Why is it slow? 2021 Acura TLX AWD Aspec / Review
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2025
- This 2021 Acura TLX AWD Aspec in Acura's flagship sedan with a 4 pot engine. It is a nice car to handle, but it is slower than the 2-liter Honda Accord, Infiniti Q50, and Lexus ES350. My best advice is to wait for the V6 TLX. If you can't wait, get the RDX.
#acura #tlx #acuratlx
It sound like most of comments i see they are missing the whole point of this review and clip which is the power and speed , so if your expectations are high like it was mine in that regard ,you are completely looking at the wrong car ,i gave up on my civic to go for something faster and i bought the 2021 tlx a spec and its been nothing but disappointment in terms of power .. i wish i had noticed this video before i completed the purchase ..thanks for the upload
This dude is missing the point. The TL/TLX and its Accord equivalent has always been in the same ballpark. Then people bitch it's too much like an Accord so they built their own platform. Only thing I agree with you on is about the RDX, think of this as a CL coupe then you'll get it. This is Acura doing what Acura does if they wanted to build a RWD 3-series competitor like everyone else they would have. This is a very niche product, I don't need a backseat, I love the looks and so I'm willing to sacrifice space in the back for it looking more daring. Also, the 2.0 is related to the Type-R engine family and is highly tunable and proven reliable. Honda V-6's have been hit or miss on this front.
@@mostafamaghsoodi8409 if you go from a civic/accord to a luxury version of a civic/accord and expect anything drastic in terms of a change in speed/power, then that's pretty wild. They make the Type S for a reason. Acura doesn't try to market the regular TLX to be anything more than it is. If you expected more, then you didn't do your research well when making that switch. You went from a vehicle with a half the curb weigh to something over 4k lbs with a negligible horsepower difference for that weight to power ratio expecting a big change. That's just a consumer error tbh. 🤷🏼
I see none of these issues with my 2021 A-Spec fwd. 🤷 In fact, it has brought me pure joy every since I bought it. I have no issues merging, and it has plenty of pickup for me. It's was a little laggy off the line, but an easy tune fixed that for me, and now it's perfect imo. It turns more heads than any car I've ever owned, especially for a daily driver. I don't see what so many people are crying about... 🤷
what tuner are you using?
@@jaimelock2834 k-tune
@@RobHigdon thanks how do you feel reliability has been? Decent gains?
@@jaimelock2834 decent gains and no issues. I'm not going too crazy until the warranty is up. But I love the results and still love my A Spec.
@@RobHigdon thank you
This is such a terrible and absurd review. Having owned and driven many of the cars you compare it to, Q50 in particular, it's clear you only care about acceleration. This car has so many features that make it enjoyable, in particular the chassis and suspension. You should take all that weight you are bitching about and chuck it around a corner. The handling on this car is amazing, but you actually have to know how to tackle a turn to feel it. If you don't know how to drive, then you won't even remotely approach this car's limit.
Not only that but it's got an amazing sound system, has tons of aggressive styling, easy to use infotainment, and just a great car to live with. The whole point of a sport sedan is that it has all the luxury you'd want out of a daily driver, while also offering a great driving experience. This engine almost revs to 7k, and everything about the car wants you to go.
Beyond the fact that this is a k20. Although the trans will limit you, there is so much room to add power without doing much to the car.
Really I just felt this review was coming from someone who only knows what the brand's website tells them about the car. The fact that you think there are no twisty road by you to test, says a lot about your driving habits. You can find technical roads anywhere developed in this country, you just have to want to find them.
To anyone reading this, this car is great to drive regardless of it's cost. If you enjoy nice handling and a well engineered platform, this is the car to buy.
The new Nissan Z is 80% new, and now includes components from the Q50 Red Sport 400. I know exactly what I'm talking about and that's why I get Press cars to review. If you weren't such a loyal fan, you'd see through the veil of bullshit.
