2024 Acura TLX Type S | Not For Everyone

We review the new and updated 2024 Acura TLX Type S, the flagship sedan designed to keep "fun to drive" alive. We detail some of the updates to the interior, exterior, and mechanicals and then discuss the pros and cons.

#cars #technology #business

00:00 Interior and Exterior Changes
2:34 Mechanical Updates
5:41 Driving, The Pros and Cons of the TLX
19:02 Final Thoughts

[moisesescobarr]

Being an owner since 2021. The vehicle is a 7 out of 10 rating from me. It is a comfy and sporty sedan with good features and amazing design for the money but lacks power output and gas efficiency due to the weight of the car. The SHAWD system is wonderful and the ELS sound system is amazing.But my grip with this car in particular is the 10 speed transmission. It needs more perfection.. mine broke at 25k miles and it was stock. It gear hunts too much in low speeds and when trying to have fun in back roads.. it doesn’t respond how you want it to respond at times. Build quality is good but i did have problems with rattles and squaks behind the steering wheel and left door. This is my honest comment as an owner of this car for over 2 years and 7 months.



⚠️For those asking.. ⚠️No mods were done to my vehicle. Transmission torque converter went out, Transfer case went out, differential went out and car became a FWD Type S. Corporate was a mess to deal with and the dealership were lost and useless.

[BenA_DD]

I was in the market for this genre sports sedan, and Accura dealers ruined this car for me, none of my local dealers would sell this at sticker which is wild in this climate, this and the IS500 were the only cars with ADM that I looked at. I ended up with a wildly discounted new '23 G70 which I think is slightly more fun to drive than this anyways due to its natural RWD bias and a bit quicker, they are very similar in most other regards. The Type S drove very well and the chasis is excellently tuned, and it has an established dealer network. Anyone who picks one up for a reasonable price will be very happy if they are in the market for a non German, long term car!

[Masterguy]

I could really feel the precision crafted performance radiating from this video

[alrefaei]

As a customer I don't care about track numbers or 0 to 60 performance I just want a sport sedan can put a big smile on my face and comfortable to set in with decent sound system

[PlayafromtheHimalayas]

I tried to buy one of these in 2022 and the markups were crazy. Was going to fly to FL and get one and they wanted to add another 10K for "out of market adjustment". I'm not a brand loyalist, I'm fortunate enough that the cost is not a major factor if it checks all the boxes. But I'm not paying BMW money for an Acura. So I bought a BMW. The TLX does have a cooler front end vs say the 340, but the B58 is spraying the TLX's windshield with exhaust condensation at every light.

[steve]

The TLX really does stand out and have a great look out on the road. Turns my head for sure. The type S was brand new when I picked up my 2019 Stinger, so a little out of my price range. Now I'm thinking a used 2023 or 2024 model might be my next car in a few years.

[gonepostal]

This is one of my favorite reviews from you guys. You have perfectly explained why the vast majority of us need a 7/10ths-8/10ths car, and not a 9 or 10/10ths car. This car will be literally the perfect daily driver.

[relaxssingh]

Mark and Jack. Awesome review as always. You guys bring a great balance between general overview and technical review and I truly enjoy the technical review as you provide detail info no one else covers. I daily drive a 2021 TLX-S (MSRP) and love it. No issues and no regrets. I like all the other cars you mentioned and driven them but this best met my requirements.

[LJ-wowf]

('22 A-Spec owner here) My only difference of opinion from you guys is about the touchpad. I think Acura's UI works great with it, and I've come to terms with its CarPlay shortcomings (at least Siri is far better than Acura's voice assistant... but god help you if you try to scroll through a playlist!). But I like how it lets the screen be farther away so it's easier for me to read, there's no fingerprint smudges, and I now prefer being able to leave my arm on the console.

Other than that, yeah, I'm on the same page(s). These TLXes have plenty of power for getting around, the SH-AWD is very capable, the back seat is just enough for carrying coworkers to the baseball game (IMO, if you're in the target demographic for this car, you also have a family SUV), the balance between physical buttons and infotainment screen is good, the ELS system sounds wonderful to me at comfortable volumes, and they're loaded with comfort & convenience options. I'm never going to be able to manhandle this thing at 9/10ths in my part of the state, so I'm perfectly satisfied with the performance envelope as it stands.

[pssita]

I have a 2021 TLX Type S. Everywhere I go people compliment this car. It looks amazing and is quite rare actually. I drive it daily and its a great value and looks amazing.

[MTater_]

I agree whole heartedly with everything said. I personally went with the Acura Integra Type S which in Canada stickers for $55, 600 CAD ($41, 300 USD) so it was an absolute no brainer for me.

