Review: 2021 Acura TLX Advance - A Home Run from Acura
I spend a week with the 2021 Acura TLX Advance and find a lot to love about this all-new luxury sport sedan. From the remarkably smooth ride, to the very agile and impressive handling, nearly everything about the driving experience is fantastic. Then you add in the excellent Acura Safety Suite of driver assistance tech, luxurious cabin and striking good looks, and you have a nearly perfect package. The cherry on top? It’s a fantastic value at its as-tested price of $49,325 that undercuts almost all of its competitors. Overall, it’s just a home run from Acura in my opinion. What do you think about the 2021 TLX? Thanks to Acura for providing this vehicle to review.
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:45 Interior
3:41 Initial impressions
6:24 Acceleration
8:18 Handling
15:23 Impressions after a week
19:33 Fuel economy
21:03 Pricing and competitor comparisons
25:26 Safety and driver assistance tech
27:35 Final thoughts
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Randy Baker
27 days ago
He's one of only three reviewers who give an honest assessment of the car. That engine is a big downgrade from the V6.
Norm T
2 months ago
Then Cadillac shows up with 472 and 668 hp CT4-V and CT5-V for slight more money than 355hp Type-S!
area859
2 months ago
Acura just took things to another level. This blows away the competition...even Lexus. That dashboard is amazing!! Acura for the win!!...
Will Thorson
2 months ago
Big outside, small inside. Ridiculous.
Meer Alrafee
3 months ago
He praised the RDX shifting more. Why is TLX transmission not the same as the RDX?
emineid
3 months ago
I completely agree with the statement that the Honda/Acura does more with the tire it has than does the G70. I have both G70 and 2012 Accord. Put the Pilot Sport 4 on the Accord, and it handles as well if not BETTER than the G70 with the same tires. Put Goodyear Comfortred on both, and the Accord feels stable and will work with it to the limit, but the G70 will wallow all over the highway at 70mph, scary! Honda knows what they are doing with wringing the most out of FWD-based platform. The G70 is flawless with the Pilot Sport 4 but does not seem to tolerate lesser tires.
Paul Miahky
3 months ago
I am crushing HARD on this new TLX. Bought a 2020 2.0T Sport Accord in July but am really interested in this if I can swing the payments. Love the Accord but this exterior styling and interior cabin really resonates with me. Matt, do you think it is worth the price difference to go from what I have to this TLX (Advance Package)?
Joe D
4 months ago
Thing looks pretty sharp except for the credit card they glued on the grille
shenjw12000
4 months ago
The Genesis G70 3.3L twin turbo has a much bigger engine, almost +100hp/+100lb torque than Acura TLX 2.0L turbo. Hence, it needs better tires to avoid wheel slip.
The Jake
4 months ago
Finally someone tests the Advance package...thank you
Rick9482
4 months ago
Outside look just doesn't impress me whatsoever and, I feel, completely forgettable! That tech plate on the front grill is hideous. Inside however is a home run, like a grand slam home run and is definitely on my test drive list. I think you drove this like a sports sedan which its really not meant to be, mid size luxury vehicle is the design goal. I think that accounts for your relatively poor mileage. I certainly won't be driving like that.....there I go already thinking it's the one I'll buy. A lot of bang for the buck!
Austin Sandkuhler
4 months ago
Your reviews are the best and most thorough out there. Fantastic video. I'll likely get one of these CPO.
Jaime
5 months ago
Matt - Acura TLX or Cadillac CT4-V? Thanks!
E. Bear
5 months ago
Hey Matt. How do you compare the driving experience with this car vs the Accord (say, the top of the line Accord)? Thanks!
Douglas Wayne
5 months ago
I love Acura interior design but 2 things that kept Acura from threatening the likes of BMW and Mercedes: 1) Acura exterior design is cold and industrial instead of organic and emotional. Luxury products are emotional buys so until Acura fixes this, they won't steal much market share from the above mentioned big boys. 2) Front wheel drive - there's a reason why most sports sedans are RWD.
