Best Car Reviews - 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC

Introduction

The 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC is a remarkable entry in the luxury compact car market. Released in 2020, this model is designed for drivers who seek a blend of performance, style, and advanced technology. Standing out with its all-wheel drive capability and sport-styled A-SPEC variant, it targets those who prioritize both a thrilling driving experience and premium comfort. The combination of Acura’s Signature SIDI engine and opulent interiors set this model apart from its counterparts.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC boasts a sleek and aggressive design, reflecting Acura's commitment to sporty elegance. The car features a sculpted exterior with a stance that portrays strength and agility.

Bold Diamond Pentagon Grille giving it a distinctive front look.
LED Jewel Eye® Headlights for improved nighttime visibility.
A sporty rear diffuser and dual exhaust outlets.
19-inch Shark Gray wheels that enhance its bold stance.
Dark chrome Acura badging and gloss-black accents for an added touch of sophistication.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the TLX, luxury and comfort take the forefront. The cabin layout is driver-focused, with high-quality materials throughout, ensuring comfort during every journey.

Leather-trimmed seats with Ultrasuede® inserts provide a luxurious feel.
Dual-zone automatic climate control for personalized comfort.
Heated and ventilated front seats offering adaptable comfort.
Metallic accents and ambient lighting that elevate the cabin aesthetics.
Ample legroom and headroom making long drives comfortable.

Performance and Handling

Equipped with a robust SIDI V6 engine, the 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC delivers exhilarating performance.

290 horsepower, providing ample power for diverse driving conditions.
Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds, ensuring a spirited drive.
Features All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for improved traction and handling on various surfaces.
In-city and highway driving the TLX maintains a balance of agility and stability, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.
Fuel efficiency is around 12.9 l/100 km, which is reasonable for a vehicle in this class.

Technology and Connectivity

The 2020 Acura TLX is packed with innovative technology aimed at enhancing the driving experience and connectivity.

Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless device pairing.
7-inch and 8-inch dual-screen setup for easy navigation and media control.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for smartphone connectivity.
Premium ELS Studio® Audio System delivering immersive sound.
Navigation system with 3D view, voice recognition, and real-time traffic updates.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority in the TLX, with numerous standard and advanced features designed to protect occupants.

AcuraWatch™ suite: includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking system.
Multi-view rear camera for better parking assistance.
Blind spot monitoring to aid in safe lane changes.
5-star overall safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Road departure mitigation system alerting drivers of unintended lane departures.

Pricing and Variants

The 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC starts at around $45,000 USD, offering a competitive price point within the luxury compact category.

Available in various trims: Standard, Technology Package, A-SPEC, and Advanced Package.
Compared to competitors like the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, the TLX stands out with its balance of performance and feature-rich offerings.

Pros and Cons

Pros

All-Wheel Drive provides excellent traction.
Powerful V6 engine for dynamic performance.
Luxurious interior with high-end materials.
Advanced safety and driver assistance features.
Competitive pricing in its class.

Cons

Fuel economy could be better.
Dual-screen infotainment system may feel confusing to some users.
Rear-seat space is slightly limited.
Trunk space could be more generous.
Limited customization options.

Maintenance and Common Issues

The annual maintenance cost for the TLX is around $600 USD. Below are some common issues:

Transmission shifts may occasionally be rough.
Occasional infotainment glitches reported by users.
Potential for premature brake wear.
Some owners report noise from the sunroof.
Rear visibility limited due to design.

Rating

Overall Rating: 8/10

Design: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 7/10
Safety: 9/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The all-wheel drive system is fantastic in the snow and rain." - Jack H.
"Interior is really luxurious, the sound system is incredible." - Maria T.
"Feels smooth on the highway but wish the fuel efficiency was better." - Lee S.
"The dual-screen setup is innovative but can be distracting." - Kim R.
"Had a minor issue with the transmission, but Acura resolved it swiftly." - Alex D.

Best cars in this category

2020 BMW 3 Series
2020 Audi A4
2020 Lexus IS
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2020 Infiniti Q50

Summary

The 2020 Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC is ideal for those seeking a combination of performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a compact package. It offers excellent value for money, particularly with the A-SPEC enhancements adding a sporty flair to an already capable model. While there are minor drawbacks, notably in fuel efficiency and trunk space, the strengths of the TLX make it a compelling choice for luxury compact car enthusiasts.