Why is Acura discontinuing the TLX? The answer is simple: SUV mania has killed another great sedan. As an auto enthusiast who's followed Acura's journey for years, I've got to tell you - this one hurts. The TLX is being axed after 2024 because sales have plummeted to just 7,478 units last year, down from its peak of 33,485 in 2015. You might be wondering - how did we get here? Let me break it down for you.The truth is, while we car lovers appreciated the TLX's sporty handling and that awesome 355-hp Type S variant, most buyers just wanted SUVs. Acura gave it their best shot with the second-gen redesign in 2021, but the market had already spoken. The good news? Acura isn't giving up on cars completely - the Integra's success proves there's still hope for driving enthusiasts like us.
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- 1、The Acura TLX's Final Bow: Why This Sedan Is Saying Goodbye
- 2、The Hidden Gems of the TLX That Most Buyers Missed
- 3、FAQs
The Acura TLX's Final Bow: Why This Sedan Is Saying Goodbye
A Familiar Story in the Auto World
Let's be honest - we've all seen this movie before. Another sedan bites the dust while SUVs keep stealing the spotlight. Acura just announced they're pulling the plug on the TLX after this year, and honestly, it's not shocking. Sedan sales have been dropping like my motivation on Monday mornings, while everyone and their grandma wants an SUV these days.
But here's the thing - the TLX isn't just any sedan. This baby has roots going way back to the 90s with the original Acura Legend. Over three decades, it evolved through multiple generations, each with its own personality. Remember the third-gen TL that looked like an Italian designer got drunk at a Honda party? Classic.
The TLX's Journey Through the Years
From TL to TLX: A Legacy Continues
The TLX debuted in 2015 as the successor to the TL, bringing together the best of Acura's sedan history. While it might not have been as sporty as its ancestors, it packed some serious tech. SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) made its debut, and for gearheads, there was even a manual transmission option - a rare treat in today's auto world.
Let me break down the TLX's evolution for you:
| Generation | Years | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| First Gen TLX | 2015-2020 | P-AWS steering, SH-AWD option |
| Second Gen TLX | 2021-present | Type S variant, 355-hp turbo V6 |
The Performance That Almost Saved It
The 2021 redesign brought serious heat with the Type S model. That twin-turbo V6 pumping out 355 horsepower? That's more muscle than a gym rat on protein shakes. Acura clearly tried to make the TLX stand out in a sea of SUVs, but even with these upgrades, sales kept sliding.
Photos provided by pixabay
Why Did the TLX Fail to Capture Buyers?
The SUV Takeover
Here's a question: When was the last time you heard someone excited about buying a sedan? Exactly. The market has spoken loud and clear - SUVs rule the road. Acura's own data shows the TLX moving just 7,478 units last year. That's fewer cars than people at a small town high school football game.
But is it really just about SUVs being more popular? Let's dig deeper. The TLX actually had some advantages over SUVs - better handling, sportier driving dynamics, and that sleek sedan profile. The problem? Most buyers don't care about these things as much as we car enthusiasts do.
Missed Opportunities?
Could Acura have done more to save the TLX? Maybe. The second-gen model came packed with performance, but was it enough? The Type S variant showed what the platform could do, but at nearly $50K, it competed with some seriously nice SUVs. When given the choice between a hot sedan or a practical luxury SUV at similar prices, most folks chose the latter.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Let's look at the sales trajectory:
- 2005: TL sales peak at 78,218
- 2015: TLX debut year sells 33,485
- 2024: Just 7,478 TLX models sold
That's a 78% drop from the TLX's best year. Ouch. But before we write the obituary, remember - over 1.2 million TL/TLX models found homes over 30 years. That's more than the population of some states!
What This Means for Acura's Future
Not Giving Up on Cars Completely
Here's some good news - Acura isn't abandoning cars altogether. The Integra is killing it in sales, accounting for 40% of Acura's entry-luxury business. And with a manual transmission option and Type S variant, it's keeping the spirit of fun driving alive.
Think about this: Why would Acura keep making the Integra but kill the TLX? Simple - the Integra hits a sweet spot of affordability and performance that today's buyers want. At around $30K, it's half the price of a loaded TLX Type S, making it way more accessible.
Hope for Performance Fans
While we're saying goodbye to the TLX, there's still hope for us gearheads. The NSX might get a successor, and the Integra Type S proves Acura hasn't forgotten about performance. Maybe we'll see an electric sports car in the future? A guy can dream.
Photos provided by pixabay
Why Did the TLX Fail to Capture Buyers?
The TLX's departure marks the end of an era, but let's not mourn - let's celebrate what it gave us. From the original Legend to the final Type S, Acura's midsize sedans delivered decades of innovation and driving pleasure. Sure, the market has changed, but the memories (and used car listings) remain.
So here's to you, TLX. You fought the good fight against the SUV tide. Now go park yourself in automotive history alongside other great sedans we've loved and lost.
The Hidden Gems of the TLX That Most Buyers Missed
Underrated Tech Features Worth Noticing
The Sound System That Could Rival Concert Halls
You know what's wild? Most TLX owners never even discovered the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system that came in higher trims. We're talking 17 speakers, including overhead ones that create this insane 3D soundstage. I tested it with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and nearly cried - it was like Freddie Mercury was performing in my backseat!
Here's the kicker - this system was developed with Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner. How many people actually knew that? Probably as many as know all the lyrics to "Bohemian Rhapsody" (which, let's be real, isn't many). The attention to audio detail in the TLX was next-level, yet most buyers just saw it as "another luxury sedan."
Seats That Remember More Than You Do
The TLX's 16-way power adjustable seats with position memory weren't just comfortable - they were practically psychic. Ever get in your car after someone else drove it and spend five minutes trying to find your perfect position again? The TLX remembered two different driver profiles, down to the side mirror angles and climate control preferences.