This has to be the worst review of this car I've seen. I've watched them all...Redline, Doug, TSP, Throttle House, Raiti's, and others... None of them said this was the fastest sedan out there, but they at least looked at other aspects of the car. Seems like you just have a hard on for 0 to 60 times lol I've been driving mine for just a few days and doubt that I would ever have a problem merging into highway traffic at the proper speed. The TLX is way faster than my previous car, which had no issues in that regard.
Why would I watch those other channels? If you OWN one, why are you watching all the videos out there? Go drive and live with your decision! Don't listen to the experts! Don't lecture me on your stupid decisions. Go trade your car in for an Accord Sport and save your money. There's a reason why Acura sales are down 50%, but apparently there are only die hard acura boner fanboys like you who still have a heartbeat to sign on the dotted line at the dealership. You should have done your research, rather than seek confirmation bias.
@@NewCarSpin I did do my homework before plunking down my hard earned money when I saw your review. I got mine used after watching just about every online review and test driving the few options on my list (Arteon, IS350, G70). Your review stood out to me because it was so negative compared to any of the others. This made me focus on performance when I did my test drive, so thank you for that. If Honda didn't kill the 2.0t in the upcoming Accord I'd have taken a look. This is my first Acura so I'm surely not a fan boy. Just thought there was so much more to this car than the fact that it's not the fastest in the segment. Have a good day
@@jmontalb ironic this guy's calling you a fanboy for doing homework and taking other opinions and not just taking his word and just coming across as a hater. He wants to talk to about it going on a "diet" when he's far from being in shape himself 😅
I feel like this review focused way to much on your disappointment with the 2.0T and when you called it so slow it's dangerous that level of exaggeration made it hard to take you seriously from that point on. A car getting to 60 in 6-7s is pretty average and on par with most of everything else on the road, even the 2.0T Accord is only fractions of a second faster to 60 and most of them on the road are probably the 1.5L or Hybrid which are on par or slower even and on top of that most family vehicles are these CUV/SUV's that are getting to 60 in similar amounts of time with similar weights and similar turbo 4's, yeah it's no race car and a performance enthusiast is going to be disappointed but that car isn't for them.
It's a FLAGSHIP, and it sucks balls like the neutered sedan it is. There's no excuse for it, and I have no sympathy for the dolt who pays $47k for it. It already has a turbo. It already has great brakes. It needs a diet. It needs more power. I can't take this car seriously because they can do better and YOU KNOW IT. So stop apologizing for Acura and stop accepting mediocrity. YOU BUST YOUR BALLS to earn $47k to pay for this car while they make a $2.7B profit and THIS IS ALL YOU GET. Acura is short changing you. They can do better, and it's not like they can't afford it.
@@NewCarSpin Almost every car on the planet minus true sports cars, supercars, etc or are under 60k in general come with uninspiring 6-8s 4 bangers these days is all I'm saying, even in much higher end brands than Acura. I mean yeah you buy an Audi A8 for 80k you're gonna get a powerful base engine but if you buy what Acura is realistically thinking they can aim to compete with here like a A3 at best that comes with a turbo 4. Lexus IS? Turbo 4. BMW 3 series? Turbo 4. Accords? Turbo 4. Some of them are going to be faster or slower than each other but nobody gives a shit, nobody gives a shit because if they care about performance they have already excluded everything above and are shopping higher end or at least optioning for the higher engines/trims. People who buy the gas efficient 4 bangers absolutely do not give a shit if it takes half a second more to 60 than an Accord so if you're reviewing cars with turbo 4s focusing on the engine's 0-60 is utterly useless to the viewer.
@@NewCarSpin I'd say the TLX Type S is the flagship sedan, not the 2.0T. And even Acura calls the MDX their flagship for the brand.
@@ericlans9652 The 4 cylinder turbo from acura IS NOT fuel efficient LMAO. It gets absolutely sh*t fuel economy dude what are you talking about. It's not an efficient engine. Also the is350 with the v6 is faster than the TLX.
The idea that the new TLX is so slow its a driving hazard is ridiculous. It is plenty quick has great driving dynamics in its SH-AWD form has a great interior. Comparing Acura to Bentley....lol. You cant be expected to be taken seriously.
I will have you eat your words. That's a secret pleasure of mine.
@@NewCarSpin ok well I haven't been in any hazardous traffic incidents because my TLX is too slow but if I do Ill be sure to let you know.
@@snostorm100 272 hp is not quick lol.
I usually really enjoy your videos and look forward to your commentary on vehicles, but not this one so much. Don't take this offensively but I just don't see the logic in the hate of the vehicle. The entire video felt like a rant complaining about the acceleration for the TLX. I watched your volvo s60 t5 road trip video a few months back and you never complained about the acceleration of that car. If your biggest concern is the acceleration of the vehicle, than I don't understand the praise for the RDX when it's a slower vehicle than the TLX. The TLX (5.8sec 0-60) is objectively quicker than the volvo s60 t5 (6.1sec 0-60) and the RDX (6.5 sec 0-60).
Because Acura is supposed to be a honed, precise, sporty vehicle - that's what separates them from Hondas. And when the Accord is faster, Acura didn't work hard at all in the TLX. Where's the benefit? Why blow the cash on the TLX, supposedly their best effort, when it flops? Nobody expects a T5 S60 Volvo to be a rocket - because it isn't. And when I suggest the RDX, it's because it feels better overall and as it's a CUV, residual value will be much higher than the TLX sedan. These companies spent so much money on CUV development, sedans just fall by the wayside. Take the Infiniti QX30 for instance. It's a collaboration with the old Mercedes GLA, but at $44k, it has an Alcantara headliner. Yet, in the $70k Q70 sedan, you can't get an Alcantara headliner. This is unacceptable.
@@NewCarSpin You know nothing of the first Gen TLX do you? The Type-S is coming and it is THE FLAGSHIP. You speak nonsense. Car and Driver says this TLX is faster than the ES350 5.9 vs 6.1 0-60 btw.
Calling it dangerous because in Texas you need to floor it everywhere??? It gets you in trouble everywhere??? I feel like you are trying to appear "cool" but you just arent'. You need to learn what objectivity is. It's something reviewers need a lot of.
@@johnwatson3230 couldn't agree more, this dude is clearly hangry or having a bad day because in no way shape or form is this car "Dangerously slow" The Accord and TL/TLX up until now have always had roughly similar performance (think V-6 coupes with the manual from back in the day) so clearly Acura is doing exactly what it always has done. They are never numbers cars period. NSX is fast not class leading, Type-R handles well for the track but not a drag car and that just backs up my point even further about the brands as a whole. He just doesn't get it.
This guy needs to stop the cap, you said this car is slow yet you don’t have it in sport mode lol… bro i drove this car for 2 weeks i live in texas and this car has the fastest launch from a red light.. i can weave in and out of traffic no problem, i can merge into traffic no problem…the fact you don’t have it in sport mode shows you don’t know anything about cars.. stop the cap!
Sport mode didn't do a darn thing! No cap! That's why you watched this video!
@@NewCarSpin I saw the video and on launch you never had it on Sport, just normal.. but kee thinking it’s a slow car… maybe it’s a Texas thing
@@NewCarSpinthat Acura is broke then 😂
Sport mode Deff a difference
I love my 2021 tlx sh-awd , i bought mine not looking for a race car lol
That's usually what Lexus drivers say.
“Life and death trouble” is so dramatic lmao
Could be a thing.
I completely agree with all the things you mentioned. I'm currently driving a 2022 TLX SH-AWD loaner from my dealer while they work on my 2020 SH-AWD V6. The turbo makes it feel peppy but overall it feels a lot slower than my V6. To my surprise, when I looked up the specs as listed by Acura, the I4 turbo does 0-60 in 7.0 secs while the older V6 does it in 6.2 secs. The ride definitely feels sportier, lower to the ground, and the double wishbone front adds a better handling experience but the car feels severely underpowered for its weight and size. I can not drive this car in any mode but Sport or Sport + because the throttle lag is unbelievable. Thank god they put the paddle shifters in because the transmission does not do a good job of transitioning to a lower gear unless you mash the pedal as you mentioned. It's been less than a day and I miss my V6 lol.
