The Acura TLX 2026 marks the end of an era for Honda’s luxury division. After nearly three decades of delivering precision-crafted performance in the midsize luxury sedan segment, Acura has officially concluded production of the TLX. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Acura TLX, from its powerful engine options and sophisticated interior to its advanced safety features and competitive pricing.
Whether you’re considering purchasing one of the remaining Acura TLX 2026 units or simply want to understand what made this luxury sport sedan special, this detailed review covers all the essential information about specifications, trim levels, performance capabilities, and how it compares to its German and Korean rivals.
Why the 2026 Acura TLX Is the Final Model Year
Acura officially announced in July 2025 that production of the TLX would conclude, ending a remarkable 30-year legacy that began with the original TL in 1995. The TL and TLX nameplates combined have sold nearly 1.2 million units in North America, establishing themselves as cornerstone models for the Acura brand.
The decision to discontinue the Acura TLX 2026 stems from shifting consumer preferences toward crossover SUVs and declining sedan sales across the luxury segment. Sales figures tell the story clearly: the TLX peaked at 47,080 units in 2015 but dropped to just 7,378 units in 2024. Through the first half of 2025, Acura moved only 3,634 TLX sedans.
With the TLX’s departure, the Integra hatchback becomes the only non-SUV in Acura’s lineup. The brand is pivoting toward electrification, with the upcoming RSX electric crossover set to be built at the same Marysville, Ohio plant where the TLX was manufactured alongside the Honda Accord and Integra.
Trim Levels and Pricing for the Acura TLX 2026
The Acura TLX 2026 is available in three distinct trim levels, each offering a unique balance of luxury, technology, and performance. Here’s the complete breakdown of what each configuration offers:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Package | $45,400 | FWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 |
| A-Spec Package | $50,400 | SH-AWD | 2.0L Turbo I4 |
| Type S | $57,750 | SH-AWD | 3.0L Turbo V6 |
Note: Destination and handling charge of $1,195 is additional
The Technology Package serves as the entry point, delivering excellent value with leather seating, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the complete AcuraWatch safety suite. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive available as an option.
Moving up to the A-Spec Package adds significant visual appeal with sportier exterior styling, gloss-black accents, 19-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels, and a rear decklid spoiler. Inside, you’ll find Milano Premium Leather with Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and an upgraded 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. All-wheel drive comes standard at this level.
The flagship Type S represents the pinnacle of the Acura TLX 2026 lineup. This high-performance variant features the more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, exclusive Sport+ driving mode, adaptive dampers, Brembo front brakes, 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels, and numerous aerodynamic enhancements including a front splitter and rear diffuser.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Acura TLX 2026 offers two turbocharged powertrains designed to deliver engaging driving dynamics while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency:
The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides smooth, responsive power delivery for daily driving. This DOHC VTEC unit produces peak torque early in the rev range, ensuring confident acceleration from a standstill. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly, though some critics note it tends to upshift early for fuel economy purposes.
For enthusiasts seeking more exhilarating performance, the Acura TLX 2026 Type S delivers with its 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6. This powerplant incorporates technologies derived from the NSX supercar, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds, making it competitive with performance sedans from BMW and Mercedes-AMG.
The Type S also benefits from a rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that can direct up to 70% of power to the rear wheels and 100% of that power to either rear wheel for improved cornering dynamics. Combined with the adaptive damper system and exclusive Sport+ mode, the Type S transforms the refined luxury sedan into a genuine driving machine.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Despite its performance credentials, the Acura TLX 2026 maintains competitive fuel economy figures for the luxury sport sedan segment:
The Technology Package with front-wheel drive achieves EPA-estimated ratings of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive drops these figures slightly to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The A-Spec Package, which comes standard with SH-AWD, returns 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.
The performance-focused Type S is rated at 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Given the 355-horsepower output, these figures represent a reasonable compromise between performance and efficiency.
All Acura TLX 2026 variants feature a 15.9-gallon fuel tank and require premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Acura TLX 2026 showcases bold, athletic styling that emphasizes its performance-oriented character. The frameless Diamond Pentagon grille dominates the front fascia, flanked by four-projector Jewel Eye LED headlights with signature bright-white Chicane LED daytime running lights.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 194.6 inches |
| Overall Width | 75.2 inches |
| Overall Height | 56.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches |
| Front Track | 64.0 inches |
| Rear Track | 64.6 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,750 – 4,200 lbs |
Compared to its predecessor, the current-generation TLX features a 3.7-inch longer wheelbase, 2.2-inch wider body, and lower roofline for improved aerodynamics and a more aggressive stance. The wide 75.2-inch body gives the sedan substantial road presence, though this dimension can make navigating narrow roads feel more challenging.
