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2018 Acura TLX

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Make
Acura
Model
TLX
Year
2018
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Acura TLX OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
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OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 2.4L 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $33,000
2018 3.5L 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $36,200
2018 2.4L Tech Pkg 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $36,700
2018 3.5L 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $38,200
2018 3.5L Tech Pkg 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $39,900
2018 3.5L Tech Pkg 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $41,900
2018 3.5L Tech & A-Spec Pkgs 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $42,800
2018 3.5L Advance Pkg 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $43,750
2018 3.5L Tech & A-Spec Pkgs 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $44,800
2018 3.5L Advance Pkg 4dr SH-AWD Sedan Price:   -  From $45,750

Overview

With its tweaked styling cues, the 2018 Acura TLX continues its heritage of offering consumers luxurious features in an affordable, extremely reliable package. Looking past the TLX's luxurious qualities reveals a balanced sedan that can add a dose of enjoyment to any daily commute.

What's New for 2018

For 2018, Acura's midsize sedan offering gets a much-needed redesign that adds some pizzazz, starting with a new pentagonal grille that's sandwiched between LED headlights. The rest of the front bumper is new, as well, with sharp lines and a more chiseled look. The rear end has also been redesigned with square exhaust tips TLX models equipped with the V6 engine.

The available Technology Package on V6-powered TLX models now adds new leather seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, chrome side sill decoration, and adjustable thigh extension for the driver's seat. Changes have also been made to the Advance Package, which is once again only available on V6-powered TLX sedans, that now comes with trapezoidal fog lights and exhaust tips, wireless charging, a Surround View camera system, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a body-colored spoiler, and power-folding side mirrors.

While the engines – the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the 3.5-liter V6 – carry over unchanged, the nine-speed automatic transmission that's paired to the V6 motor has been retuned to give the sedan a more refined feel, while Acura Super-Handling All Wheel Drive is now available on all V6 models.

In terms of safety, the 2018 TLX is better than ever, as the sedan has been fitted with the AcuraWatch – automatic emergency braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation – which brings safety and driver-assistance technologies to the vehicle.

Lastly, a new model, the TLX A-Spec makes its debut with a more athletic feel than the rest of the lineup, a more aggressive look, a sportier interior, and an exclusive Still Night Blue Pearl exterior paint job.

Acura TLX

Choosing Your Acura TLX

The 2018 TLX sedan is available with three different powertrains. The base is a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that's matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a torque convertor. The 2.4-liter engine produces 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. With front-wheel drive, TLX sedans with the four-cylinder engine can get 23 miles per gallon in the city, 33 highway, and 27 city.

The 3.5-liter V6 is the other powertrain option and generates 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to its nine-speed automatic transmission, the V6 engine isn't too far off the four-cylinder's fuel-economy figures at 20 mpg in the city, 32 highway, and 24 combined in front-drive trim. Opting for Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system doesn't affect the sedan's fuel-economy figures that much, as the TLX gets 21 mpg in the city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive is a $2,000 option on all V6-powered models.

The TLX technically only comes in two trims – TLX and TLX V6 – but as there are only three packages, it's easier to just break things down that way.

Acura TLX

TLX

The base TLX is priced at $33,950 (all prices include the $950 destination fee) and comes with the 206-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine that sends its power to the front wheels.

The base sedan comes with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a power moonroof, Jewel Eye LED headlights, LED-illuminated taillights, heated side mirrors, sport seats with leatherette-trimmed interior, 10-way driver's power seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic dimming rearview mirror, a seven-speaker audio system, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, a multi-view rear camera, and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, Road Departure Mitigation system as part of the standard AcuraWatch safety suite.

Acura TLX

TLX Technology Package

The TLX Technology Package starts at $37,650 and adds some worthwhile equipment to the base model. rain-sensing windshield wipers, perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed interior, a navigation system, AucraLink Real-Time Traffic, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an HD Radio, GPS-linked climate control, and a 10-speaker audio system.

Acura TLX

TLX V6

Starting at $37,150, this trim adds the V6 engine to the base TLX package. Overall, the standard content largely mirrors the smaller engine's lineup.

Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is a $2,000 option.

Acura TLX

TLX V6 Technology Package

The Technology Package adds $3,700 to the base V6's starting price, for a total starting sum of $40,850. While most of the Technology Package is carried over from the base trim, adding it to the V6-powered model adds unique upholstery, including contrasting piping on the leather chairs and a thigh extension for the driver's seat.

Acura TLX

TLX V6 A-Spec

The Technology Package is a pre-requisite for Acura's sporty TLX A-Spec, which starts at $43,750.

The A-Spec Package adds a re-styled front bumper, dark chrome grille and trim, side sill decoration, matte black B&G; moldings, dark chrome headlight and taillight surrounds, 19-inch Shark Gray wheels, a revised rear bumper, round exhaust outlets, round LED fog lights, a gloss black rear decklid spoiler, front and rear parking sensors, black Alcantara or red leather seat and door inserts, a black headliner, metallic footrest pad, metallic trim, A-Spec seats with contrast stitching and piping, red accent lighting, red on black gauges, wireless charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and A-Spec insignia on step garnish and steering wheel.

Yes, that's a lot of sporty stuff, although it's worth noting that certain features, like the heated and ventilated front seats are plucked directly from the range-topping Advance Package, which isn't available alongside the A-Spec Package. The idea is to allow customers to have their cake and eat it to, in regards to the sporty styling and high-end features.

