Carunveiled – The 2026 Acura TLX is neither a compact sports sedan (like the Integra is) nor a mid-size, so comparisons are difficult. The base model has conventional front-wheel drive and a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with all-wheel drive available, placing it in line with slightly smaller Germans such as the base Audi A4 or BMW 3-series.
The Acura’s wide, low, long proportions make it a true eye-catcher, yet despite its size, the TLX’s rear seat lacks legroom when compared to an Audi A6 or BMW 5-Series. The Type S model includes a 355-horsepower turbocharged V-6 engine, as well as carefully calibrated brakes and handling.
2026 Acura TLX Interior: Comfort and Cargo.
The TLX boasts an expressive cabin design that emphasizes the vehicle’s athletic nature. This incorporates appealing analog instruments and a large rotary drive-mode selector in the center of the dashboard.
The TLX has better cabin materials than its predecessor, including open-pore wood and genuine metal, which is backed up by Acura’s exceptional build quality. Although the sedan feels spacious from side to side, the back seat is smaller than some competitors in its class.
Nonetheless, drivers will benefit from the fully adjustable front seats and great forward sight. The TLX also comes in a variety of interior colors, exclusive leather upholstery, and desirable features, such as a head-up display and changeable ambient-lighting settings named after historic driving locales and racetracks like “Pacific Coast” and “Suzuka.”
Entertainment and Connectivity
Every TLX has a 12.3-inch infotainment system that is mostly controlled via a touchpad on the center console. Some functions can also be controlled using the steering wheel buttons and physical controls next to the touchpad. There is also a padded resting area for your wrist beneath the touchpad, making it easier to operate.
The TLX comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those who want the most luxurious ELS sound system and a wireless charging pad must select the Advance package.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Every 2026 Acura TLX comes equipped with AcuraWatch, which offers a slew of driver-assistance capabilities. The car also includes innovative features including traffic sign recognition and a driver awareness monitor. For more information on the TLX’s crash test results, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
2026 Acura TLX Specifications: Engine and Performance
The normal TLX has a 272-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Acura’s all-wheel-drive system, known as SH-AWD, which shuffles power between the wheels to increase agility and traction, is available.
The TLX’s excellent chassis tuning made it a pleasure to drive and demonstrated that Acura can still manufacture a sports sedan. This notion is especially true for the more powerful Type S, which has a 355-horsepower turbo 3.0-liter V-6, a fast 10-speed automatic, SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension configuration.
Unlike the standard TLX, it comes with stickier summer tires on 20-inch wheels. Our most recent test drive revealed its powerful engine, engaging steering, excellent body control, and robust brakes. However, the Type S has a stiff ride that does not hide road imperfections, and it does not feel as agile as shorter, sportier competitors like the Audi S4.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World MPG
The front-wheel-drive TLX is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the interstate. Models with SH-AWD see these values fall to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The TLX Type S is rated at up to 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder vehicle we drove on our 75-mph fuel-economy route as part of our thorough testing program got 30 mpg.
2026 Acura TLX Pricing: Which to Buy?
The price of the 2026 Acura TLX ranges from $46,595 to $59,245, depending on trim and options.
The 355-horsepower Type S is the highest-performing and most expensive model in the TLX series. While its vigor makes it our favorite, its pricing simply adds to its appeal—especially when compared to the BMW M340i.
The all-wheel-drive BMW starts higher than the Type S and costs well over $60,000 when fully equipped. The Type S is less expensive and includes standard features such as adaptive dampers, leather upholstery, and an ELS premium audio system.
