The 2021 Acura TLX Type S Is A Prominent Sport Sedan Worthy Of The 'Type S' Badge

Acura has kept us waiting for a long time, but we finally have #TypeS back in the lineup after 13 long years away. The 2021 #AcuraTLXTypeS is the beginning of Acura's return to precision crafted performance for the masses. While it started out with NSX four years ago, the #TLXTypeS is priced far more attainably, with the first-ever application of SH-AWD and a turbo V6 to a Type S badged sport sedan. We drive one for a few days to determine if this new #AcuraTLX is worthy of the Type S badge.

We're also on:

[theredline]

A return as highly anticipated as Type S to Acura is surely going to get a few enthusiast excited! After spending a few days with the new TLX Type S, we can confidently say is it worthy of the Type S badge. We also think Acura could still make a few small tweaks to further perfect the formula, but don't be surprised if you see a few other Type S branded cars sneak onto a few more Acura core models. Which one would you like to see after the MDX Type S?

[atl]

I have been an Acura/Honda loyalist over the years. I've owned 10 Hondas and 8 Acuras. They've all been good cars. Currently own a '20 Accord Touring 2.0T which I love. I've been waiting for Acura to build the Type S again and I'm pretty much sold on this TLX Type S. It's not perfect. I wish it were a bit faster, had a better back seat and offered all of the Advance features but it checks enough boxes for me that I'm very likely going to pull the trigger on one next summer. However, I will NOT pay the additional dealer markup that some dealers are trying to charge right now. Hopefully, that will be over with by next summer. But the car is gorgeous to me and I would be delighted to own one.

[Jedi_Order]

I saw my first Type S in the wild in that beautiful blue. I hope to own this car one day.

[marghalla]

Based on my experience owning ASpec for few months: even ASpec turbo 4 engine is fast enough for daily drive. It's smooth car. Very comfy seats. As far as stinger being better is concerned, this things looks way way better than stinger in real life. Photos or videos don't do this car justice. Also, Acura dealership is just plain amazing here in NS. I have been with Acura for nearly ten years, never an issue with car or service. While my friend who has a Stinger hates the service he gets from the dealer.

[elip.]

Whenever I need a real in depth review of the interior you’re the #1 person I go to. You’ve providing quality reviews for years. Appreciate your hard work and style.

[mahfah]

That’s the best part of Acura, daily driver comfort with speed. And build quality and how it grows on you. Love the review. This channel knows how to judge Acura and where it is for past and potential owners

[alecksmartinez]

The bmw rims are fire but overall the Acura is better looking!

[dapras]

I'll probably end up getting it used in about 5 to 6 years....completely priced out of this car. Its a beautiful vehicle.

[Blank]

One thing I'd love to see Acura do is to put blue interior options in their 4 door models

[Chickenhunter]

Each time I see the M3 grille, it appears to grow in size.

Sofyan should definitely keep milking the M3’s butterface until someone at BMW tells him to stop.

[zuhayrali]

I feel like everyone forgets about the OG Type-S models, 2001-03 CL and 02-03 TL Type-S. Those cars are the reason why the new Type-S is even possible. I have a 03 TL Type-S and honestly I kind of prefer it to the 08 just because it still gives you the feeling of a 90s Japanese luxury car while still giving you that Honda V6 scream

[trevorsutherland]

Cars are heavier. The new 4 Series is as heavy as the old 6 Series. A 2012 Jaguar XJ is LIGHTER than this Acura TLX, which is the size of an A6/5 Series. So what? At $45K there is no better sport sedan on Earth than the Alfa Giulia Ti. However at $55K this has enough to fit nicely at that price point. Oh and no, not everyone wants a bloody touch screen----look where that screen is mounted, you'd have to have Shaq length arms to reach that while driving. I hate leaning forward to touch the stupid screen; I use the rotary controller exclusively while driving. The touchpad is the right solution for a driver's car. Well done Acura!

[marvinrodriguez]

Went today to check out the type S at Acura Dealership and the dealer told me that there's a $17k mark up on it bc of chip shortage and bc it's an anticipated model. So basically, it came out to $70k +😂😂😂😂 Acura must be high on something

[minivanmaster]

It's insane to drop VTEC from an enthusiast car. VTEC is legendary as much as the Type S badge

[Stan_sprinkle]

Dude you’re putting it a lot of content. You must be crazy busy

[madpistol]

Let’s be real. The TLX Type-S is an excellent car. It handles wonderful for a FWD-based platform. It’s a very pretty car.

In terms of engineering, it’s not quite up to snuff with the German competition, specifically the M340i. especially from a packaging and efficiency standpoint. That doesn’t mean the TLX Type-S is a bad car. In fact, it’s a great car at the asking price of around $52-54k. The problem arises when Acura dealerships start jacking up the price by $5-10k because “SPECIAL!!!” or whatever reason they want to give. At that price, an M340i is the better car.

[SirChocula]

Can't wait for your review of the Genesis G70. I'm thinking between that and this. Leaning quite towards the G70 atm tbh.

[seanscott]

I leased the 2018 TLX SH-AWD. Liked it but didnt love it. Turned it in last fall for the 2021 RDX A-Spec (best looking ride in its class IMHO) for my lady. I recently went to test drive the Type S and while it was nice, the dealer tried the old mark-up trick of almost 10k over MSRP. With a mark-up like that, that horsepower should be closer to 400hp to compensate for the weight. I know some folks here say that it's not a direct competitor for the M340i but...it is. So from a performance standpoint it's a missed opportunity.

[Cynical]

Acura does a lot of things better then the stinger (2x wishbone suspension, brake system from NSX, noise, looks, awd tech)
I’d choose this over a stinger any-day.

[kwillee]

I feel like the interior suffers like a compact sedan but it’s an inch or two away from being the size of a 5 series