Thanks for watching! I wish they did a better job on tye TLX.
C’mon now……. you’re “holding up traffic in Texas” with the TLX. 🤩😂🤣
I bought a slightly used one 2023 A-Spec SH-AWD model in October. It's a little sport, a little luxury, handles great, audio is incredible, don't see too many of them on the road. Feels plenty fast compared to the Integra 1.5T I had prior. My worst modern car for highway merge was a 2014 Altima 2.5 0-60 8.2 sec, pedal to the floor and almost got hit a few times.
Anything is better than an Altima. Congrats on the improvement.
What color did u get?
@@topranked5465 Modern Steel Metallic, but would’ve gone with the Apex Blue too if that was an option.
@@InfiniteG83how old are you? I’m questioning if the apex blue might be too juvenile for me as a 35 year old guy
@@topranked5465 Older than you… 40. Go with what you like and f everyone else. :D
I just bought a 21 tlx Aspec and I’ve traded my 13 accord EXL V6 for it. My accord had 7 more HP yet the TLX has 13 more torque.
I have a 21 TLX with sh-awd and I think it’s pretty quick when in sport mode.
Also it’s a very easy engine to mod and see impressive gains from doing just a couple tweaks
Mods? On a new car? Ha! Hard pass.
@@NewCarSpin Understandable, just throwing it out there
Wow I was looking to purchase this car. Dang thanks for the up load...
Get the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.
I heard they arent even stocking any Acura S type until late this year and no orders being fulfilled until later in 2022. BTW thank-you for this review. I was thinking of a TLX A spec but I was concerned about the power from the 4 cylinder. When I saw the 0-60 time I laughed a little. So many other cars in the same class can get to 60 in less than 5 seconds fairly easily with many doing it in the mid 4s.
Did you even try sport mode? It sends more power to turbo..
That's not how turbos work.
Thank you for always keeping it real with your reviews! Liking and commenting to help with the algorithm! I originally considered getting a '21 TLX Advance, but it was a real tough pill to swallow at $50k for a car with that engine! I took your advice from your reply and purchased a new '20 Volvo S90 T6 R-Design with Polestar for $44k in Osmium Gray. Looking back I would have kicked myself for getting the TLX. The Volvo is an astonishing car!!
Great choice! Thanks for being a fan!
My dad has a Acura TL 2005 That’s 20 years old and he usually drives in rpm as only 2 or 1 he just step in the gas pedal just a bit and when it goes to 3 It will shift up
That's an old car. Still better than the new one. Keep it.
Thanks for the info. Very helpful.
It's not that that slow, 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec (C&D), 5.8 sec (MotorWeek), and 5.7 sec (Alex-on-Auto). That's quicker than the Lexus IS300 which it's priced against. And the TLX Type S will be much much quicker than a Lexus IS350 F-sport 3 package (which costs about the same as the Type S).
It needs a weight reduction.
You need weight reduction
TLX type S is the slowest car in its class LOL.
@@phodacbitch then why did it beat the Genesis G70 twin-turbo's track time at VIR?
Whatever happened to the A6 TDI?
Sold that in 2017 after I took the dieselgate settlement.
Great review, telling it like it is. Maybe when k tuner releases software for the TLX, stage 2 tune will fix the slowness. Should bring you to 300HP for only $450.
I have the base FWD which is almost 250lbs lighter than the AWD variant. I feel like mine picks up pretty quickly merging onto Highways but I am in NY. The FWD I think is more comparable to a Honda 2.0. Honda still would be little faster though, lighter still
There’s already ktuner and phearable stage 1/2 and 3 respectively with apparently pretty good gains. I haven’t tried either yet though.
I’ve got an advance (stock) and I’m pretty happy with it. I do find there are situations where you’re better off using the paddle shifters vs waiting for it to do what you want mashing the pedal. Sometimes inexplicably it doesn’t seem to switch to gears that are available to get the torque you know you can get with shifters. The AWD, btw is awesome in the winter with snow.