Jc Stang
5 months ago
Those body panel gaps tho.
TheKingkingg
5 months ago
Come on Matt, i could can remind you and all these ACURArs making car videos that us Honda products customers don't buy based on reviews, rather the people looking without being loyal to a brand might. And vast majority of buyers don't drive there vehicles like that looking for a quick thriller before moving to the next car like going to the mall to pick up really hot girls and then critical of them for not knowing how to Cook a good meal, or is not a doctor...but rather, Acura products and Honda products are like your wife, the more you took your time to get to know her to more you love her and she can do so much more than just look pretty and she is... Acura Honda is like that really hot lawyer or doctor that have children she loves and take care of and make time for you too and a great cook or Baker, and a lovely freak in the bedroom that makes you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Calvin Barnes
5 months ago
I actually like this color but it only available in Graystone color interior which I scared it will pick up lots of stain from jeans and maybe will not age well with crack.
Tou Vang
5 months ago
Nice review. Unlike those clueless tards over at StraightPipes.
Franz Van Julio
5 months ago
Thanks, Matt! I hope to buy myself one of these at some point. First, I need to buy my wife something and then it's my turn. We'll see what's available at that point, but I did love the car when I saw it in person over the weekend.
loli cool
5 months ago
This car looks great very elegant build by Honda unfortunaly not available in Europe but why Honda ? 👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎
AnDeNaT0r
5 months ago
I want the type S so bad 😢
Nick Berkel
5 months ago
How can it be considered in the compact class when it's such a big car now?
Joshua Newton-Key
5 months ago
I like that Matt is also a manlet. Helps me know how I'll fit in a car. Hint: I fit in cars easily because I'm 5'8".
Honda Freak
5 months ago
Want to see a v6. I really hate big cars with small turbo engines. I will cry if acura stops making v6 engines in sedans. Type S should be incredible
DriveZero
5 months ago
Love you vids, you always mention the best things about any vehicle. One of the best underdog press car reviewers out there. Loving this Acura, finally there starting to really step up there game.
starz gonzales
5 months ago
v6 direct injection vtec engine growl sound way better on my 2013 TL than this 4 banger!
tech BCIT
5 months ago
🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵congrats! Looks stunning! 😎😎👍
iridium58
5 months ago
That delay in power will make you double think your lane passing maneuver lol...
가즈아!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 months ago
FF based luxury??
Andrew White
5 months ago
In a world of increasingly ugly cars, Acura has made something tastefully beautiful. Thank You Acura for not joining the herd and keeping the 4 door sedan alive and well. The grille looks like it even got smaller which is a step in the right direction with all the other manufacturers making them bigger and bigger. Well done.
Dario Molina
5 months ago
Yeah it's trash and you did say the same thing about CUE....YEAH
Nathaniel Cash Jr.
5 months ago
Test drove one today and I love it. I drove a Tech package. The acceleration was great in my opinion coming from a 2018 TLX Tech package. I will have one in about two weeks. Getting the Tech package as I like the 4 wheel steering and I have a 2019 RDX with all-wheel and don't find it necessary for the sedan given my normal day to day driving, wife drives the RDX. The car looks amazing. Having driven Honda/Acura products for 40 years, I have never had one in the shop for anything other than regular maintenance, and that why I will stick with Acura. I'm also happy that they have decided to compete more directly with Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo with a more performance-oriented vehicle, though the quality is more important to me. Very excited about this car. Your review was on point.
warren jakoby
5 months ago
Have an rlx.too bad they will discontinue.the old tsx merged with tl.... and was smaller than tl.the new tlx may be same size of former tl.the new tlx doesn't have a CD player and mirrors do not fold when parked.
Y'all Way
5 months ago
Suppliers are more expensive
Felix W
5 months ago
How is the Road noise and cabin noise?
f90
5 months ago
So what you say is, this car FAIL. It was hyped as M340I competitor. ill get Tesla Model 3.
