Sport sedans appeal to a certain kind of buyer — a person who likes sports cars but needs to carry more than two people sometimes. They still like to go fast and corner hard on occasion but know have to carry several bags of groceries back home on a regular basis. Sport sedans also need to look good, but not as wild as racy two-door vehicles can.
The 2024 Acura TLX hits all those notes — with the performance -oriented S Type more than living up to all expectations. That might surprise sport sedan fans who think German manufacturers have a lock on the market, with the revitalized Cadillac brand pulling off a surprise from time to time. But the TLX S Type deserves serious consideration.
Acura redesigned it midsize TLX sedan in 2021 with more aggressive styling, an upgraded interior, and a stiffer platform that improved handling. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced a healthy 272 horsepower channeled through a standard 10-speed automatic transmission, with Acura's excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is optional on all trim levels.
But the Type S package significantly upped the ante. It came standard with a new twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 355 horsepower, a specially tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, a Sport+ drive mode, Brembo front brakes, 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255-series Pirelli P-Zero tires, and torque-vectoring SH-AWD. Interior upgrades included Ultrasuede trimmed 16-way power front bucket seats with adjustable side bolstering with Type S embossing on the headrests.
All that was available for thousands less than the performance versions of the European and Cadillac sport sedans, creating a bargain-priced alternative. And that continues to the 2024 version, which has only a few tweaks because there was no reason to mess with the fundamentals.
As a result, the 2024 Acura TLX S Type should still be on the top of the list for everyone looking for a reasonably-price family car that can still push the edges on open roads. The long hood styling accented by aggressive air dams and spoilers has not aged. Especially when offset by the big wheels, low-profile tires and red calipers for the stronger brakes. The interior my test was a bold black-and-red leather mix, emphasizing the supportive front bucket seats. The dash was swoopy, adding the athletic feel, topped by display that did not try to overpower it.
On the road, the 2024 Acura TLX S Type was very easy to drive in the Comfort mode and only a little stiffer when set to Normal. Switching to the three Sport modes — one on the transmission shifter and two on the Dynamic selector knob on the dash — significantly increased performance, especially the Sport+ mode that also opened up the exhaust for better acceleration and more satisfying raspy rumble. The ride there was too stiff for daily driving over bad roads, but perfect for the long-sought empty sweeping country roads.
The only drawback is the touchpad that controls the infotainment system. While better than most, it still requires a precise touch that takes practice to master while driving. Best to make the adjustments while parked before heading out.
Bargains are hard to find in the performance market. The 2024 Acura TLX S Type is one no enthusiast should overlook.
2024 Acura TLX S Type
Base price: $77,000
Price as tested: $58,795 (as tested)
Type: Midsize sport sedan
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 3.0 V6 ( 355 hp, 354 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Drive modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Individual
EPA estimated mileage: 21/29
Overall length: 194.6 inches
Curb weight: 4026 pounds
Final assembly: Marysville, Ohio
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