Some of you must remember when Acura decided to pull a plug on mid-size sedans TSX and TL, which overlapped in many ways and replaced them both with the TLX. The TLX very quickly became this company’s segment leader, and now with sedan sales falling everywhere, Acura has to do something special to keep the interest high once again. That is the main reason behind this mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model year.
Changes
If you take a closer look at it, you will see the biggest and most obvious change, and that is TLX’s new grille. This larger and five-sided grille copies the one from the MDX crossover very nicely and by doing that it also helps this model to erase the ugly chrome nose which tortured Japanese brand all these years. But do not think that the grill is the only change that is noticeable. It also received a restyled bumper, hood, and front fenders which round up the front end redesign very nicely. The V6 models will get a special rear bumper which will have an integrated diffuser and dual rectangular exhaust tips. Neat right?!
The A-Spec trim of the TLX offers either the 206 HP 2.4 L four-cylinder or the 290 HP 3.5 L V-6, with which Acura managed to replace the GT package on the ongoing model. The A-Spec trim offers dark finish 19-inch wheels, a gloss black rear spoiler, more aggressive front fascia, round fog lights, exhaust outlets, and gloss black trim. Interior is also affected in this version, and now it offers red leather or black leather and micro-suede finish, more aggressively bolstered seats, a sport steering wheel, brushed “aluminum look” trim, red ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad. But the list doesn’t stop there. If you actually opt for the A-Spec trim, you will also get a firmer suspension setup with stiffer springs and a re-tuned rear anti-roll bar.
Sadly that is it as far as mechanical changes go on the 2018 Acura TLX. Both of engine options are carryovers from the ongoing model, meaning that the four-cylinder unit is mated to an eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, while the V6 is paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The models with the FWD will have four-wheel steering for enhanced agility, while torque vectoring AWD is available only with the V6 unit and it will no longer need the extra-cost Technology or Advanced packages.
But those of you who actually opt for any of the two packages will definitely get more from this vehicle. For 2018 MY the Technology package will feature new seats with contrasting color accents and a power bottom cushion extension. On the other hand, The Advance package will add a 360-degree view camera, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a wireless charging pad, white ambient lighting, power folding mirrors, a decklid spoiler and trapezoidal LED fog lamps.
According to Acura, all TLX models will be graced with a redesigned infotainment system which still uses two screens, but Acura claims it now has a lot quicker response time and a more logical menu setup. It also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The TLX will come standard with some safety features such as forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a low-speed follow feature.
2018 Acura TLX Price and Release Date
The price of this new wonder from Acura has not been announced yet, but we presume that it shouldn’t be much more expensive than its predecessor that started at $32,950. According to some posts and findings, the 2018 Acura TLX should arrive in showrooms sometime in June.
