With a dashing demeanor that would make any autobahn blazer turn their head, the 2023 Acura TLX steals the limelight not by trying to match its German counterparts pound for pound, but by playing a different game altogether. It offers a dance of defiance against the uniformity of the luxury sports sedan market - a touch of Eastern flair in a Western world. Sure, it's not a sprawling limousine in the rear, but who's buying a sports sedan to sit in the back? The 2023 Acura TLX whispers rather than screams, 'Let's hit the open road', with a communicative feel that makes every drive an intimate tango between man and machine. Indeed, it's a feast for discerning drivers who crave a symphony of well-coordinated moves, impressive braking, and a hint of steering feedback. And with a price tag that won't make your wallet weep, the TLX doesn't just compete with the big boys - it invites them to follow its lead.
The interior of the 2023 Acura TLX takes you on a sensory journey of luxury and sportiness. The dash layout showcases an elegant blend of open-pore wood and real aluminum, emphasizing the car's refined aesthetics. A standout feature is the rotary drive-mode selector, placed prominently in the center of the dashboard, invoking a sense of control and performance with just a flick of the wrist. When it comes to spacing, even though the TLX may not have the roomiest back seat in its class, the front seats are well-designed and highly adjustable. And to add to the sporty vibe of the cabin, the TLX gives you a range of interior colors, cool leather upholstery choices, and desirable features. This includes a large 10.5-inch head-up display and customizable ambient lighting settings, each named after iconic driving destinations and racetracks to keep the spirit of adventure alive within the cabin.
The 2023 Acura TLX also catches your attention with its advanced infotainment system, although some might find the touchpad interface a bit tricky at first. But don't worry, once you get the hang of it, the system is a tech enthusiast's dream, offering a wide range of connectivity options and incredible sound quality with the optional ELS audio system.
The 2023 Acura TLX's sculptured body and bold lines exude an aggressive, yet refined stance that captivates at first sight. The TLX's signature Diamond Pentagon grille and Jewel Eye LED headlights make a bold statement on the road, radiating confidence. Its wide wheel arches house sleek alloy wheels, hinting at its dynamic prowess. With an elegant silhouette and a short rear deck, the TLX blends athleticism with sophistication. The rear view is equally impressive, featuring chic LED taillights and dual-exhaust outlets that scream performance. The 2023 Acura TLX's exterior design defies convention, delivering a luxury sport sedan experience with a touch of audacity.
The engine of the 2023 Acura TLX is a noteworthy player in its overall performance package. At the heart of the TLX is a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is included as standard, but if you're looking for an extra kick of dynamism and control, you can opt for Acura's SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. This advanced system intelligently distributes power among the wheels, boosting both agility and traction. While its 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds may not be the quickest in the segment, it's important to note that high-speed straight-line performance is only one aspect of what makes a car enjoyable to drive. The real charm of the 2023 Acura TLX lies in its beautifully tuned chassis, offering a stellar driving experience that combines responsiveness, balance, and composure. This proves that Acura hasn't lost its touch when it comes to crafting a true sports sedan.
While the 2023 Acura TLX may not be the top pick for those primarily concerned with fuel economy, it stands toe-to-toe with many rivals in the sports sedan segment. The front-drive models are EPA-rated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the models equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) slightly decrease these ratings to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the more performance oriented TLX Type S sees these figures drop further to 19 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. However, in the comprehensive testing, an all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder model managed to earn an impressive 30 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route. Therefore, depending on one's driving habits and conditions, the TLX can offer decent fuel economy for a luxury sports sedan. More detailed information about the TLX's fuel economy can be found on the EPA's website.
The 2023 Acura TLX takes safety as seriously as it does performance, and it shows with its bunch of high-tech safety features. Every TLX comes with AcuraWatch, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance tech to make driving safer. It's got cool stuff like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and collision mitigation braking. And for 2023, they've added a traffic-sign recognition system and a driver-awareness monitor to keep you in the know and on your toes.
The TLX also shines in terms of crash-test ratings. While the 2023 model has not been tested yet, the 2022 model received impressive safety scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These include a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 'Top Safety Pick+' designation from the IIHS, the institute's highest honor. If the 2023 Acura TLX follows in its predecessor's footsteps, it is expected to maintain these high safety standards. This commitment to safety makes the 2023 Acura TLX a reassuring choice, offering peace of mind to go along with its thrilling driving dynamics. For more detailed information about the TLX's safety and crash-test results, you can visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites.
To wrap this up, the 2023 Acura TLX is not just another pretty face in the luxury sports sedan market. Sure, it's got the looks – that sculpted body and aggressive stance are enough to thrill any car-lover. But the TLX is more than just a hunk of metal eye candy. Its 272-horsepower turbocharged engine and optional Super Handling All-Wheel Drive give it the bite to match its bark. And let's not forget the impeccable cabin filled with tech goodies like a head-up display and an advanced infotainment system.
On the fuel efficiency front, the TLX might not win any 'green car' awards, but it holds its own in the sports sedan segment. Plus, with AcuraWatch standard on all models, the TLX has your back when it comes to safety. And while we're on the topic of safety, let's just say that the TLX's crash-test results would probably make any overprotective parent breathe a sigh of relief.
In short, the 2023 Acura TLX is a well-rounded player in the competitive arena of sports sedans. It's the Goldilocks of cars – not too sporty, not too luxurious, it's just right. So, would we recommend the 2023 Acura TLX? Absolutely! It's like that reliable friend who's always up for an adventure but still remembers to check if you've buckled your seatbelt.
