Acura TLX Receives Sporty Refresh, More Tech, Simplified Trims

Although a lot of the buzz surrounding Acura as of late has gone to revived nameplates– namely, the new Integra and the upcoming ZDX, now an electric SUV– the marque is still forging ahead with their TLX sedan. And for 2024, it’s receiving an update that may appear minimal, but, in truth, is rather meaningful.

The first thing you’ll probably notice is the updated styling; specifically, the new front fascia sporting a frameless “Diamond Pentagon” grille with a black mesh design. What you don’t see is a new millimeter-wave radar mounted behind the forward Acura logo. Moving to the side, new 19-inch wheels are standard equipment; though, the rest of the profile remains largely intact– no complaints from us.

This is all for the entry-level TLX, which now comes standard with the Technology Package. Buyers will also receive Milano leather upholstery, an ELS Studio sound system, ambient lighting and other upgrades that were once optional. Better still, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen is thrown in as standard, matched by a digital instrument panel of the same size. There are some other additions, like expanded safety features and a new rear seat belt reminder system, but we’ll assume you’re more interested in the changes made to the rest of the TLX lineup.

For those wondering, the Liquid Carbon Metallic paint job is new, available on the TLX with Tech Pack. If you’re looking for the Urban Gray Pearl lacquer, you’ll need to step up to the TLX A-Spec or the TLX Type S, both of which receive enhancements of their own.

The A-Spec will ride on new 19-inch “Shark Gray” wheels, flanked by a new gloss-black spoiler to compliment its darkened badges. Where the Tech Pack model comes standard with front-wheel drive, the A-Spec is standard all-wheel drive, as is the Type S. The A-Spec has also been augmented to reduce road noise in the cabin, meaning thicker carpeting, new front fender lining, acoustic glass and various insulators. Acura’s Active Sound Control system has also been enhanced to keep outside noise out.

While the A-Spec is touted as a sportier TLX, which it is, the Type S is the one enthusiasts will flock to (or, at least, drool over on dealer lots). The Type S is spearheaded by its own opened up “Diamond Pentagon” grille, where the side profile is distinguished by new Y-spoke 20-inch wheels. These dubs are finished in Berlina Black; however, a set of copper-finished Y-spokes are available (first seen on the Type S PMC Edition), as are high-performance summer tires. From this angle, you may spot the beefier 4-piston front brakes, the unique front splitter and rear decklid spoiler. Moving behind, the rear diffuser is also unique, as is the quad-tip exhaust setup. The Type S will see a standard 10.5-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), and improved throttle response in the Sport+ drivemode

Aside from that, performance is the same. The TLX comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 rated at 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the Type S means a bigger engine, too, now a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, conjuring up 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. While all-wheel drive, the Type S cruises with a rear-biased system capable of sending 70 percent torque to the rear axle, 100 percent of that to the outside wheel. Both engines are paired to a 10-speed automatic.

The Acura TLX will continue to be made in Marysville, Ohio, for the 2024 model year, with engines made at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. No word on pricing yet, but more info will be available soon, as Acura intends on launching the refreshed TLX late this November.