D:fhh Tyu
5 months ago
I think so, mine as well get accord , this cars doesn’t seem the worth for extra money
MrBargill
5 months ago
All that money for a 4 banger .... okkkk
Mc Meisty
5 months ago
You mean like the Germans? Oh wait, they’re over $10k more withe same options. More torque then my 71’ Cuda with a V-8 and it’s just as fast. And it doesn’t get 8 miles to the gallon.
davisflyer
5 months ago
It looks nice, but the interior is way too busy for my taste. I much prefer the simplicity of the Mazda 6 or even the new kia K5. Also, I am underwhelmed by the 4cyl's performance, which is obviously hampered by the weight of the car.
Robert D.
5 months ago
Honestly, I'd REALLY be interested in it if the infotainment was like Mazda's and the real kicker, if a 6 speed manual from the Accord was available.
Ronald Gabriel
5 months ago
From Subaru to Acura damn BALLER!
Ahmed Syed
5 months ago
1:17 is it lens distortion or negative camber?
Anthony Perez
5 months ago
Finally a Matt video at the top of my page!!!
davisflyer
5 months ago
I like that they put a cup holder on the engine cover.
ERIC LIGHT
5 months ago
Great until you try to sit in the backseat and wonder why it's so big on the outside
Bill & Laura Easby
5 months ago
I love how they tried to make the 4 cylinder sound like a 6 cylinder with the “sound enhancer”
E. L.
5 months ago
Why is the Honda Accord 2.0T quicker?
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Because it's lighter.
R S
5 months ago
I don’t like you
LAJOLLA CA
5 months ago
Interior looks like predators face
kevin vasquez
5 months ago
Can I fit a body in the trunk tho?
Ujw Plays
5 months ago
Could you review a Porsche Taycan Turbo S?
clincher2626
5 months ago
Any information out there about crash test/safety ratings? There's nothing on the websites for IIHS or NHTSA yet. I know that Acura has advertised and stressed the safety features, but there are no independent reviews yet.
J B
5 months ago
Made in Japan? Not sure it will be on my list given it is FWD based though.
Zbig T.
5 months ago
Still excellent car. I still drive 2012 TSX made in Japan. No issues at all!
Aubrey Crochett
5 months ago
I’m all for the type S next year
Jordan Johnson
5 months ago
I love Tue new TLX.
Саша Куватов
5 months ago
Шикарный автомобиль!!!
hussain fadwani
5 months ago
You had me at "hips" 😂😂
Fred McGuire
5 months ago
Big car for a 2 liter, no??
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class all use less powerful 2L 4 cylinders in their base models.
Joe Pup
5 months ago
Great review Matt. I've watched your channel since your Subaru WRX Fan days and your reviews and channel have matured, just as (hopefully) the boy racers who used to crowd around your channel back in the day. BTW, glad that you resisted the temptation to put a "?" at the end of the title like so many ACURA reviewers. No question, it's a home run.
Joe Pup
5 months ago
If the TLX does well, after a few years Acura will change its name to GDX or SPH or whatever to confuse the consumer and ensure that any tradition or legacy cannot grow around a nameplate. Just like it did with Legend and Integra.
Joe Pup
5 months ago
@Christopher's Perspective Loved it when Acura just did its own thing and didn't try to copy the Germans - in fact, back in the day Acura sold more Legends a year (abt 55k) that Mercedes or BMW sold all of their models (60-70k). Whoever told Acura to go 'European' down to the alphanumeric names was an idiot. Or, maybe that was their point.
Christopher's Perspective
5 months ago
I was in a beautiful manual Legend over 10 yrs ago and still think about how amazing it was as a passenger. Also had a teggy for my first car. I feel ya
Acuraman68
5 months ago
The handling impressions and tire comments sound a lot like Alex on Autos. I drove an A-Spec FWD when it first hit my dealership. Liked it but didn’t love it. Handled better than my 19 3.5 PAWS but definitely not as quick. The larger exterior dimensions would make it a tricky proposition for my garage.
John Henry
5 months ago
I would like to see this in comparison with the Cadillac CT5 AWD. Seem to have a similar strategy.
Slydesdale
5 months ago
Personally I think this car is hideous. I can almost hear the designers going through their paces in my head. "Let's make a GIANT sedan with a grill that looks like an anus and door handles that look like lazy eyes!". "Great call Richard. Let's continue this trend on the interior and make the center console resemble a codpiece!"
Slydesdale
5 months ago
@Zbig T. Don't get me wrong. I love Acura's. I actually owned an RSX-S for 7 years. But I just don't find this one particularly attractive. I was also appalled at the delay between the thunk of Matt hitting the gas pedal and the actual response from the engine / transmission. Fingers crossed the type-s remedies this.
Slydesdale
5 months ago
@HenryHonda Yeah you're right that the old grill was on another level of hideous.
Zbig T.
5 months ago
Beautiful car, well designed and engineered! And reliable!
Zbig T.
5 months ago
So brilliant, dude .lol
HenryHonda
5 months ago
Incredible.... after years of the Acura having that huge ugly slab of chrome on the front grill you insult a beautiful front fascia ....... two thumbs down for you my friend!!! ;-)
Fastline
5 months ago
Well it drive nice. And sound good. But why the back seat so small if it’s that long?
Frost
5 months ago
Call me crazy, but Id take the 2021 is350 f sport over this any day
HenryHonda
5 months ago
You're nuts for sure frosty.
Hammer Home
5 months ago
The exterior my grandpa likes ... The interior I like ... its a strange combination Just another boring old fat man Acura sedan
hdavey72
5 months ago
Damn Matt acura should give you one
hdavey72
5 months ago
We need a stick shift type s
hdavey72
5 months ago
What about tge double wishbone suspension for handling
ValJune
5 months ago
Great review Matt! I 💯% agree! Get an RDX if you need to haul a family around or if you want a spunky fun reliable family sedan get a 10th gen Accord 2.0 turbo with best in class back seat and trunk space. However, if your lifestyle is back seat optional and you don't want to drag or street race every sports car on the road; a 2021 TLX is reliable comfy fun sexy sedan with premium interior that is more affordable than most luxury brand rivals hands down.
vnitto
5 months ago
Bummer they didnt' give you a type-s
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
They're not coming out until next spring.
Ben Oseitutu
5 months ago
Up there with one of best reviews of the 2021 tlx.. Do an A spec one for the heck of it!
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Thanks! I'd definitely like to try out an A-Spec eventually.
J Kav
5 months ago
Great video Matt. Definitely will waiting for the Type S review
Ad Byerly
5 months ago
This was a fun review to watch, love how much you like this car, Matt!
drea177cha5er
5 months ago
I’d argue getting so big is a negative not an improvement
Aaron Pace
5 months ago
I personally love that road you were testing the handling on!
Coty L
5 months ago
Glad to see that Acura is putting the TL back into the TLX.
havok
5 months ago
Damn, I love hips but I’ll prob get the redesigned MDX instead. :)
Meer Alrafee
5 months ago
He praised the 10-speed more in the Accord than the TLX.
Nooice Guy
5 months ago
I just bought the A-Spec SH-AWD and I love it. I had the last generation and its a big improvement.
Nooice Guy
4 months ago
@Galaxy Aspec with tech package and apex blue
Galaxy
4 months ago
which package did you get with this car
Nooice Guy
5 months ago
IMO much better than the 9 speed which was sluggish. However the paddle shifting is not great.
TheBreakfastLover
5 months ago
Congrats! How does the new 10-speed compare to the old ZF 9-speed?