The Type S variant adds distinctive aerodynamic elements including a gloss-black front splitter, enlarged air intakes, quad exhaust outlets, rear diffuser, and a decklid spoiler. These functional enhancements improve high-speed stability while contributing to the model’s aggressive appearance.
Seven exterior colors are available for the Acura TLX 2026 lineup, including Lunar Silver Metallic as the standard option. Premium paint colors like Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Urban Gray Pearl, and Apex Blue Pearl are available for an additional $600.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Acura TLX 2026 and you’ll find a driver-focused cabin crafted with premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics. Acura’s Dual Personal Cockpit design philosophy places the driver at the center of the experience while ensuring front passenger comfort.
Interior dimensions provide adequate space for four adults, though rear-seat passengers may find legroom somewhat restricted compared to larger midsize competitors like the BMW 5 Series or Audi A6:
Front headroom measures 37.2 inches with 42.5 inches of legroom. Rear occupants have 36.3 inches of headroom and 34.9 inches of legroom. Hip room measures 55.8 inches up front and 54.6 inches in the second row, while shoulder room spans 58.2 inches and 55.0 inches respectively.
The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk provides ample cargo capacity, larger than many competitors in the segment. A wide trunk opening facilitates loading bulky items, though the somewhat short decklid can make reaching items at the back challenging.
The centerpiece of the interior technology experience is the 12.3-inch HD center display, controlled through Acura’s True Touchpad Interface on the center console. While this system has improved significantly in recent years with faster response times and better accuracy, it remains more complex to operate than a traditional touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration comes standard.
The 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster provides customizable driver information displays, while a 10.5-inch head-up display is available on higher trims to project critical information into the driver’s line of sight.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the standard 13-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio System, developed in collaboration with eight-time Grammy award-winner Elliot Scheiner. The A-Spec and Type S models upgrade to a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D system with four overhead Highline speakers for immersive surround sound.
The Iconic Drive ambient lighting system offers up to 24 selectable themes inspired by famous driving destinations and racetracks worldwide, including Pacific Coast, Suzuka, and Atlantic Road settings.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety remains a paramount strength of the Acura TLX 2026, with comprehensive protection backed by excellent crash test results:
| Safety Rating | Score |
|---|---|
| NHTSA Overall | 5 Stars |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front | Good |
| IIHS Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| IIHS Side Impact | Good |
Every Acura TLX 2026 comes standard with AcuraWatch, the brand’s comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. This package includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.
Additional standard safety features include Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, Driver Awareness Monitor, and Vehicle Stability Assist. A multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines helps with parking and reversing maneuvers.
Higher trim levels add Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, and front and rear parking sensors. The Type S includes a standard Surround View Camera System and head-up display for enhanced situational awareness.
The TLX’s body structure utilizes Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design, which distributes frontal crash energy more evenly throughout the vehicle to reduce forces transferred to occupants while also improving compatibility with other vehicles in collisions.
Driving Experience and Handling Dynamics
Behind the wheel, the Acura TLX 2026 delivers a refined yet engaging driving experience that distinguishes it from many competitors focused solely on comfort or sport. The chassis benefits from a 50-percent increase in global torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation, providing a solid foundation for precise handling.
The double-wishbone front suspension, a rarity in this price segment, contributes to the TLX’s sharp turn-in response and communicative steering feel. Multi-link rear suspension completes the setup, working in harmony with available adaptive dampers to balance comfort and sportiness based on the selected driving mode.
Technology and A-Spec models offer Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes that adjust throttle response, transmission mapping, steering weight, and suspension firmness. The Type S adds the exclusive Sport+ mode, which maximizes performance characteristics for spirited driving while delivering a more aggressive exhaust note through the quad outlets.
The Brembo front brakes on the Type S feature 14.3-inch vented rotors clamped by four-piston calipers, providing consistent stopping power even during repeated hard stops. Car and Driver testing recorded 0.96 g of lateral grip with the optional Pirelli P Zero summer tires, impressive figures for a near-luxury sedan weighing over 4,000 pounds.
