To me, the 2024 Acura TLX is the brand’s best sedan to date, and this Type S is even better!
Yes, the 2024 Acura TLX has the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that still makes 355 horsepower and 354 lbs-feet of torque. It has many of the same bits externally too. The grill, which looks like a spiderweb, or broken glass is new. Covered in Urban Gray Pearl (shinny battleship gray), and black 20-inch Y-spoke painted wheels, it still has presence. I say, “still” as both colors seem to hide the exquisite lines of the TLX, yet is still looks outstanding.
What’s new for 2024?
Other than a new exterior grille, and a few new colors, the main upgrades happen inside. There’s a standard 10.5-inch head-up display and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. This larger screen and system can use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and there’s a new location for the wireless charger too.
The system is directed by using a touchpad, south of the gear-select buttons. These are the only two issues I have with the TLX, and the touchpad does little to keep my eyes on the road. It’s a cumbersome bit of tech that needs to go away. There’s a reason others (Lexus, cough) have phased out touchpads.
The driver and front passenger are appointed with sharp looking leather and a pleasingly styled interior overall. It isn’t as plush as the competing Genesis G70, but it still feels premium. Other than the transmission and touchpad, the rest of the controls are well laid out, feel expensive, and are easy to find.
The seats all feel firm, but not uncomfortable. If you’re sitting in the back, and you’re tall, you will feel squished. It’s not as bad as some, but headroom quickly tapers off, and legroom is marginal. Fortunately, the trunk is quite large with 14 cubic-feet of capacity. It’s a decent tradeoff in my book.
Probably because I would always be the driver and would have little concern about my rear passengers.
Driving the 2024 Acura TLX Type S
I know: looks are subjective, but I know I’m right about the TLX’s design. Best of all, it drives as good as it looks. Even if you get the base model, FWD 272-horsepower turbocharged inline-four, it’s still a great driving vehicle. The power and looks would all be a footnote if it weren’t for the lauded SH-AWD (super handing – all-wheel-drive) system.
When pushed, you can feel the nose droop a bit, especially when braking before a corner. Fortunately, up to 70% of the power can immediately flow to the rear axle. Then, as you corner, up to 100-percent of that rear power can go side-to-side as needed. This, and the precisely calibrated steering create a feeling of real control. You’re not along for the ride, you are part of the ride.
The 10-speed transmission is almost seem-less, but it can occasionally hunt for gears under medium loads. Equipped with Brembo brakes, stopping a 4,200-pound vehicle is a breeze. Like the steering, brake-feel is top notch.
So, what’s not to like?
What indeed. For me, the touchpad and the push button transmission are not to my liking. I know I’m going on about it, but they’re just a pain.
But, there’s more. It’s a brilliant car to drive and it looks stunning. The thing is, there are cars in this class that are faster, handle better, and do it at competing (if not cheaper) prices. I am specifically referring to the aforementioned Genesis G70 with a twin-turbocharged V6 and the Cadillac CT5-V. BMW and Audi also compete, but for a little more dough (when comparably equipped).
This 2024 Acura TLX Type-S comes in at just under $59,000 – which is about mid-pack. As a matter of fact, that’s how I believe this car sits in this group – right in the middle.
Check out this video and let us know what you think:
