Quick Take: 2021 Acura TLX Type S
In the premium compact sedan segment, Acura’s TLX tends to be overlooked. After a shakedown of the redesigned 2021 TLX Type S on the winding roads of Half Moon Bay, we’re convinced that’s changed due to the smiles on our faces and the looks we received around town. As the top-end model of the TLX range, the Type S showcases the best that Acura has to offer in a sports sedan, taking on characteristics from the NSX supercar while keeping the comfort-oriented features of other Acura models.
The test car we drove was painted in Tiger Eye Pearl, a shade of yellow which led people to take a second look at the TLX as we drove down Highway 1, and had 20-inch gray Y-spoke wheels reminiscent of the NSX’s wheels. With a turbocharged V-6 generating 355 horsepower paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX could accelerate quickly when necessary on the sinuous pavement. Steering wheel has absolutely spot-on under spirited driving, taking hairpin turns with ease.
Other than the powertrain, other Type S-exclusive features are an adaptive damper system for the suspension, a diamond pentagon grille, quad exhaust outlets, and front 16-way power seats (that are heated and ventilated) with power lumbar support as well as thigh extension and side bolsters. Our test car had the optional 20-inch Y-spoke lightweight alloy wheels shod with Pirelli P-Zero summer performance tires to help the Type S be even stickier on the road.
As for the real world, the TLX manages to be a comfortable cruiser too, with the adaptive dampers responding to less-than-perfect road surfaces and a 17-speaker ELS 3D audio system with 4 overhead speakers providing excellent sound. A head-up display enables drivers to pay more attention to the road while a surround view parking camera system provides a way to park the TLX without scratching the wheels, front splitter, or rear diffuser.
After our time with the TLX, we know what premium compact sport sedan buyers are missing if it isn’t on their shopping list. The Type S in particular has a driving experience coupled with a high level of usability that numerous other vehicles lack. With the ability to keep up with, if not surpass, some of its competitors, the TLX Type S can make anyone who gets behind the wheel very happy.