Critics consistently praise the TLX’s body control and composed handling through corners, though some note the car’s substantial weight can be felt during aggressive maneuvering. The Type S particularly shines on flowing back roads where the torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system demonstrates its ability to rotate the car precisely through turns.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive Explained
One of the defining technologies of the Acura TLX 2026 is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system, available on the A-Spec and standard on the Type S.
Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems that primarily focus on traction, SH-AWD enhances handling dynamics by actively distributing torque between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels. During cornering, the system can direct more power to the outside rear wheel, effectively rotating the vehicle into the turn and reducing understeer.
The Type S takes this further with a rear-biased torque distribution that can send up to 70% of power rearward and 100% of that to either rear wheel as needed. This creates a more engaging, rear-drive-like character while maintaining all-weather confidence.
Combined with the available Adaptive Damper System, which continuously adjusts suspension firmness based on driving conditions and selected mode, the SH-AWD system transforms the TLX from a comfortable luxury sedan into a capable canyon carver.
How the Acura TLX 2026 Compares to Competitors
In the competitive luxury sport sedan segment, the Acura TLX 2026 faces formidable rivals from established European and Korean manufacturers:
Genesis G70: Starting at $44,845, the G70 offers slightly lower pricing and available turbocharged engines producing up to 365 horsepower. It provides more rear-seat space but lacks the TLX’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Genesis offers an exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
BMW 3 Series: The German benchmark starts around $45,000 and is renowned for its driving dynamics. However, many desirable features require expensive options packages, often pushing well-equipped models past $60,000.
Lexus IS: A direct rival priced similarly to the TLX, the IS offers Toyota’s legendary reliability and a more refined interior. However, it lacks the TLX’s powerful turbocharged engine options and offers less rear-seat space.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Premium pricing and sophisticated technology define the C-Class experience, though fully loaded models easily exceed $60,000. The interior quality and brand prestige remain strong selling points.
The Acura TLX 2026 positions itself as a value leader in this segment, offering more standard equipment than most competitors at each price point while delivering genuinely engaging driving dynamics, particularly in Type S form.
Warranty and Ownership Experience
Acura backs the 2026 TLX with competitive warranty coverage:
The basic limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty extends to 6 years or 70,000 miles, longer than many competitors in the segment. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is included for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles.
Acura’s reputation for reliability, built on Honda’s engineering foundation, provides additional peace of mind. The brand consistently ranks well in owner satisfaction surveys, and the TLX benefits from proven powertrain components shared across the Honda and Acura lineup.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Acura TLX 2026?
The Acura TLX 2026 represents the final opportunity to purchase a new example of this storied nameplate. For buyers seeking a luxury sport sedan that delivers genuine driving engagement, comprehensive standard equipment, and distinctive styling, the TLX remains a compelling choice.
The Type S variant particularly stands out as one of the best values in the performance sedan segment, offering 355 horsepower, advanced all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, Brembo brakes, and a wealth of luxury features for under $60,000. Comparable performance from German rivals often requires significantly higher investment.
However, prospective buyers should consider a few caveats. The touchpad-based infotainment system, while improved, remains less intuitive than touchscreens used by competitors. Rear-seat space trails larger midsize sedans, limiting long-distance comfort for taller passengers. And as a discontinued model, future parts availability and dealer support may become considerations for long-term ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the Acura TLX 2026 Type S have?
The Type S features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Acura sedan ever offered.
What is the fuel economy of the Acura TLX 2026?
The base front-wheel-drive model achieves 22 city/31 highway mpg. All-wheel-drive models return 21 city/29 highway mpg, while the Type S is rated at 19 city/25 highway mpg.
Does the Acura TLX 2026 have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all 2026 TLX trim levels.
How fast is the Acura TLX 2026 from 0-60 mph?
The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder models reach 60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds, while the Type S accomplishes this sprint in just 4.6 seconds.
What replaced the Acura TLX?
Acura has not announced a direct replacement. The Integra continues as the brand’s only sedan/hatchback, while the upcoming RSX electric crossover will be built at the former TLX production facility.
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability mentioned in this article are based on information available at the time of writing. Actual pricing may vary by dealer and region. Always confirm current details with your local Acura dealership before making a purchase decision.
