Best Car Reviews - 2020 Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC

Introduction

The 2020 Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC is a noteworthy entrant in the compact car segment, capturing attention with its sleek design and performance-oriented features. Released in 2020, it targets those seeking a balance between luxury and sportiness, appealing primarily to young professionals and driving enthusiasts. What sets this model apart from its competitors are its premium features and sporty aesthetics, offering a delightful ride quality within an accessible price range.

Design and Exterior Features

The Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC presents an intriguing blend of sharp lines and aerodynamic contours that give it a muscular stance. Its graceful shape and midsize dimensions ensure it cuts a striking figure on the road. Notable exterior features include:

Diamond pentagon grille that enhances its aggressive look.
Stylish Jewel Eye® LED headlights ensuring excellent visibility.
19-inch Shark Gray wheels adding a sporty edge.
Elegant aero kit for optimized airflow and stability.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the TLX FWD A-SPEC to find an inviting cabin that merges sportiness with luxury. Acura offers a well-thought-out layout that emphasizes driver-centric controls with high-quality materials:

Perforated Milano leather-trimmed seats for unmatched comfort.
Aluminum trim details that add to the sporty ambiance.
A spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom.
A range of adjustable seating positions for personalized comfort.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the TLX FWD A-SPEC boasts a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with SIDI, delivering a compelling blend of power and efficiency. The automatic transmission system (AM-S8) offers smooth shifts, making every drive enjoyable. Here's how it performs:

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.6 seconds.
Ride quality that impresses both in city traffic and on winding roads.
Fuel efficiency clocks at a reasonable 11.4426923076923 l/100 km, balancing power and economy.
Features such as Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) for improved cornering and agility.

Technology and Connectivity

Acura provides an array of user-friendly technological features that enhance both convenience and entertainment:

A 7-inch dual-screen infotainment system providing easy accessibility to controls.
Premium ELS Studio® audio system for a superior sound experience.
Advanced features like Bluetooth® 5.0 connectivity and satellite radio.
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless smartphone integration.

Safety Features

Keeping safety at the forefront, the TLX FWD A-SPEC includes a robust set of safety technologies and has earned commendable ratings:

AcuraWatch™ suite with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and road departure mitigation.
A high-strength body structure for optimized crash protection.
Received excellent crash test ratings from major safety agencies.

Pricing and Variants

The 2020 Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC comes with a base price of approximately $39,000 USD, situating it competitively within the compact luxury segment. When compared to rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series, the TLX offers comparable luxury at a more accessible price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Sleek and aggressive design that stands out.
High-quality interior materials provide luxury feel.
Sporty handling with advanced steering systems.
Solid array of technology features integrated.
Competitive pricing for its class and features.

Cons

Fuel economy might be less efficient compared to rivals.
Infotainment system could benefit from technological updates.
Less powerful engine compared to some competitors’ turbo options.
Front-wheel drive only, limiting all-weather capabilities.
Limited headroom in the rear seats.

Maintenance and Common Issues

With regular annual maintenance costs averaging around $600-$700 USD, the TLX FWD A-SPEC is relatively economical to maintain. Common problems reported include:

Transmission issues with occasional rough shifts.
Infotainment glitches and delayed responses.
HVAC system inconsistencies.
Suspension concerns, particularly in rugged terrains.
Minor oil consumption concerns as mileage increases.

Rating

Considering all aspects, the 2020 Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC receives an overall rating of 8.0 out of 10.

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Performance: 7.5/10
Technology: 8.5/10
Safety: 8/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"The perfect blend of sportiness and luxury. Love the handling!"
"Tech features are great, but sometimes the infotainment lags."
"Interior quality is top-notch, but wish the rear seats had more space."
"Fuel economy could be better, but performance is enjoyable."
"A reliable car, though maintenance costs can add up over time."

Best Cars in This Category

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

Summary

The 2020 Acura TLX FWD A-SPEC is ideally suited for those wanting a sporty yet luxurious compact car at a reasonable price. While it excels in comfort, design, and offers commendable performance, its infotainment system and fuel economy may not appeal to all. Nonetheless, it remains a competitive choice, delivering value and appeal among its peers in the compact luxury segment.