What is the Acura TLX technology package?
The Acura TLX Technology Package is an optional upgrade that bundles navigation, a premium audio system, and a suite of driver‑assistance and connectivity features into the TLX lineup. It is typically offered on Tech or higher trims and enhances infotainment and safety tech without stepping up to the top‑tier Advance package.
What the package covers and why it matters
The Technology Package blends three broad areas—infotainment and navigation, safety and driver assistance, and comfort/convenience enhancements—to upgrade the TLX experience. The exact items can change by model year, but the package consistently adds features that improve navigation, audio quality, and real‑world driving assistance.
Infotainment and navigation
These features focus on how you interact with maps, media, and connectivity while driving. Common elements include a built‑in navigation system, real‑time traffic updates, and expanded smartphone integration.
- Integrated Acura Navigation System with Real‑Time Traffic
- 3D map view and enhanced voice control
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Premium audio option (ELS Studio Audio system) for richer sound
- HD Radio and satellite radio compatibility where available
These infotainment enhancements aim to make trips easier to plan and more enjoyable, especially on longer drives or in unfamiliar areas.
Safety and driver‑assistance technology
This category brings advanced driver aids designed to support safer, more confident driving in a variety of conditions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low‑Speed Follow
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
By integrating these features, the TLX gains more proactive safety tech that helps monitor surroundings, manage speed, and respond to potential hazards.
Comfort and convenience enhancements
In addition to tech and safety, the package can include upgrades aimed at everyday comfort and ease of use.
- Heated front seats for colder months
- Power‑adjustable front seats with additional seating adjustments
- Dual‑zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort
- Remote start or enhanced convenience features in some years/markets
These enhancements focus on making the cabin more comfortable and enjoyable on a daily basis and during longer trips.
How the Technology Package fits within the TLX lineup
The Technology Package typically sits between the base TLX and the top trims (such as Advance or A‑Spec), offering a substantial upgrade in infotainment, safety tech, and comfort without moving to the most premium version. Availability and exact contents can vary by model year and region, as Acura occasionally updates equipment across generations.
Is the Technology Package right for you?
Summary
In essence, the Acura TLX Technology Package is an option that enriches the TLX with enhanced navigation, a premium audio experience, and comprehensive safety and convenience features. While the exact items vary by year, the package consistently targets improved connectivity, sound quality, and driver assistance, offering a meaningful upgrade for buyers seeking a more feature-rich TLX without stepping up to the top‑tier packages.
What is the difference between an Acura base and a technology package?
The Acura Technology package upgrades the base model by adding luxury and technology features, such as Milano leather seats, an ELS Studio premium audio system, and a built-in navigation system with 3D view. Other upgrades typically include larger wheels, GPS-linked climate control, ambient lighting, parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The base model provides a solid foundation with standard features like a power moonroof, and key driver assistance technologies.
This video provides a comparison of the Acura MDX base and Technology packages: 50sNortheast AcuraYouTube · Oct 25, 2023
| Feature | Base Model | Technology Package |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | Standard audio system | ELS Studio Premium Audio System (12+ speakers) |
| Interior | Standard interior materials | Milano premium leather seats, ambient LED lighting, contrast stitching |
| Navigation | No built-in navigation system | Acura Navigation System with 3D View and real-time traffic updates |
| Climate Control | Standard climate control | GPS-Linked Climate Control |
| Wheels | Smaller wheels (e.g., 19-inch) | Larger alloy wheels (e.g., 20-inch) |
| Safety/Convenience | Standard safety features and keyless entry | Front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, remote start |
| Wipers | Standard wipers | Rain-sensing windshield wipers |
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What is the difference between the Acura TLX base and technology package?
The Acura TLX Technology Package adds features like perforated Milano premium leather seats, a 13-speaker ELS Studio Premium audio system, built-in navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. While the base model is a strong starting point, the Technology Package provides a significant upgrade in luxury, convenience, and safety technology.
This video explains the differences between the base and technology package models in terms of features and price: 50sBuild Your OwnYouTube · Feb 2, 2023
| Feature | Base TLX | Technology Package |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Standard heated front seats | Sport seats with perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed seating |
| Audio | Standard | 13-speaker ELS Studio® Premium Audio System |
| Navigation | Standard infotainment display | Acura Navigation System with 3D View |
| Safety | AcuraWatch™ safety suite (e.g., adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist) | Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor |
| Parking Aids | Backup camera | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic climate control | GPS-Linked Automatic Climate Control |
| Interior Lighting | Standard | Iconic Drive™ Ambient LED Cabin Lighting (over 32 combinations) |
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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 is the common problem for Acura TLX?
Common Acura TLX problems include transmission issues (especially in early models), infotainment glitches (like frozen screens and unresponsive touchscreens), and premature brake wear. Other frequently reported problems are speaker failures, backup camera condensation, rear-wheel steering noise, and issues with the electronic parking brake or auto start/stop system.
This video discusses common problems with the 2015-2020 Acura TLX, including transmission issues: 59sAutoMotivateYouTube · May 16, 2021
Powertrain and engine
- Transmission: Early 8-speed dual-clutch transmissions (2015) have been particularly problematic, with some later models also experiencing issues.
- Engine issues: Some V6 models have recall-related engine bearing issues. Other reports include EGR failures, fuel pump failures, and erratic idling.
- Auto start/stop: The system can be unreliable or cause rough shifting in some models.
Electrical and infotainment
- Infotainment system: Software glitches, such as freezing, crashing, and Bluetooth issues, are common due to coding flaws and memory overload.
- Touchscreen: The touchscreen can become unresponsive over time.
- Audio system: Speaker blowouts and complete audio failure from faulty amplifiers or grounding issues have been reported.
- Parking brake: Some models have a faulty electronic parking brake that can activate unexpectedly, often accompanied by warning lights. A weak battery or a fuel filler neck issue can also cause problems.
- Alarm system: Randomly triggered alarms have been reported on some models.
You can watch this video to learn about specific checks for common problems with the Acura TLX, such as backup camera issues: 39sDriving.caYouTube · Sep 11, 2021
Brakes and steering
- Brakes: Premature wear of brake pads and rotors is a frequent complaint, often requiring more frequent replacement than expected.
- Brake pulsation: Warped rotors can lead to vibration and grinding noises.
- Steering: Vibration, especially noticeable during acceleration, can occur. Some models with Precision All-Wheel Steer (PAWS) may exhibit a rattling noise from the rear when turning.
- Power steering: Some owners have reported a failure of the power steering system.
Other common problems
- Suspension: A rattling noise from the rear end, especially when turning, can be caused by issues with the PAWS system.
- Backup camera: Some models are prone to condensation on the camera lens.
- Fuel filler neck: The fuel filler neck can malfunction, leading to an emissions system warning light.
This video explains what to look for regarding steering and suspension issues in the Acura TLX: 51sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Apr 8, 2020
