The current TLX has only been around for a few years, but Acura deemed it was already time for a facelift – albeit a facelift that was barely noticeable. Despite only getting minor changes, the 2024 Acura TLX feels like a more compelling package that could steal sales from Lexus, Genesis, and even the German luxury brands. Acura sent us a refreshed TLX Type S to drive for a week, giving us plenty of time to discover how this luxury performance sedan quietly sets itself apart from more expensive rivals.

Power comes from a carryover 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower. Acura’s excellent Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system comes standard and the Type S is basically loaded up without needing expensive options or packages. Should you consider the TLX Type S over some of the more well-established luxury marques? A strong case can be made.

Exterior: Is It Actually New?

You’d have to stare at the 2024 TLX side-by-side with last year’s model to spot the visual differences. Even then, it might take an Acura diehard to notice what was changed. Acura mentions a new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille – it used to have a frame – and a new mesh pattern within that grille. Major stuff. Anyway, the TLX looked good before, so the change wasn’t necessarily needed.

There’s also a new Berlina Black 20-inch wheel that comes standard on the Type S which is a big improvement over the old standard wheels, but our tester had the optional copper finish ones that were available on the pre-facelift car, although those were finished in dark grey. The new 20s are very nice, but we prefer the optional ones. It is worth noting that these wheels are not cheap at $2,228 extra – or $3,360 wrapped in summer tires.

There are two new colors for 2024, including our tester’s Urban Gray Pearl (A-Spec and Type S exclusive). Liquid Carbon Metallic is available on the regular TLX, but not the Type S. We still love Apex Blue Pearl and Tiger Eye Pearl (gold).

Interior: Tech Boost

Visually, the interior doesn’t look drastically different than before either, but there are some key changes here that improve the TLX and make it more class-competitive. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen replaces last year’s 10.2-inch one, still controlled by Acura’s True Touchpad interface. It’s fine once you are used to it, but we still prefer a touchscreen for simplicity. The TLX’s analog gauges have been replaced by a 12.3-inch digital Precision Cockpit that changes color based on the drive mode. Acura also added wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as more high-definition cameras for the 360-degree systems. A 10.5-inch head-up display is standard.

Though the materials feel slightly less premium than you’d find in a German luxury sedan, the TLX Type S comes fully loaded with heated and ventilated seats, a wireless charging pad, a sunroof, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system that is one of our favorite setups at this price point. Available interior colors include red, black, and orchid (white), depending on which exterior you select. Some rivals may have a lower starting price on paper, but Acura offers far more standard equipment.

Practicality: Odd Packaging

At 194.6 inches in length, the TLX is significantly longer than rivals like the Audi S4 (187.5 inches), BMW 3 Series (185.9 inches), Lexus IS (185.4 inches), and Genesis G70 (184.4 inches). Despite those nearly mid-size proportions, the TLX isn’t any more spacious than its competitors. 34.9 inches of rear legroom is merely middling in the segment and the 13.5 cubic-foot trunk isn’t class-leading either.

Here, Acura prioritizes features like AWD over packaging. We know Acura knows how to package a car better than this because the Integra, which is 8.6 inches shorter than the TLX, offers 37.4 inches of rear legroom and a hatchback trunk with 24.3 cubic feet of space. It sounds odd but if you want the most practical Acura sedan, get the smaller one.

Performance: OK On Paper

The base engine in the TLX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Drive goes out to the front wheels as standard, but it can be optionally sent to SH-AWD via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Those output figures are competitive for a standard engine, but the 5.9-second 0-60 mph time is a bit behind German competitors. The Type S upgrades to a 3.0-liter turbo V6 spitting out 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Once again, these numbers are strong but not class-leading, and the 4.9-second sprint to 60 mph is well behind this segment’s quickest options.

Bulk is the enemy of performance here, with the Type S weighing in at a hefty 4,221 pounds. For reference, an Audi S4 with quattro AWD weighs only 3,880 lbs. This may also explain why the fuel economy ratings for the Type S are low for the segment at 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The four-pot TLX is better at 22/31/25 mpg with FWD or 21/29/24 with SH-AWD.

Driving Impressions: Digital Fun

It’s strange to us that this car and the Integra Type S are being built at the same time by the same company. They feel about as different as an E46 BMW M3 compared to a new one. Whereas we feel the Integra Type S is one of the more natural and visceral experiences you can get, the TLX Type S goes about performance in a softer, more technical manner. The steering is on the lighter side and feels disconnected from the front wheels in the same way a video game doesn’t feel attached to reality. Feedback is limited, but at least the steering is sharp, delivering confident change of direction for spirited driving.

The TLX features a prominent Dynamic Mode selector on the dash, letting drivers change from Comfort Mode up to Sport+ mode. Many rivals have similar modes, but they actually mean something here. Sport+ tells the transmission to hold gears longer and shift harder. And when we say it holds gears longer, we mean it stays high in the rev range even in normal traffic. We wish the Lexus IS 500 had this transmission tuning; it’s that good.

Even in Sport+ Mode, the adaptive dampers never feel too stiff, maintaining the soft Acura ride that many buyers will love. The Type S performs without being punishing, something that some rivals in this segment are not capable of delivering. Though the suspension offers a bit more body roll than competitors, the SH-AWD system makes the TLX Type S a capable back road carver. The car can send up to 70% of the available torque to the rear wheels, then split that power up to 100% between the left and right wheels. In other words, it can send more oomph to the outside wheels, mimicking the feeling of a rear-drive car.

If you are willing to trade raw performance numbers for a comfortable but still enjoyable sport sedan, the TLX Type S might suit you.

Pricing & Verdict: A Relative Bargain

Pricing for the 2024 TLX has gone up to an even $45,000 on the base model, as the Technology Package now comes standard on all models. Adding SH-AWD brings the price to $50,000 because it is bundled with the sporty A-Spec Package. The TLX Type S costs $57,000 to start and the only available options are premium paints ($650) and dealer-installed accessories like the special wheels. Even with those added, our tester came in at a reasonable $60,960.

Competitive sedans from Audi, BMW, and Lexus might seem similarly priced on paper, but they come with far fewer standard features. Those cars can all get close to $70,000 if you tick enough options, something that isn’t possible with the TLX.

Even with the improvements for 2024, the TLX Type S is not the perfect luxury sport sedan. The back seat and trunk are less than impressive and it’s slower than the competition. However, that competitive starting price and strong roster of standard features make it excellent value amongst its rivals. If you care more about comfort than lap times, the TLX Type S is a brilliant option.