Acura TLX

TLX V6 Advance Package

The TLX V6 Advance Package is priced at $44,700. Ticking the Advance Package ($3,850) adds rectangular LED fog lights, a decklid spoiler, 18-inch 15-spoke black wheels, LED puddle lights, power folding side mirrors, a surround view camera system, white accent lighting, six-level heated and ventilated front seats, three-level heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a heat element windshield de-icer, rear door Smart entry, remote engine start with vehicle feedback, auto-dimming side mirrors, and front and rear flush parking sensors.

CarsDirect Tip

The 2.4-liter inline-four makes more than enough power for daily use – 206 hp is nothing to smirk at – and its lighter weight results in a better balanced sedan that's more fun to drive. We'd recommend at least upgrading to the Technology Package regardless of which engine you choose, though.

Get your price on an Acura TLX »

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

One of these days, Acura will figure out how to build a characterful, attractive, fun-to-drive sedan. That day is not today, as the 2018 Acura TLX is just too short on character and not as fun to drive as its competitors. Still, it's a tech-laden, comfortable take on the small-ish luxury sport sedan, and that's good enough to at least warrant a test drive.

Best Value

Tempting as the V6-powered, all-wheel-drive-equipped Acura TLX is, the reality is that the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is a better all-around choice. With just 206 horsepower – 84 fewer than the TLX's 3.5-liter V6 – the TLX's starter engine is lighter, more efficient, and works alongside an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic that's better, smarter, and more responsive than the nine-speed auto that accompanies the higher-end engine.

The bad news about passing on the V6 is that you're giving up on some likable features in the Advance Package – hopefully you're okay living without a surround-view camera, heated/vented front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start, among others. With the base TLX, you'll be on the hook for at least $33,950 (including a $950 destination charge), but you'll want to spend another $3,700 for the Technology Package. For that reasonable price, it adds Milano leather upholstery, navigation with real-time traffic, a 10-speaker ELS audio system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. All told, you'd be out the door for $37,650.

  • Model: 2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Technology
  • Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 206 hp/182 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • MPG: 23 city/33 highway
  • Exterior color: Bellanova White Pearl
  • Interior color: Ebony
  • Options: Technology Package ($3,700, Milano leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, navigation with real-time traffic, AcuraLink telematics, 10-speaker ELS audio, HD radio, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert).
  • Base Price: $33,950
  • As Tested: $37,650

Performance Pros

Acura TLX
  • Revvy, smooth four-cylinder base engine – this is Honda's engine building at its finest.
  • If you go for the V6, there's plenty of power and an ear-pleasing exhaust note.
  • Eight-speed DCT is quick and predictable.
  • The four-cylinder feels really balanced and poised under hard driving.
  • New A-Spec trim is only available with the V6, but adds a lot of visual excitement and some practical performance improvements.

Performance Cons

  • V6 is thirsty, returning 20 miles per gallon in the city.
  • The nine-speed just isn't as smart or responsive as the base transmission.
  • Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive adds capability, but it also adds weight.

Interior Pros

  • Cabin is still a clean, attractive place with high-quality materials.
  • Seats are super supportive and comfortable over long stretches.
  • Updated infotainment is a big improvement, with faster, more responsive performance.

Interior Cons

Acura TLX
  • Dual-screen center stack still isn't a very attractive.
  • Cabin looks kind of boring and conservative.

Our Favorite Thing

Acura's visual update for 2018 is a big help. The latest TLX and its prominent black grille still isn't classically beautiful, but it's a marked improvement on the brand's polarizing shield-nose grille.

Our Least Favorite Thing

The TLX is a very difficult car to get excited about. It's perfectly fine at everything it does, but it's too anonymous and lacking in character to really stand out in a segment so defined by personality.

Right For

People that want rock-solid reliability will dig the Honda-built Acura TLX. Properly maintained, the TLX will likely run until the end of time.

Wrong For

Acura TLX

Acura just doesn't have the brand cache of some of its rivals, and that's going to be a problem for people that put a lot of stock in the badge on their car's nose.

The Bottom Line

As an affordable, well-equipped alternative to mainstream luxury sedans, the TLX excels. But as a luxury sports sedan that will tantalize customers with its charm, it falls disappointingly short.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 206 HP / 182 ft.lbs.
Transmission
8-spd Sequential SportShift auto-shift man w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
23 / 33 / 28 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 206 HP / 182 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
23 / 33 / 28 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Steel / Compact
Fuel Tank
17.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$66
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
14.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
93 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.7 "
Exterior Width
73.0 "
Exterior Height
57.0 "
Front Headroom
37.2 "
Rear Headroom
36.7 "
Front Legroom
42.6 "
Rear Legroom
34.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.5 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,505 Lbs.
Wheel Base
109 "
Turning Radius
19.6 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 18.0 " Chrome Aluminum / 19.0 " Black Aluminum / 19.0 " Polished W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated, Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(4-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
7
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking System Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2018 Acura TLX for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Acura
Technology
Color: Black
Price

$12,999

Mileage

121,212 mi

Map location icon

Beverly Hills Auto Brokers (10 mi)

Phone: (310) 807-8106
Acura
V6 w/ Technology Package
Color: White
Price

$15,998

Mileage

119,200 mi

Map location icon

Crown Lexus (46 mi)

Phone: (800) 434-6528
Acura
Technology
Color: Gray
Price

$18,988

Mileage

92,581 mi

Map location icon

Ocean Subaru of Fullerton (27 mi)

Phone: (888) 428-2419

Other Acura TLX Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Acura TLX years that you might be interested in.

Acura
V6 w/ Technology Package
Color: Crystal Black Pearl
Price

$16,900

Mileage

60,365 mi

Map location icon

LAX Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (4 mi)

Phone: (424) 261-0578
See All Used Car Listings

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