What are the trim levels of the Acura TLX?
The current Acura TLX lineup consists of five trims: Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S.
Beyond the names, each trim builds on the previous with progressively more technology features, luxury touches, and performance credentials. The Type S stands as the performance-focused flagship, while Standard through Advance cater to daily usability with increasing levels of equipment and refinement. Availability can vary by model year and market, but the core lineup remains five distinct trims.
TLX trim levels at a glance
Below is a concise list of the TLX's current trims, listed from base to top-tier options.
- Standard
- Technology
- A-Spec
- Advance
- Type S
Together, these options cover everyday comfort, enhanced technology, sport styling, luxury features, and outright performance. Names and availability can shift slightly with each model year.
Details by trim
Standard
The Standard TLX provides the essential package: a turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood, a modern infotainment setup, and the core Acura safety suite. It focuses on offering reliable daily usability with a balanced blend of comfort and efficiency, while still delivering the brand’s hallmark driving feel.
Technology
Technology adds upgraded connectivity and convenience: larger or more advanced display interfaces, navigation, a richer audio experience, and additional driver-assistance features. This trim is aimed at buyers who want more screens and smarter tech without stepping into the sportier aesthetics of the higher trims.
A-Spec
A-Spec shifts the TLX toward a sportier character, introducing performance-inspired styling and dynamic handling cues. Expect more aggressive exterior design cues, sportier wheels, and a chassis setup that emphasizes response and engagement while retaining everyday practicality.
Advance
Advance represents the luxury tier, emphasizing comfort and refinement. Features commonly include premium interior materials, additional comfort amenities, and enhanced convenience tech. It’s targeted at buyers who want a more premium feel without going fully into performance-focused territory.
Type S
Type S is the TLX's performance flagship. It pairs a more potent turbocharged engine with sport-oriented tuning, upgraded brakes and suspension, and exclusive styling touches inside and out. This trim is designed for drivers who want high levels of performance alongside luxury features.
Summary
In brief, the Acura TLX lineup spans Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S, offering a ladder from everyday practicality to serious performance. If you prioritize technology and comfort, move up from Standard toward Technology or Advance. If you’re chasing sportiness, the A-Spec sits in the middle, and Type S stands at the top for enthusiasts who want the most out of the TLX.
What are the Acura TLX trim levels?
New 2023 Acura TLX Trim Comparison. The 2023 Acura TLX premium sport sedan comes in six high-performance trims: Base TLX, Technology, A-Spec®, Advance, Type S, and the Type S Performance. Read on to see what each has to offer you today. Gunn Acura also has the 2024 Acura TLX trim levels available.
Why is Acura discontinuing TLX?
Acura is discontinuing the TLX primarily due to declining sales and the broader market shift away from sedans towards SUVs and crossovers. In recent years, TLX sales have dropped significantly, and Acura is focusing on higher-demand vehicles, including new electric SUVs like the upcoming RSX, which will replace the TLX on the production line.
- Declining sales: The TLX's sales have been in a steady decline since 2015, with sales figures for 2024 showing only a fraction of its previous peak. For example, in the first half of 2025, only 3,634 units were sold.
- Market shift to SUVs: The automotive industry is seeing a major shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs and crossovers. Acura's decision reflects this trend, as they are reallocating resources to their more popular SUV models.
- Focus on electric vehicles: Acura is also pivoting towards electrification, and the production capacity at the TLX's Marysville, Ohio, plant will be used for a new electric SUV, the RSX.
- Brand strategy: The discontinuation is part of Acura's larger strategy to streamline its lineup and focus on future growth areas, such as electric vehicles and its SUV offerings.
What are the negatives of the Acura TLX?
2025 Acura TLX Review
- Infotainment touchpad controller is distracting to use.
- Rear seats can feel cramped.
- Not as quick or fuel-efficient as many rivals.
Which Acura TLX is the best?
The best Acura TLX depends on your priorities: the TLX Type S is the best for performance, featuring a powerful turbocharged V6 and advanced handling systems. For a balance of sportiness and comfort, the A-Spec Package offers a sporty look and feel without the Type S's extreme performance enhancements. If you're considering a used model, some earlier generations like the 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 have earned strong reliability ratings.
For peak performance
- Acura TLX Type S: This is the top-tier trim for those who want a high-performance luxury sport sedan.
- Engine: It comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
- Features: It includes motorsport-inspired engineering, a sport-tuned suspension, and a more powerful engine than other trims.
For a sporty feel with more comfort
- Acura TLX with A-Spec Package: This package offers a sportier aesthetic and a more performance-focused setup than the base models but is less extreme than the Type S.
- Features: It adds sportier design elements and suspension tuning.
For a good balance of features and comfort (other trims)
- Technology or Advance Packages: These trims provide a blend of advanced technology and luxury features. Some owners prefer the Advance package for its additional luxury features, while the Technology package provides a solid set of features for a lower price.
For a reliable used model
- Select Model Years: The 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 TLX models have received high reliability ratings.
- Note: Some online forums also suggest that the 2.4L engine with a DCT in certain earlier models is very reliable, say some Reddit users.