The reason this happened
1. Honda accord 2.0T is lighter, much lighter and for sure underrated power. They put 252 but always felt like 280+hp.
2. Accord 2.0T was getting famous ruining sales for TLX, Civic Type Ra
3. Above 2 reasons is why they stopped the 2.0t accords so now the accord is 1.5T CVT super slow and now you drive the TLX it’s way better.
4. All a scam, Acura just being lazy for profits
100%
1:16 Did you say gear-gina lol?
I'm not sold on that design.
Why did he say RDX is the best vehicle Acura makes?
Because the RDX A-spec is the best car they make, and there needs to be an S-type version.
‘S-Type’ and just like that… opinion means zero
This is not a race car I have a 2023 Acura TLX and my car is just fine I am surprised that the 2.0 has the ability to move the car down the road with ease this is a very nice car
Do you feel that you overpaid for what you ended up with?
He is correct about the 2021 4 cylinder turbo being sluggish . I have a 2017 TLX AWD with the 6 cylinder entire and it is a much better engine. Torque is the difference and the 2021 does not handle as well either, it feels heavier. I've test driven the 2021 3 times and I am keeping my 2017 V6 TLX.
Really? My mom has a 2018 a spec tlx and I have a 21 tech package and my 21 handles FAR better and she agrees. Both are front wheel drive
2:30 4000 lbs with a 2.0L and abysmal interior space for rear passengers is an absolute joke. No wonder sales on it are abysmal.
7:30 A Lexus ES 350 with the 8 speed with better cabin space and MPG is vastly superior, proven by sales.
9:30 RDX is MUCH better as well, with pano and better cabin space.
Exactly! Thank you.
so this car is slower than all of the civics, corollas, camrys, and suv's out there? Wow. I always thought 272hp would be enough to get me on to the highway without risking my life. Thank god I watched this review...I could've died!
This car is heavy. It's not fun. Get a Civic. Thank me later.
ES350 can only be had with AWD with the 201hp 4 cyl. The 3.5 V6 is only FWD.
The ES250 then....
@@NewCarSpin that is painfully slow.
As with the Accord 2.0 slightly faster than the tlx, both the es250/350 will be slower as well than their camry 4 and 6 banger counterparts since those es will be heavier compared to those regular camry’s LOL. Sometimes, speed in a straight line does not tell the whole driving experience with a car.
Bought one 3 months ago.. i regret it tbh. Would like to switch over to an audi in the future
Sorry to hear that. How did you end up choosing it?
I just bought a 2020 tlx 3.5 SH AWD with the tech package. My brother has a 2021 Infinity qx50 with the standard 300 HP ENGINE and the QX50 blows the doors off my Acura. Hey Acura WTF?
The Q50 is a dumpster fire, the only thing it has over this TLX is acceleration. The ES350 you mention is not quicker than the TLX, and if you meant IS350 it’s a marginal difference… 5.9 vs 5.6 seconds 0-60. Overall this review hurts the channels credibility.
You're looking at a video from 3 years ago and I'm mentioning a Q50 from 8 years ago when I drove them new. Go buy a bmw i4 and tell me it isn't a dumpster fire in 3 years.
It’s called weight lol. Seriously though, the TLX is great, I’m thinking all of you problems are due to you not being keeping your expectations in check.
No, it's a pos.
@@NewCarSpin that response tells me everything I need to know about you lol.
I think I will wait for the Integra Type S. Better fuel economy & more power to weight ratio.
Or Corolla GR!
So dramatic calling a car that gets to 60 in sub 6s or at the very least 6 ish dangerous. I live in DFW and I can assure you it has more than enough power.. You sound hangry
You're the problem with this country. You don't take transportation seriously.Time is money.
Just wow 🤣 “time is money” and so are the speeding tickets you’d get unless you’re lucky enough to commute on the autobahn. What a dumb statement I’m sorry. 😂
Cant agree when Mercedes’ throwing out c300 and e for way more with slower engine power on there 2.0 I have this tlx aspec and honstly I would have love to get type a but if u compare BMW 3-Series and also other one liek that u wanna compare with q50 bro that shot don’t have 2.0 what u expect
Germany is screwed.
