A Closer Look at the 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD Advance
More performance updates for this Japanese sport sedan.
Car front
This Acura has been given many updates for the 2021 model year. Many of these increase performance, which is what the TLX is all about. Let's take a look.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engine
Under the hood is a small 2.0 liter four-banger, but it cranks a healthy 272 horsepower. It's connected to a modern 10-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is listed at 21/29 mpg. We observed 27 on highway trips cruising at 75 mph. Another engine is due in late 2021, a more powerful V-6 advertised at 355 horsepower for those who need more. It is called the Type-S, and will certainly cost more too.
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Price sheet
If fact here is what ours cost. The base price of a TLX starts about $33K. This SH-AWD ADVANCE is a bit more, as it's loaded up with all the goodies at $49,325. The price for a fully loaded Type-S should reach near the $60K mark.
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Shifter
The 10-speed transmission is operated by a push-button shifter. This is superior to the traditional stick. It takes up less room and can be operated without taking your eyes off the road. Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel for those who want to choose gears manually. Above the shifter is a DYNAMIC knob. It provides four drive modes: NORMAL, COMFORT, SPORT, and INDIVIDUAL.
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Controls
Instead of a control stick for the info system, we get a finger touchpad. This can be awkward to operate for beginners and takes some practice to master, but it can be done.
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Info screen
The info screen is large enough at 10.2 inches. The quality of the images is excellent.
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Gauges
The gauge cluster is well designed and provides lots of useful information. There are plenty of buttons on the steering wheel to push so the driver can do functions without taking eyes off the road. Paddles on the wheel are easy to reach for manual gear selection.
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Wheels
On the ADVANCE TLX model, we get 19-inch alloy wheels and 255/40 R19 All-Season rubber.
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Headlights
The TLX gets multi-bulb "Jewel Eye" LED headlights. These performed very well in the dark and put out a powerful beam on the high setting, great for long-distance.
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Emblem
The large A emblem makes sure onlookers don't confuse this with sister Honda products.
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Car rear
For those who want a small sport sedan, but without the headaches of owning a European make, this Acura TLX might be for you.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 TLX SH-AWD Advance right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.