I was hard stuck for a bit between the Integra or the M240i just because of how great the B58 is and awd system, but I'm thinking of keeping the car long term and figured as good as the Beamer is it might get a bit boring eventually just going fast and having no engagement from a 3rd pedal or steering feel. I was considering the TLX Type S at one point but I'm a single 24 year old with no kids so I don't need a large heavy vehicle and M240i comes in around the same price so there's no competition between those 2. I do really like the CT4 V Blackwing but it comes in at $73, 730 CAD starting price with no options so it's at least $10, 000 more than any of the other cars I was looking at and being RWD it's not the best for winter.

I'm considering in future picking up a used manual supra as a fun summer car so I can enjoy the B58 in all its glory, just sucks living in Canada I couldn't get a supra as my only car. Thanks for the insight and awesome video!

[moonman_]

I had this car on order back in OCT 2021. I ended up buying a 2022 Lexus IS500 Launch Edition back in Jan 2022. It was the 1st one sold in my state.

[louiszhang]

Every time i've seen a TLX Type S, I'm stunned as to how good it looks. Genuinely one of the best looking sedans out there. For its driving capability under 8/10ths, its value, its character, and its reliability, I think this is kind of unbeatable for most people. Let's be honest, most people who bought a M340i or S4 will never take it to the track and this car probably serves their needs better. I really like this car. I'm unsure Acura will do another generation of this car in the future. Once they get rid of this I feel like many people will miss it quite a bit.

[matteugenio]

I had the 2021 for a week to review and it was surprisingly nimble on a winding road, despite it being a heavyweight. The superb chassis and the SH-AWD hides the weight well making it super fun to drive quickly. Only gripe is the tiny backseat. I’m only 5’10 and barely fit behind myself with my driver seat settings.

[johng.]

I'm rushing out of my house right now... because this video just nailed-it on how absolutely fantastic this car really is! Heading to Acura to see what $57k will buy me. Oh, the value!!

[henrybrandt]

2023 Type-S owner here. Purchased new in early fall 2023. Great dealer experience - $1750 off MSRP and no ADM, gimmicks or surprise charges. This is a great enthusiast's everyday car - one to commute in and plenty good for long trips. G70 has a tiny trunk and no spare tire. This has a decent trunk and one can buy a spare tire if you don't want the compressor with sealant goo. The comparison to German cars comes down to how long to keep the vehicle. I keep cars for 12 to 18 years. That rules out the German cars and their wallet-cleaning long term maintenance costs.

[kalidays]

My mom raised me as an Acura fan (she has the ‘22 TLX Type S) and I can’t wait to buy my own! I don’t really care going over 100 mph every once in a while so top speed isn’t a concern. I just like a luxury car that’s #1 reliable and #2 comfortable.

Loved your video from a technical and car fan perspective!

[dobakito]

I think it’s important to note that the vast majority of people who own sports sedans will very rarely/never track them. It’s also an equally small percentage of drivers who know how to take these cars to 9-10/10ths consistently, even if they don’t want to admit it. But that won’t stop many drivers from taking the car that feels better at 10/10ths.

[mattyturbo]

I own a 2023, and I can say that I am very happy with it. I am a long-time Honda fan, and I can tell you that this doesn't drive like an old integra or civic. It does have a lot to offer when you spend a little time with it and learn what it is good at.

It handles extremely well, especially if you are applying power through corners. Understeer is completely neutralized in this setting. The steering is quick and precise.

If you are approaching a decreasing radius turn, then it feels a little nose heavy in these situations.

The transmission is excellent when left in automatic mode in sport plus. It stays in the right gear and makes great sounds. It is pretty quick too. Obviously, an m340 is faster!!

I am impressed with the brakes for Back Road blasts. Track work would overheat them.

The seats are excellent. Supportive, comfortable, and grippy. Seat ventilation is a great feature.

The stereo is clear and has a nice full sound. It might be a little bass heavy with certain music.

I personally love the looks. Wide and low never went out of style.

It feels like it is more expensive than it is. All the switches have a quality feel. The engine sounds expensive and refined.

There is the promise of low running costs, which can't be underestimated. Cars are depreciating assets, and expensive repairs will affect your long-term term financial position. Now, to be fair, we are still talking about an expensive purchase. If we were all and little smarter and a little more practical, we would drive Camrys!

[tomcat]

Love the TLX- agreed- it's beautiful, if a little pricey. But if I had $50K to spend on a car, this would be near the top of the list. Great review as always.