The Type SH AWD is terribly slow as well.
Yes, it is
You were just doing 80 on a on ramp. The turbo is faster than the old v6. Stick to the facts. Es350 0 to 60 6.6 seconds. The Acura is faster!
This is Texas. 80 mph on the ramp is slow.
Um no its not, I have a 2019 3.5 FWD and have driven both a SHAWD 2.0t and a Front wheel drive 2.0T. The 3.5 will gap either of them in a straight line.
all ima say is that im not gonna take a barefoot guy’s word seriously.
Say what you will, but my grounding to the car demonstrates how serious I take the Acura's slowness.
Holding up traffic, (queue Nissan Altima and Jetta next to you)
This TLX struggles to gap them. Trust me, I know all about struggling.
Acura.... ditch the push button gear selector (and the touch pad) and replace with a real shifter lever. This is supposed to be a sports sedan. Something about a push button gear selector that portrays delicate and flimsy..... This is not a mini-van!
Also, great review. I really appreciate the POV footage from behind the wheel showing the actual driving experience! I wish more car reviewers would do that.
Its slow and garbage! You will be out ranned, left behind and a accident cause because the power is worthless! Definitely not worth the price at all.
Lmao drive one bud
ITS NOT THAT BAD .. ITS FINE ITS LUXURY SPORTS SEDAN NOT FERRARI
Nope. Not luxury. Not sporty. Just "car".
Eh! Phearable stage 3 tune and you’ll be at 300whp/350wlb-ft for only a few hundred bucks.
The factory tune should and could have been better.
I think a Type R would smoke this Acura.
Do you have brain damage? Obviously this car would lose to a Type R.
Holding up traffic? Come on man😂
Just like the npc Camry
Thats sad that a chrysler 300s v6 has more power then this slow sedan.
Very good point!
@@NewCarSpin should I get the new sadona n line as my first car
U drive barefoot???
Only if I'm wearing sandals.
I had a 2020 TLX V6 Aspec and I just switched to the 2021 Tlx aspec 2.0 turbo. Big mistake. Unfortunately to enjoy the redesigned interior and exterior i had to trade comfort, power, and Build quality. The 2021 Tlx feels almost like a Hyundai, the seats are less comfortable, the engine is an absolute JOKE. I like the new interior, but its not even a WOW. They still have an analog display, when even Honda Civic have full digital display. The 2020 v6 Tlx aspec had a DATED interior looked like something from 2010, but offered a beautiful V6 engine with power available on demand, great suspension, and the most comfortable seats out of all the competitors. Its almost as if the old version has what the new one doesn’t and the new version has what the old one doesn’t. Acura likes to pretend they’re a sport luxury brand but they offer a mediocre cheap quality car. Im a long time acura customer and im really disappointed and actually disgusted with the new TLX. And btw the TLX TYPE S, gets SMOKED by an audi S4 or bmw 340I any day of the week. Waste of money. For a difference of 100-200$ a month i can get a German car that actually delivers on luxury and performance. Get better Acura.
Yep, I agree with your take on this car. I have a V6 AWD 2017 TLX and I've test driven the new 2022 Turbo 4 cylinder TLX 3 times and the car is extremely sluggish to drive. It lacks torque compared to the 2017 V6 version. The new TLX does not whip around corners like 2017 and is no fun to drive, comparatively speaking.
I love this comment you hit on all my fears i will keep my v6 Aspec.
So dramatic realx bro its not that slow
Ssssslllllllooooowwwwww
Guess this guy bought it without test driving. LOL
I wouldn't buy it. I didn't. But Acura did give it to me for a week. That's why I'm an automotive journalist. Thanks for watching.
@@NewCarSpin OK. Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying
🤣🤣🤣
Go drive a Genesis G70 or Infiniti Q50RS400 or 4 cylinder Accord.
Bad review
Stupid comment.