Video: 2024 Acura TLX Type S: Likes and Dislikes

Here's some things we like and a few we don't like about the 2024 Acura TLX Type S. Our first like is simply the TLX's looks. This is a crisply styled sedan, and it's just a good-looking vehicle. The long hood short deck proportions belie the fact that this is actually a front-wheel drive-based car. The styling updates for 24 are very subtle. There used to be a chrome border around the grill, and it's now a more integrated design where it goes straight into the body. And Acura has upgraded the front radar sensor so that they are entirely behind the Acura logo, which gives it a little bit of a cleaner look. Another thing we like is the TLX Type S's gutsy acceleration and crisp handling. (engine revving) Now, that's in sport plus mode, which is the hottest setting, but in any of the modes, the 10-speed automatic transmission feels exceptionally well matched to this engine. The shifts are crisp, but they don't feel lurchy, so this is a very nice 10-speed automatic. Now, the TLX isn't quite the sharpest handling sport sedan around. You do get a sense of its heft when you're hustling through a fast corner, but this is still a nicely balanced car, and the steering is quick and communicative. The Type S's relatively affordable pricing and high level of standard equipment are other pluses. There are rival luxury sports sedans that start out close to or less than the TLX Type S, but most of them don't come as well equipped. The TLX is also a bit bigger than some similarly priced rivals compared to, say, a BMW M340i or a Genesis G70. You'll get a bit more space overall for passengers and a little bit more for cargo as well. All 2024 TLXs get a couple welcome interior upgrades. There's now a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster that replaces the old analog unit, and the infotainment screen is upgraded as well: upsized more accurately. It's now 12.3 inches in place of the previous 10.2-inch unit. The Type S specifically gets a couple desirable new features for 2024. There's a 360-degree surround view monitor that activates automatically when you put the vehicle in reverse, or you can bring it up via this button at the end of the turn signal stock. There's also a 10.5-inch multifunction head-up display with traffic sign recognition. So what's not so great is that the head-up display and the surround view monitor are now exclusive to the Type S. They used to be available on an advanced package on other TLXs. What that means is you now have to step-up to the top-dog most expensive model and a high-performance engine that you may or may not want to get those features. The fact that the infotainment screen is upsized is excellent, but what's not so excellent is that it is still not a touch screen. Acura has stuck with its true touchpad interface. So, to control the infotainment system, you have to use a console-mounted touchpad instead of a touch screen, and it's a system that we're just not that fond of. You might acclimate to it over time, but we find a straight-ahead touchscreen system much easier to use and less distracting. So, of course, you have a backseat in the TLX, but it's not a big one, as you can see. Granted, I'm 6' 6". So, I'm much taller than the average adult. But, yeah, I'm cramped back here. The sloping roofline means my head is hitting the headliner, and we have this front seat all the way forward, which, frankly, is the only way that my legs can fit back here at all. But it also means that an average-sized adult is not going to fit in front of me in comfort. So overall, backseat, a little too cramped to be comfortable for adults. Unfortunately, the Type S's enhanced acceleration and handling come with the usual trade-offs. Even when the adaptive suspension is set to the comfort drive mode, the ride is on the taut side, and the fuel economy also takes a hit of three to four miles per gallon over the base TLX's four-cylinder engine. If you're looking for a luxury sedan with a higher level of performance than the norm but not one that's so extreme that its sticker price is sky-high and its day-to-day livability and comfort are compromised, then the TLX Type S might be the perfect fit for you. For more information on the 2024 TLX and the rest of the Acura lineup, you can find it all on cars.com.