also more aggressive damper settings and new tuning to the electric power steering for what Acura claims is more sporty on-road performance and more precise handling. The SH-AWD version gets a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar. Inside, exclusive A-Spec leather seats add extra bolstering, there’s red added to the instrumentation, brushed aluminum-look trim, and a thick-rimmed sport steering wheel. The seats are offered in red or black leather, with Alcantara seat and door inserts, and there’s the wireless charging pad, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting from the Advance Package.

Along with Google and Apple’s smartphone interfaces, the 2018 TLX also gets a new On Demand Multi-Use Display infotainment system. Spreading the UI across two displays, there’s a new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen which promise to be swifter in its response; the system as a whole is a claimed 30-percent faster than what was in the old TLX. Crash avoidance is standard, as part of AcuraWatch, with collision mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and road departure mitigation all available.

Acura says the 2018 TLX will begin showing up at dealerships this June. Pricing will be announced closer to release.

[twitchyzero]

I know Honda has no say but both android auto and apple carplay should be wireless...c'mon it's 2017
A-Spec trim looks great.

[jpark]

the 2015-2016 was a very disappointing car in person. Actually was looking into some leasing options in hopes of having a new reliable daily some time back. The visuals of the interior was VERY disappointing, it was a step down in terms of quality and design from the previous beak grill 4g TL's (yes, i am aware the tlx is not a direct 4g tl replacement)

The door panels, Inst cluster, cheesy wood trim all looked like it was straight from 10 years ago, and all they did was just slap some dual screens
New one looks okay with the sporty touch ups on the aspec model. But still a very meh car for the money

[Oshiguru]

Finally looks like they updated the infotainment. Annoying how Hondas have newer infotainment than my parent's 16' MDX

[Timpo]

I don't know about the grill..

Bit everyone called Lexus spindle grill ugly when they first came out but now people think they're cool so who knows.

[spacemanrick]

I wasn't a fan of the previous 2017 TLX but I like this refresh. The A spec in white with the red leather interior looks pretty sharp for an Acura. It is also about time they came out with Android auto and Apple car play. We have a 2017 Acura RDX and I wish it had Andoid auto because the Acura navigation sucks compared to the Android navigation.

[threezero]

Where is the shifter???!!!!

[spacemanrick]

Originally Posted by threezero

Where is the shifter???!!!!

For the 9 speed auto it is in the elevated console to the left of the cup holders.

[vantrip]

Originally Posted by threezero

Where is the shifter???!!!!

its got buttons for that

I driven the current gen tlx, there straight forward to use but slightly laggy

[604STIG]

I don't mind the aesthetics of the A-spec. Maybe could have done with a slightly less pointy nose. Not a fan of the button shifters at all. Overall looks decent, will consider when car shopping for a new daily for the wife later in the year.

[Rallydrv]

tlx is all good, - the infotainment system. how can a 2016-17 has such shitty tech

[mos_skeeto]

I remember when the razor blade came out everyone was complaining about it. At least in some cases it looked okay and it gave the brand a good look. The new grill just looks lazy.

[ssjGoku69]

Originally Posted by mos_skeeto

I remember when the razor blade came out everyone was complaining about it. At least in some cases it looked okay and it gave the brand a good look. The new grill just looks lazy.

which razor blade?

[6o4__boi]

lol grill reminds me of KIA Forte

[ilovebacon]

as side from those big ugly front grills, i actually enjoy the interior

[red_2]

Wow still only 290hp!?

10 years ago i had a TL-S with 286 so they only added 4 more horsepower throughout these years

It still looks not bad. Hopefully they will come out with a type s with bigger wheels and a couple turbos for the Vtak v6

[LP700-4]

Originally Posted by red_2

Wow still only 290hp!?

10 years ago i had a TL-S with 286 so they only added 4 more horsepower throughout these years

It still looks not bad. Hopefully they will come out with a type s with bigger wheels and a couple turbos for the Vtak v6

I think whats probably more likely is stuffing the new MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain in there. 321 HP and 290 TQ with electric motors to assist.

Don't get me wrong a turbo V6 of some sort in the TLX is a sure winner for the market.

[Spoon]

I can't see the front badge. Can they make it bigger?