First Drive: 2021 Acura TLX Reborn With Performance in Mind

Acura targets two categories—compact sport sedan and luxury midsized sedan—with one model

2021 Acura TLX Consumer Reports

Acura hopes to position its new 2021 TLX luxury sports sedan as a tweener: priced like a compact luxury sedan, but sized to compete with more-expensive luxury midsized sedans.

Initially, the 2021 Acura TLX will be offered with front- or all-wheel drive and a 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In spring 2021, a high-performance Type S version with AWD and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine making approximately 355 hp will be available.

Even though SUVs continue to proliferate, Acura says premium sedans still comprise enough of the market today that it makes sense for the automaker to invest in the TLX.

More On New Models
First Drive: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Is an Improvement
Jeep Unveils New Plug-In Hybrid SUVs and Grand Wagoneer Concept
First Drive: Redesigned 2020 Porsche 911 Proves Its Mettle
First Drive: Redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson Edges Upscale and Offers a Hybrid That Shines
First Drive: Not All Changes on the Redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento Are Improvements

While we have plans to buy one as soon as they go on sale, we took the opportunity to rent one from the automaker to get some early first impressions.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial assessment of the 2021 Acura TLX is available to you here. We plan to put it through more than 50 tests at CR's Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, fuel economy, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members will get access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

If you haven’t signed up to become a member yet, you can click below to do so and access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

Sign up for CR's Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results, including when we have our full test results on the 2021 Acura TLX.

What we drove: 2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD A-Spec
Powertrain: 272-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive.
MSRP: $46,250
Options: Performance Red Pearl paint ($500)
Total options: $500
Destination fee: $1,025
Total cost: $47,775

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Become a Member
More From Consumer Reports