Ace of Spades
5 months ago
One can get a Genesis G70 3.3T Advanced for $40k OTD new with negotiation. The vehicle might be slightly smaller but I would argue the powertrain and handling are going to be superior to the TLX. For Acura you're paying $50k for a turbo 4 banger. I would imagine the TLX Type S with a turbo 6 would be a better comparison to the 2022 G70 refresh that is to come which is getting the 3.5TT 400hp/400 lb tq. But I imagine the Type S will be $60k while the G70 refresh will be $50k.
Munditimum Mosu
5 months ago
Great video and review Matt...as always. I think it sounds like a v6, at least from my speakers. Super nice ride!
Pirasanth Kathirgamanathan
5 months ago
Awesome review, glad you liked the car that much.
Chris Frazier
5 months ago
Yet it is still smaller interior wise than a Camry. Only 13 cubic feet trunk and a small back seat.
Carking 10
5 months ago
I have always been an Acura fan but this seems dated to me.
Josh
5 months ago
I bet a simple tune would bring a lot of extra power out!
Comedy Drama King
5 months ago
People: "Stop calling TL a compact vehicle!"
Daniel Fruchey
5 months ago
That's one problem I had with Alex Dykes review of the TLX he kept saying "compact" - "compact" - "compact" - I know it's officially classified as a "compact" but damn, compare the wheelbase and overall length to car that were thought of as full-size dinosaurs just a few years ago. The 2021 TLX has a 113 in wheelbase, a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria had a 114.7 in wheelbase...
B- Rad
5 months ago
The TLX, at 195", is definitely straddling the full-size sedan class at this point. It is the same length as EPA full-size-classified sedans like the Audi A6 and A7, Jag XF, 5 series, E-Class, and Toyota Avalon, is several inches longer than mainstream "large" sedans like the Kia Stinger, and VW Arteon, and is longer than literally every mainstream "midsize" sedan. The TLX was supposedly a merge between the TSX and TL, which is why the 1GTLX was sized almost perfectly in between the 2GTSX and 4GTL (which effectively yields a 3GTL). Now the TLX is clearly positioned as a 'tweener consolidation of the TLX and RLX, with the ILX just hanging out in the (sub)compact class awaiting the axe for a larger replacement. Whatever the next entry-level sedan looks like, it needs to be somewhere in the 185"-190" range and serve as a whole-hearted continuation of the TSX.
Zbig T.
5 months ago
You're 100% right!
Paul M
5 months ago
Beautiful car. Competent with good engine and transmission.
Luke-o 1234
5 months ago
What's the average mpg in your wife's c class?
Mitchell Steindler
5 months ago
Shoutout to Matt's camera for always focusing on the key within a couple seconds
HenryHonda
5 months ago
That is one HUGE key I must admit.
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Haha it sometimes requires a couple takes!
Jamal Raja
5 months ago
I knew Matt was going to be impressed by the handling.
Josh Remington
5 months ago
Still a fancy Accord. Same engine and transmission.
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
@Josh Remington I'd easily take a TLX over an IS300.
AFCompany
5 months ago
@Josh Remington So I love the way the new IS looks and to me I prefer the looks of it over the non A-apec or Type-S models. I just can’t get past the ancient interior inside the IS. They dropped the ball hard on that. I’d take the G70 or TLX for that reason alone. Plus the IS has an old 6 speed. Lexus has become too comfortable in my opinion.
Josh Remington
5 months ago
@Matt Maran Motoring Would you prefer the TLX over a IS300?
Josh Remington
5 months ago
@AFCompany I drive a 2018 TLX A-spec my brother has a 2020 Accord and I honestly like it more. But to be fair I’m assuming the 2021 TLX is now on par with the accord. I definitely will go look at a new one in the near future.
AFCompany
5 months ago
@Josh Remington hahaha I’m definitely not offended. I mean we’re talk about cars here lol. I just don’t agree that a Honda feels anything like an Acura. They drive completely different.
