Which 2021 Acura TLX Trim Is the Best?
The 2021 Acura TLX makes a splash among sport sedans, with its style and interior finishes. It has several versions available now and one with a different engine coming soon. So, which one should you buy? We take a look at which trim of the 2021 Acura TLX is the best.
Which 2021 Acura TLX trim is the best?
The 2021 Acura TLX currently has just one trim: the 2.0T. However, there are three available packages: Technology, A-Spec, and Advance. Also, the high-performance Type S model is expected to join the group soon. Picking the best trim means weighing the costs against the features that are added to each trim level.
MotorTrend recommends the A-Spec trim, saying it has a good number of features and performs about the same as the Advance trim. Car and Driver points to the great value that the Acura TLX offers when compared to other luxury sedans. To get the full benefit of that value, it recommends the base trim, saying that, despite the smaller wheels on the base trim, the upgrades in the Technology Package aren’t worth the additional cost.
The base trim – the 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T
The 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T’s base trim comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, and headlights with automatic high beams. In the cabin, it comes with synthetic leather upholstery, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Its infotainment system has a 10.2-inch display and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim comes with satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, and keyless entry, according to U.S. News.
Its standard advanced safety features are part of the AcuraWatch suite and include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition. This trim starts at $37,500. This base trim has more features and a lower price than the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series.
Technology Package of the 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T
The Technology Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, plus interior ambient lighting with 27 color themes. It provides the technology promised in its name. It includes a navigation system with voice recognition, a 13-speaker audio system, and two additional USB ports.
It also adds front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. This package has a starting price of $41,500, which is a $4,000 jump over the base trim.
The best TLX configuration – the A-Spec Package
The A-Spec Package includes everything from the Technology Package plus appearance upgrades. It has a rear diffuser, a trunk lid spoiler, and black window trim. Inside it has leather upholstery with Ultrasuede accents plus ventilated front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and stainless-steel pedals.
It also features red instrument panel illumination. For tech upgrades, this package provides wireless device charging and a 17-speaker audio system. This package starts at $44,250.
What does the Advance Package add?
The Advance Package also includes everything from the Technology Package. It adds an adaptive suspension plus acoustic front side glass and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icing system. For added comfort, it provides ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
This package swaps the aluminum interior trim for wood. It also has remote start, a 10.5-inch head-up display, a surround-view parking camera system, wireless device charging, and a 17-speaker audio system. The Advance Package has a starting price of $46,300.
The 2021 Acura TLX
Fully redesigned for the 2021 model year, Car and Driver points out that the Acura TLX now has “longer, lower, and wider proportions.” The current 2.0T trim and its available packages all have the same engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than in either the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series. However, both competitors have better fuel efficiency than the Acura TLX.
The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $2,000 with the base trim or any package. The upcoming Type S will have a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 354 hp. It’s expected to start at less than $55,000.
The 2021 Acura TLX offers good value in any of its trims. The base trim does have smaller wheels, but it has a good assortment of standard features. Buyers looking for additional features may like the A-Spec package best, with its added technology and comfort.
