2018 Acura TLX A-Spec Elite
Acura's 2018 TLX gets an aggressive styling update to the grill and more standard features in all trims. A-spec is a looks better and handles better package. The suspension and steering is different from the other trims! The "Super Handling" system is pretty interesting as it can send more power to the rear wheels without any wheel slip.
Disclosure: Acura Canada provided me with the 2018 TLX A-Spec Elite for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by me.
ACCELERATION: 8/10
- 2.4L Inline 4 206 hp @ 6800 / 182 lb.-ft. @ 4500
- 3.5L V6 290 HP @ 6200/ 267 lb-ft @ 4500
- 5.8 seconds 0-100 km/hr
- 8 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
- 9 Speed Auto Transmission for V6
BRAKING: 8.510
- Very good stopping scores because the A-Spec is equipped with larger tires!
HANDLING: 8.5/10
- A-spec handling is excellent in corners
- AWD systems helps to distribute the power to tires in a way to have optimal power for a 0-60 time.
RIDE: 8.5/10
- Very comfortable ride. It does a good job of absorbing road imperfections like pot holes, and speed bumps.
ECONOMY: 7.5/10
- 22/33/27 - 2.4L FWD
- 20/32/24 - 3.5 FWD
- 21/30/24 - 3.5 AWD
- 20/30/23 - ASpec FWD
- 20/29/23 - ASpec AWD
CABIN NOISE: 8.5/10
- One of the more quiet vehicles in this segment although when vtec kicks in there is a nice amount of engine noise which is very welcomed
EXTERIOR: 8.5/10
- All new design language with the diamond shape grill with a large Acura logo that hides a radar adaptive cruise sensor.
- Full LED headlights
SAFETY|SECURITY|TECH: 7/10
- Side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Hill Start Assist
Immobilizer theft-deterrent system
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system with steering wheel haptic feedback
Lane Keeping Assist System§ (LKAS)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child-seat mounting system
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM™) system
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with location and pressure indicators
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
- Anti-lock Braking System*(ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Blind Spot Information (BSI) system
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®) with Heads Up Warning
Cross Traffic Monitor system
Driver's side knee airbag
Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control
INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 7.5/10
- For a luxury car the driver seat does not have enough range of motion compared to it's competitors.
- I did find it comfortable though
- Some of the temperature controls can only be done via the infotainment
- Button style shifter to save space.
INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 8/10
- Decent amount of leg and head room in the back seats.
INTERIOR STORAGE: 7.5/10
- Above average trunk space in the compact luxury sedan category.
- Has a deep cargo well to put luggagesup right and still able to close the trunk
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: 8/10
- The infotainment systems looks very dated and is in need of an update.
- 2 screen infotainment system now supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2018 Acura tlx A-Spec elite:
After recently testing out the Honda Accord, it has left me wondering what is Acura doing? The 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec is good if you're looking for something on the sportier and muscular side. I love the new front grill design and happy that it is a V6 vtec engine. The engine noise when the vtec kicks in puts a smile on my face! The car is fun to drive and very stable in the corners with it's "Super Handling" abilities. The thick steering wheel feels so good to grip. Overall the car is hot looking and fun to drive car. It really comes down to what you're looking for in a car; performance or luxury comfort? If you're looking for sheer power in this segment I think the Acura TLX and Infiniti Q50 would be up your alley. The Q50 offers much higher HP but it is considerably more expensive for the higher HP engines. Because of the Super Handling of the TLX I personally would prefer Acura between the two cars.