The big news for the returning 2023 Acura TLX is the special edition Type S PMC Edition. Primarily an appearance package for the Type S, this special Acura is fortified with elements from its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC). The package includes a carbon-fiber decklid lip spoiler, a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, a gloss-black roof panel, and black chrome quad exhaust finishers.
Acura now includes free scheduled maintenance for two years and a free 3-year subscription to AcuraLink to all TLX trim levels. AcuraLink is a smartphone app allowing remote connection to your Acura. Offering several services, it can lock and unlock, locate your car, act as a concierge, alert first responders, and provide real-time traffic information.
Trying to pigeonhole the TLX is no small feat. It is close in size to premium midsize sedans like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S90. However, it really competes with compacts like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Lexus IS. You can cross-shop it when searching for a compact or a midsize ride. The one area where midsize shoppers may be disappointed is the backseat because legroom is tight.
We like the TLX for its competent engines, available all-wheel drive (AWD), exemplary fit and finish, and grocery list of standard equipment. The 2023 TLX trim lineup starts with the base TLX and then goes up to the TLX Technology, TLX A-Spec, TLX Advance, and TLX Type S. Acura, no surprise here, follows Honda’s marketing path; consequently, it offers no factory-installed option packages. To gain content, you must move up the trim-level ladder.
Acura equips all but the top-of-the-line Type S with a 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It generates 280 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission that you can shift with paddles.
Some trim levels offer AWD. Acura calls it “SH-AWD” (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive). SH-AWD is one of the best AWD systems in the industry. It can transfer engine torque to any wheel or wheels and has a sophisticated form of torque vectoring that dramatically improves handling and stability.
Let’s take a look at the various TLX trims.
2023 Acura TLX: $39,650
Drivers of the entry-level TLX shouldn’t feel cheated because it’s impressively equipped. It begins with 18-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. Also included are cruise control, a HomeLink transceiver, two USB ports, and dual-zone automatic climate control. LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights) make seeing and being seen easier.
Standard are proximity keyless entry, push-button start, faux-leather seating, 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, and a power moonroof. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror also make the grade. A 7-inch color driver-information display keeps the driver informed.
Anchoring the infotainment system is a 10.2-inch touchscreen. It oversees Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, satellite-radio capability, and HD Radio. Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, and text messaging are standard, too.
Acura equips every TLX with its AcuraWatch bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies. With it, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, road-departure warning with steering assist, and high-beam assist are all standard. Also included are adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, traffic-sign recognition, and traffic-jam assist. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection also is a part of AcuraWatch.
Adding the $1,095 factory delivery fee to the TLX base price brings the total to $40,745. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $732 per month. See 2023 Acura TLX models for sale
2023 Acura TLX includes:
AcuraWatch – This bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies includes several advanced safety systems to keep you and yours safe. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward automatic emergency braking are a few of the included technologies.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach the vehicle or touch the door handle. Push-button start pairs with proximity keyless entry.
LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on/off, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights.
2023 Acura TLX Technology: $43,650
Building on the base TLX, the TLX Technology adds 19-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-rear park assist. Also standard are a navigation system, real-time traffic, traffic rerouting, an upgraded 13-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and GPS-linked climate control.
Stepping up to the Technology trim gains you perforated leather seating with contrast stitching and 27 themes of ambient LED lighting.
Adding the factory delivery fee to the TLX Technology base price equals $44,745. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of approximately $804. See 2023 Acura TLX Technology models for sale near you
2023 Acura TLX Technology includes:
Blind-spot monitoring – This system warns of traffic approaching your flanks. It also includes a rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of vehicles crossing behind you when in reverse.
Navigation – It’s handy to know the TLX’s precise location and get turn-by-turn directions to specific destinations.
GPS-linked climate control – Not quite as exotic as it sounds, this feature measures the impact of the sun’s intensity on the cabin, adjusting the temperature accordingly.
2023 Acura TLX A-Spec: $46,400
The best-selling among TLX trims, the A-Spec is the only trim level offering both FWD and AWD versions. Adding SH-AWD boosts the bottom line by $2,200.
To the TLX Technology, the TLX A-Spec adds a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, wireless phone charging, perforated leather and Ultrasuede sport seats, and ventilated front seats. A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, an ebony headliner, and black exterior elements are standard.
Adding the factory delivery fee to the base price totals $47,495. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $853 per month. See 2023 Acura TLX A-Spec models for sale near you
2023 Acura TLX A-Spec includes:
Smartphone charging – You can charge any Qi-compatible smartphone without a cable.
Ventilated front seats – These seats help keep you comfortable in hot weather by blowing cool air.
ELS Studio 3D audio system – This 17-speaker system features 710 watts.
2023 Acura TLX Advance: $50,850
Acura makes the SH-AWD system standard beginning with the TLX Advance. Building on the TLX A-Spec, the TLX Advance loses the A-Spec appearance elements and flat-bottom steering wheel. However, it gains a surround-view camera, a 10.5-inch head-up display, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included are a wiper de-icer, driver-alert warning, and power-folding outboard mirrors. The TLX Advance also gets adaptive suspension damping.
Adding the $1,095 factory delivery fee to the TLX Advance base price equals $51,945. Using our 60-month financing formula, the monthly payment would be approximately $933. See 2023 Acura TLX Advance models for sale near you
2023 Acura TLX Advance includes:
Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard (at the base of the windshield) creates a 10.5-inch display of crucial driver information on the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.
Adaptive damper system – This adaptive suspension rapidly adjusts the stiffness of the shock absorbers in response to changing conditions.
Rain-sensing wipers – When moisture is sensed on the windshield, the wipers are automatically engaged. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
2023 Acura TLX Type S: $55,350
The Type S is the best-equipped TLX and the fastest. You can attribute its speed to its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. Generating 355 hp, it also delivers 354 lb-ft of torque. Using the same 10-speed automatic transmission, the Type S also sports the SH-AWD system.
Besides the turbocharged V6, the Type S gets Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System. It’s a driver-selectable multi-mode system that changes the driving dynamics. You can pick among five settings: Normal, Comfort, Economy, Sport, and Sport+. With each mode, the steering, throttle input, shift mapping, and so forth adjust accordingly.
Also included are larger front brakes with Brembo 4-piston calipers, the flat-bottom steering wheel, a unique diamond-pentagon grille, and quad exhaust finishers.
Although Acura is taking orders for the Type S PMC Edition, it hasn’t announced pricing. We expect it to add roughly $6,000 to the Type S base price. Acura offers the PMC Edition in three unique exterior colors: Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue.
Adding the factory destination fee to the Type S base price brings the total to $56,445. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $1,014. See 2023 Acura TLX Type S models for sale
2023 Acura TLX Type S includes:
Powerful V6 – The only TLX trim to utilize the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, the Type S develops 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
Available PMC Edition – The PMC Edition provides a wide range of sporty elements and carbon-fiber pieces.
Available unique exterior colors – Borrowing from the NSX color palette, the Type S PMC Edition is available in Curva Red, 130R White, and Long Beach Blue.
