Review Roundup: 2022 Acura TLX vs 2021 TLX | Maus Acura Tampa

Acura fully redesigned its best-selling TLX sedan for 2021. Car & Driver notes the sports sedan “gained a more distinct presence from longer, lower, and wider proportions.” It also adds “more powerful engines, an updated version of SH-AWD, and enhanced chassis components.” For the 2022 TLX, Motortrend states that it boasts a “dashing interior, a spotless safety record, and strong features-per-dollar value.” With the recent redesign, the 2022 TLX updates are more subtle. But one of the best attributes of both is that it’s an excellent value compared with luxury sedans with the 2021 TLX starting at $38,545 and the 2022 starting at $39,200.

TLX Performance

Both the 2021 and 2022 TLXs feature a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 280 lb.-ft. of torque and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Acura’s optional all-wheel-drive system, called SH-AWD, shuffles power among the wheels to improve agility and traction for an added $2,000. The Type S gives a boost with a 355-hp turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a responsive 10-speed auto, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup, and hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. “Unlike the regular TLX, it’s available with stickier summer tires on lighter 20-inch wheels,” Car & Driver writes. Both the 2021 and 2022 have an EPA-estimated 22/31 mpg city/highway with the TLX Type S, available only in all-wheel drive, with a fuel economy of 19/25 mpg city/highway.

TLX Interior

The TLX has “an expressive design that highlights its sporty character, which includes attractive analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector in the middle of the dashboard,” Car & Driver writes. “Solidified by Acura’s excellent build quality, the TLX also boasts nicer cabin materials than its predecessor, including open-pore wood and real aluminum.” Both have the large 10.5-inch head-up display and customizable ambient-lighting settings, each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks, such as “Pacific Coast” and “Suzuka.” Plus, the TLX also offers many interior colors, distinct leather upholstery, highly adjustable front seats, and excellent forward visibility.

TLX Technology

Each TLX comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optional ELS sound system deserves special mention. “Designed with the help of a Grammy-winning producer, the architecture places speakers strategically to eliminate structural vibration,” says Motortrend. “It sounds gorgeous.” The NHTSA gives it five stars on the overall safety rating. And the IIHS gave the TLX a perfect report card and a 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard on every TLX is AcuraWatch, which includes a suite of driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the sedan has new traffic-sign recognition and a driver-awareness monitor.

Learn more and test drive the TLX yourself by visiting Maus Acura of North Tampa. Our dealership also has a large inventory serving Brandon, Clearwater, Largo, and St. Petersburg. Or purchase online from the comfort of your own home and we’ll deliver to you! Give us a call at (813) 535-6287 with any questions.