When you want a classy sedan with an impressive amount of get up and go, the 2021 Acura TLX Type S definitely fits the bill. As you pour over its specs, you can easily tell if this car is sure to delight you on all your travels.
But what are the most important Acura TLX Type S 2021 specs to keep in mind while car shopping?
There are quite a few, such as:
- Power: 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft.
- Handling: Standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
- Poise: A balanced 57/43 front to rear weight ratio
Although those Acura TLX Type S 2021 specs speak to your need for speed, they aren’t the entire story. There’s so much more to learn about this car before you can decide if it’s the right one for you.
Here’s what you need to know.
A Compact Sports Sedan to Remember
Acura released the TLX in 2014 to take the place of the retired TL and TSX. A beautiful combination of the two, this compact executive car blends sophistication and performance to appease the masses.
In its second year on the market, nearly 50,000 sold across the nation, making it an instant household name.
Halfway through the first generation, they gave the TLX a much-needed facelift to bring its styling into line with its other characteristics. They ran with that revision through 2020 when they started setting their sights on the second generation.
For the 2021 model year, the TLX gets a big boost in performance at the Type S trim level. This trim comes with the turbo 3.0L (182.9 ci) V6 instead of its basic turbocharged 2.0L (122 ci) four-cylinder engine. With either option, you must pair it to the 10-speed automatic that instantly rows through the gears as you accelerate and slow down.
The Type S name coming back is big news since it’s been on a decade long hiatus — and no one is going to argue. Many loyal enthusiasts are happy to see it come back, even if it’s arriving on a model without the manual gearbox as an option.
Here’s to hoping in the coming years, Acura puts their winning combination back in action to pair performance and precision once again.
Perfect Combination of Speed and Style
Despite its lack of a manual transmission, the Acura TLX Type S for 2021 promises to make you feel like a kid again. With its 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft., it can easily power you around town without putting out much effort. And getting up to speed while merging onto the freeway? Seemingly effortless.
While not directly engaging, the 10-speed automatic transmission puts the power to the ground by selecting just the right gear for every situation. While it puts in the hard work, you can simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful view all around you.
Standard on the Type S is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, which is merely an option on the lesser trim levels. Unlike past AWD iterations, it not only improves your handling in adverse weather conditions but also serves you well when the roadways are dry. And that’s not all.
The high-tech SH-AWD system also adjusts the power distribution moment by moment to give you the best balance of grip and fuel efficiency. You’ll be able to power through the corners and blast down the straightaways without skipping a beat as the system makes all the tough decisions for you.
When you need to slow back down, you can rely on your Brembo brakes to scrub off the speed fast. The Type S gets four-piston calipers that clamp down on the large discs in an instant. Plus, an electric-servo braking system that expertly controls the pressure in the lines to provide the perfect amount of feedback through the pedal.
Putting Safety Above the Rest
To get ready for the release of the second generation TLX, the designers reworked the build used for the 2020 Acura TLX and prior. They started with the design of the center tunnel to refine its structure, then moved on to putting in ultra-strong underfloor braces.
Then, they put in cast aluminum shock-tower mounts and triangulated shock-tower bars. Their final act was putting press-hardened steel and aluminum at key points in the chassis to strengthen it even more.
Their efforts produced a balanced 57/43 front-to-rear weight ratio, and hopefully, even more safety for you and your passengers. Although the 2021 model hasn’t gone through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, they will likely get the full five stars as the 2020 TLX did.
2021 Acura TLX Type S Benefits and Drawbacks
If its power and poise don’t win you over, all that’s left to do is take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of owning a 2021 Acura TLX Type S.
Benefits:
- Modest price point in comparison to its competitors
- Good amount of power that’s easy to get to the ground
- Effective braking system with great pedal feel
- Attractive exterior and interior design
- SH-AWD system standard on the Type S
Drawbacks:
- Doesn’t have an optional manual gearbox
- Muted drive-by-wire steering feel
- Long wait for its spring 2021 release
- Summer performance tires are upgrade only
- Only two special edition color options
As you gaze upon the reasons to buy a TLX and the arguments against it, you can look deep into your heart to see if this car seems like a great buy for you.