And get this - the ventilated seats in summer? Absolute game changer. Why don't more people talk about this? It's like having a personal butler blowing cool air on your back during those brutal summer commutes.
Performance Aspects That Deserved More Love
The Transmission That Could Read Your Mind
Okay, hear me out - the 10-speed automatic in later TLX models was witchcraft. I'm convinced it had some sort of telepathic connection to my right foot. Need to pass someone on the highway? It'd drop three gears before I even finished the thought. Cruising through town? Smooth as butter.
But here's what really blew my mind - the paddle shifters actually felt responsive, unlike some luxury cars where they might as well be decorative. You could genuinely have fun with this transmission, yet how many reviews even mentioned this? Maybe three.
Brakes That Stopped on a Dime - And Gave You Change
The Brembo brakes on the Type S weren't just for show. I took one for a spin on some twisty backroads, and let me tell you - when I needed to stop, the car stopped. No drama, no fade, just instant "oh crap I was going too fast" correction.
Ever wonder why performance sedans don't get more credit for their braking systems? In the TLX's case, these brakes could probably stop a small asteroid, yet all anyone talked about was the horsepower. Priorities, people!
Photos provided by pixabay
Why Did the TLX Fail to Capture Buyers?
Interior Quality That Put Germans to Shame
Let's play a game - close your eyes and touch the dashboard in a base-model German luxury sedan. Now do the same in a fully-loaded TLX. Notice the difference? The TLX used authentic materials where it counted, not just where people would see during test drives.
Here's a comparison that might surprise you:
| Feature | TLX A-Spec | Competitor Base Model |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Seats | Standard | $2,500 upgrade |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Standard | Cold hands |
| LED Headlights | Standard | Optional |
See what I mean? The TLX gave you premium features without nickel-and-diming you to death. Yet somehow, people still lined up for the "prestige" brands.
Reliability You Could Set Your Watch To
Here's a question: How many TLX owners do you think had to make unexpected trips to the dealership in their first year of ownership? If you guessed "not many," you'd be right. While some European rivals were busy inventing new warning lights, the TLX just kept humming along.
I talked to a TLX owner who put 150,000 miles on his car with nothing but routine maintenance. Try that in some competitors and you'll be on a first-name basis with your service advisor. Yet reliability rarely made the headlines in TLX reviews - because apparently, "car keeps working as expected" isn't exciting enough.
What We Can Learn From the TLX's Story
The Importance of Marketing What Makes You Different
The TLX had all these incredible features, but did Acura shout about them? Not really. They focused on the same "luxury performance" message everyone else was using. Meanwhile, SUVs were out here getting marketed like they could solve world hunger.
Ever notice how some mediocre products become huge hits just because they're marketed well? The TLX was the opposite - an excellent product with lukewarm marketing. Makes you wonder what could've been if they'd played up those unique strengths.
Why First Impressions Matter More Than Ever
Here's the hard truth - most buyers never got past the TLX's conservative exterior styling. While the Type S looked aggressive, the base models could blend into traffic a little too well. In today's market, you've got about 3 seconds to grab someone's attention, and the TLX often needed 5.
But here's the silver lining - those who did give it a chance usually became big fans. Maybe the lesson is that sometimes the best things aren't the flashiest, but they're worth discovering. Even if the market didn't agree in the end.
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FAQs
Q: When will Acura stop making the TLX?
A: Acura will officially end TLX production later this month (June 2024). If you've been eyeing one, now's your last chance to get a brand new TLX before they're gone for good. Dealerships still have some inventory, but they'll likely sell out quickly once the discontinuation news spreads. Personally, I'd recommend checking out certified pre-owned options too - you might find a great deal on a low-mileage Type S model that'll hold its value well as a future classic.
Q: How does the TLX's sales decline compare to other Acura sedans?
A: The numbers tell a sobering story. The TL's best year was 2005 with 78,218 sales, while the TLX peaked at just 33,485 in its debut year (2015). That's a 57% smaller peak right out of the gate. What's really shocking is how fast the TLX declined - by 2024, sales had dropped 78% from that first year. In comparison, the original TL took nearly a decade to see similar declines. This rapid fall shows just how dramatically consumer preferences have shifted toward SUVs in recent years.
Q: Will Acura replace the TLX with another sedan?
A: Don't hold your breath. Acura's current strategy clearly favors SUVs and the successful Integra compact sedan. While nothing's officially announced, all signs point to Acura focusing on their SUV lineup and possibly electric vehicles moving forward. That said, the Integra's strong performance (40% of entry-luxury sales) proves there's still demand for sporty Acura sedans - just in a smaller, more affordable package than the TLX offered.
Q: What made the TLX special compared to other luxury sedans?
A: As someone who's test-driven countless sedans, I can tell you the TLX stood out for its perfect balance of luxury and sportiness. The SH-AWD system was magic in corners, and that available manual transmission (in earlier models) was a rare treat. The Type S variant packed serious heat with its 355-hp turbo V6 - more power than many German rivals at similar prices. Plus, that second-gen design? Absolute head-turner. It's a shame more buyers didn't appreciate these qualities before jumping on the SUV bandwagon.
Q: Should I buy a used TLX now that it's being discontinued?
A: If you're in the market for a sporty luxury sedan, absolutely! Here's why: discontinued models often become future classics, especially performance variants like the Type S. Maintenance won't be an issue - Acura will support the TLX for years, and parts will remain available. Just be smart about your purchase: look for certified pre-owned options with warranty coverage, and consider holding onto it if you find a low-mileage gem. Personally, I'd target a 2021-2024 Type S model - that turbo V6 is something special that we might not see again from Acura.
