2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX is a compact luxury sedan that comes in four trim levels, which are the base, Technology, A-Spec, and Advanced. All four show off a more aggressive body style with a large front grille and sleek LED lighting. With the base trim, exterior features include automatic headlights, a power moonroof, heated side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down functionality, and dual exhaust outlets. The Technology trim adds chrome accents on the outside. With the A-Spec, features include dark chrome elements with unique lighting detail, LED fog lights, a glossy-black spoiler, and an exclusive rear diffuser. This model is the sportiest of the bunch and also comes in unique color options. Choose the top Advance trim and your TLX will come equipped with LED puddle lights, power-folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

All four models of the 2021 TLX get their power from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission that includes sporty steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive is standard, although you can upgrade any trim to include Acura's Super Handling all-wheel-drive system.

With standard front-wheel drive, the 2021 Acura TLX returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The addition of the all-wheel-drive system drops the estimates to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Power from the all-new engine is smooth and consistent, while the handling is more athletic than other models. The all-wheel-drive system is a great upgrade if you drive in slick or snowy conditions regularly.

The cabin of the TLX is spacious and upscale, boasting soft-touch materials and plenty of appealing standard features. The base model has sporty, heated, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with adjustable lumbar support, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient LED lighting. Standard tech features include a premium 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio, two front USB ports, a 10.2-inch central display screen, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. With the Technology package, additional interior features include customizable lighting, an upgraded 13-speaker sound system, leather upholstery, and navigation. Opt for the A-Spec to get micro-suede seat inserts, a 17-speaker ELS audio system, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and wireless charging. The Advance trim is the most upscale, offering ventilated front seats, front seat bolsters, and heated rear seats.

All 2021 TLX models include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, stability and traction control, a rearview camera, and lane-keep assist. The upper trim levels add features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.