BASITH PH
5 months ago
A manual transmission would be so nice for the new TLX especially Type S That would make the car stand out from the competition
Rob G
5 months ago
Manual are done for my man. Their finding that these 10 speed trans n shyt w/ shifters are better then a manual
BASITH PH
5 months ago
@Jason B a dual clutch would be nice
Jason B
5 months ago
It may get a dual-clutch setup.. the looks of it...10 speed auto to slow for a type S.
BASITH PH
5 months ago
The new TLX is definitely a gamechanger for Acura! Can’t wait to see Type S!
gene978
5 months ago
I would of never thought that weighs over 4000lbs. My Loaded FULL SIZE Impala weighs 3500lbs. Talk about a great Road car that cuts through Corners like a knife through butter. :)
Admiral Ackbar
5 months ago
Matt why don't you review car keys and tell us us which one your favorite is.
HenryHonda
5 months ago
The best car key I ever had was for my 2019 Honda Insight........ the blue on the key was incredible. Sadly I traded my Insight for my new Rav4 XSE hybrid which is also a great vehicle but the key fob is not nearly as nice as the Insight's.
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Interesting idea, maybe I'll do a top 5 list video eventually. Thanks!
Matthew Mohri
5 months ago
Does anyone else see a luxury version of The Mazda 6? Yet, it is a Honda, so the car will keep it's worth, reliability, and longevity. Hmmm Want to fix the reaction delay? Hondata does wonders. LOL.
Wedow
5 months ago
@Raschaud Farmer also congrats they made the lowest selling supercar of this year and last 😂 bringing up a car that costs 200k + doesn't make the cheap car any better than it is 😂
Wedow
5 months ago
@Raschaud Farmer so as a stinger owner. I get nothing but compliments asking what car it is. Had a few acura tlx and rl owners along with 335/340 owners convert to the stinger after letting them drive mine. Heard nothing but great things and with basic mods in faster than an M3 at any speed which acura has nothing to compete with. I don't care what races they've won when on the street you couldn't outrun the base 2.0t g70 or stinger 😂 this car at its price is an absolute joke. I have features that you can't even have on the tlx and more hp, better handling and a more unique car. Not to mention I paid less for a loaded stinger gt than you would for a mid grade tlx 4banger. The stinger is silent and quality is there and the adjustable dampers are just as smooth as anything else put there and better than the "sporty trims" others offer. I've had my fair share of Germans and even Japanese (q60 red sport) and it feels on pat with the Germans and better than the q. The platform is from genesis and it is a far nicer driving experience than the acura. Not to mention actually rwd / rwd bias. There's no comparison they shot the car up way to far in price and missed there mark. There going to be way over pricing the type s to near 60grand and you can buy the Germans who most likely will be faster for the same or even less money.
Wedow
5 months ago
So tune your car to still make less power than a g70 3.3t and spend more money on this. This car VS the Kia stinger gt is no comparison 😂 and the stinger is cheaper.
Shane Mitchell
5 months ago
One ugly MoFo of a car.
Cesar Reynoso
5 months ago
very nice car, excited for Acuras future! Patiently waiting on the *new compact sport sedan*
Matt Maran Motoring
5 months ago
Yeah, me too! If their recent products are any indication, it should be fantastic.
Marcusjj1973
5 months ago
The car does look better than before, but the side profile is really goofy because of that long front section. They did that to try and hide the fact that it's still a FWD based car, to make it look RWD. Well they failed at that. It came out really goofy looking. That said it's a huge improvement otherwise, especially the interior. This and the new MDX prove that Acura is finally putting in some effort.
Marcusjj1973
5 months ago
@Robert Balboni Its good looking except for certain side view angles, but yet it will sell for sure especially the Type S. Well it will sell as good as a sedan can in today's market.
Robert Balboni
5 months ago
I couldn’t disagree more, the car is gorgeous! They will sell like hot cakes.