Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD

The Honda Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD marks a bold return to form for Acura’s performance lineage, reviving a storied badge with substance and style. Launched as part of the second-generation TLX lineup, the Type S is a direct response to enthusiasts’ calls for a genuinely sporty mid-size sedan bearing the precision-crafted ethos that made previous Acura performance models—like the legendary TL and Integra Type S—so admired. It stands as a testament to Acura’s renewed commitment to blending everyday usability with track-capable dynamics, all wrapped in a sophisticated package that rivals European competitors.

Under the sculpted hood lies the heart of the TLX Type S: a 3.0-liter J30AC turbocharged V6, purpose-built for this model and delivering 355 horsepower and a muscular 479.96 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring power delivery is both smooth and immediate. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, a hallmark of Acura engineering, provides not just all-weather security but also dynamic torque vectoring, splitting power between front and rear—and side to side at the rear axle—for remarkable cornering precision and traction. This drive system, combined with a curb weight of 4,221 lbs, allows the TLX Type S to launch from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.

The chassis engineering shines through in the TLX Type S. A double-wishbone front suspension replaces the standard MacPherson strut setup, enhancing front-end grip and steering feedback. Adaptive dampers allow the driver to tailor the ride and handling balance to suit everything from highway cruising to aggressive backroad driving. Wider tires and performance brakes further boost confidence, while the car’s rigid body structure underpins its composed on-limit behavior. The result is a sedan that can tackle twisty circuits or mountain roads with poise and deliver a refined ride in daily commuting.

While the TLX Type S doesn’t directly stem from a motorsport program, it channels Acura’s racing heritage—seen in everything from IMSA prototypes to the NSX—into a street-legal package. On track, the SH-AWD system’s torque vectoring and the robust turbo V6 provide genuine pace and consistency, making the TLX Type S a credible contender in enthusiast circles and at track day events. The car is not only about outright numbers but also about the quality of its feedback and the enjoyment it offers behind the wheel.

What distinguishes the TLX Type S in the crowded sport sedan class is its blend of luxury, technology, and authentic driver engagement. It offers a distinctive alternative to the German establishment, with uniquely Japanese attention to detail and a value proposition that’s hard to ignore. For enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded, all-weather performance sedan with true pedigree, the Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD stands out as a compelling, rewarding choice.