2020 Acura TLX Review
Price Range:Â $19,990 - $29,998





+293
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 TLX serves up enjoyable performance when equipped with its V6 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. It lacks the interior sheen of Europe's small sport-luxury cars, but it's still well-crafted and balances practicality and spirit. It also costs less than most of its nearest rivals.
2020 Acura TLX Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- No significant changes this year
- Part of the first TLX generation introduced for 2015
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arizona
$182/mo  for TLX Base
TLX Base
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#1 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Acura TLX from 2008-2022.$353/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.4x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).5.7%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Acura TLX Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(70%)
4(18%)
3(4%)
2(2%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Don't listen to Edmunds, A-Spec package is a must!
5 out of 5 starsZoomn, 01/19/2019
2019 Acura TLX A-Spec Red 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 8AM)
This is my third Acura in a row. I've now had a 2013 TSX Special Edition, 2016 TLX 2.4 Tech and now this 2019 TLX A-Spec Red 2.4. While I have always been a fan of and owned many Hondas and Acuras over the years, this one is my favorite by a pretty fair margin. All of that said, the biggest improvement of this TLX over my '16 is the A-Spec package. While my '16 was a nice enough car, it … was simply not exciting, or as engaging to drive. This one blends the best of both worlds that my TSX and previous TLX occupied. It has the crispness and interior cache of the TSX with the refinement and comfort of my last TLX. Where the 2.4 Tech was bland, the A-Spec package makes the car not only better looking, but more fun to drive. From the interior all of the way to the exterior enhancements, this car gets allot of compliments. And the A-Spec package runs more than skin deep. The suspension, while by no means harsh, gives a more connected feeling to the driving experience. As I had been satisfied with the 4 cylinder model, I was glad to see the A-Spec model expanded to that engine offering. While not as smooth and powerful as the V6, the 8 speed DCT does an admirable job of delivering good performance with gas mileage that not only exceeds the EPA estimates, but is quite good for this size of sedan. So, to wrap all of this up, anyone looking for an extremely well equipped, comfortable near performance sedan, this car is for you!
Update: still driving and enjoying this car! The gas mileage, while not quite as good as my last TLX, is still respectable for a car this size. And performance from the 4 cylinder, while sometimes a bit underwhelming, is pretty snappy in no small part due to the nearly-superb DCT. Handling still impresses. The A-Spec suspension and PAWS makes this car a blast to push deep into corners.
My lease is up in October and if I don't buy this one out, I may very well be looking at the all-new TLX. Stay tuned.
Great value among the sea of 4cyl entry levels
4 out of 5 starsdon, 12/31/2019
2020 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
I looked at the current entry level sedans and what appealed to me is the safety tech that is not even standard on the Germans and you get a naturally aspirated V6. You can get this car cheaper than a 180hp Audi A4 and the bmw 330i with more standard equipment. The seats are comfortable for long commute and you are paying about $100 less per month.
2020 TLX V6 with Tech Package
5 out of 5 starsRick Reyn, 10/31/2019
2020 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Our previous two cars were a 2006 TSX and a 2016 TLX V6 with Tech Package. Prior to the 2006, we had a BMW 528i (so there is a suitable comparison). First, it's hard not to end up buying another Acura when you lease it. Unfortunately, their product line is limited and so is your selection. This is my wife's car and she loved the 2016. I've seen every manufacturer's white sedan offering … and no, the TLX is not the sexiest. But it does have attractive styling and when compared to most, it holds its own. The wheels are gray so that white on black wheel look is present when you're rolling. The tail pipes and grill are good updates, although the 2016 without the pipes exposed had a "ground effects" look. The interior is EXACTLY the same, except for upgraded leather upholstery with striping in the 2020 model. One thing I'll say it's simple and sleek. No qualms. The info center. Well my vehicle is a 2013 4Runner. Anything's better, but it's my one solace in life, to be in a vehicle where I don't have to interact with an screen . My wife's has zero problems with it. Now I agree the transmission on the 2016 was a little jerky...until we put the car in permanent "sports" mode. Again, that's the answer with the 2020. Now I know I could have probably made due with the 2.4 L, but on our crazy expressway systems in Tampa, with, pardon the expression, idiots tailgating at 80 mph, I dearly love that raw power offered by the V6 as means of escape. This is no passing gear mind you. It's a cannon. It's like the power plant in the 528i. It's there if you need it and it will be effective. We have the AWS in the back, not AWD. To spend that kind of money for this car would not be wise, since there is a sweet spot for what you pay for this car, and the V6 may be the only frill you'd want. The ASpec is basically window dressing. Sportier, but look what you've got to work with. I'm the kind of guy that can get depressed when he reads all the lukewarm reviews about my car and that it's way outclassed, dated, pedestrian, etc. as a "luxury car." Know this, as someone who owned four previous Hondas, and the aforementioned Acuras, this is pretty much the end of the road, outside of the NSX. I asked my 68 year old salesman when we bought the 2016 "What kind of person buys an Acura?" He said "a thoughtful one."
LUXURY SPORT SEDAN with GREAT VALUE!!
5 out of 5 starsaltria7, 03/15/2020
2020 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
This car is fantastic!! Let me say to many who believe it to be just a "High end Accord" drive one, there is a world of difference between the two. In Dec I traded my '17 Accord V6 Touring, this car handles way better, is quieter and heavier, and it rides nicer as well. Great handling with the SH-AWD...Only thing I liked better about the Accord was the rear seat legroom, this one is less … in that department but still very comfortable for most. I prefer the 2 screen set up with the navigation having the upper screen, I absolutely HATE the stand up screens in most new vehicles as they look cheap and stuck on the dash as an afterthought. Everything works well and the build quality takes a back seat to none of the competition. I compared the MB C class, BMW 3 series, Lexus ES and Audi A6. First off as I have posted in other reviews that the TLX is NOT entry level luxury sedan, again if you want an entry level Acura sedan buy the ILX or perhaps the bare bones 4 cylinder TLX. The advance with V6 and all wheel drive is a totally different animal. The 3.5 V6 is super smooth and quick enough for me with 0-60 in the mid 5 second range. How much more do we really need? One suggestion is that you comply with Acura recommendation of burning Premium fuel. Dont cheap out on this as you will pay for it in the cars performance and repair bills later on down the road. If you can afford this car you can afford to burn premium. Cant say enough regarding my positives with this car, drive one for yourself, you may be surprised at the value for your hard earned dollar!
UPDATE..March 24, 2022. Have to say I am extremely pleased with this car after over 2 yrs ownership. Zero regrets guys and gals!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Acura TLX, so we've included reviews for other years of the TLX since its last redesign.
2020 TLX Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the TLX models:
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Helps keep the car centered in the lane by providing alerts and steering assistance when the car approaches the edge of the lane.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Applies brakes automatically to help reduce the severity of a crash if drivers don't take corrective action on their own.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Provides audible and visual alerts when it detects what it perceives as an impending collision.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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