Acura Rsx Type S on 2040-cars

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2015 Acura TLX

Immediately after landing at Washington's Dulles airport, an Acura representative handed me the keys to a 2014 TSX with fewer than 180 miles on its clock. The four-cylinder engine started and I pointed its signature beak towards a destination in Middleburg, VA. It was a curious move by the Japanese automaker, especially considering that I had flown no less than 2,300 miles to drive the discontinued vehicle's ostensible successor, the all-new 2015 Acura TLX.
Yet spending a solid 40 minutes with a sparkling-new version of the outgoing model that still smelled showroom fresh, allowed me an opportunity to scrutinize the dropped sedan and remind myself why it had never really blown me away - it was good at doing many things, but truly great at doing none.
Time with the TSX also started me thinking about the Acura TL, the second model that the TLX will effectively replace. I have better memories of the slightly larger sedan, especially the SH-AWD 6MT trim - it's a solid driver's car - but it, too, fell short in areas where competitors, including the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, excelled.

2022 Acura MDX Type S priced far above the base model

Acura has published pricing information for the 2022 MDX Type S, the first SUV that the firm has deemed worthy of wearing this esteemed badge. It's priced well above the entry-level MDX but it gains a long list of performance, comfort, and technology upgrades to make up for it. Pricing for the Type S starts at $67,745 including a mandatory $1,045 destination charge. In comparison, the base MDX starts at $48,245 including the same destination charge. While that's a significant difference, the range-topping Type S benefits from 3.0-liter V6 engine that's turbocharged to 355 horsepower, a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, Acura's first air suspension system, and Brembo-sourced four-piston front brake calipers. Visual changes (including a grille that sends about 10% more air to the engine bay) further set the Type S apart. The list of standard features also includes 21-inch wheels with self-sealing tires, LED exterior lighting, aluminum interior trim, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless device charger, a 16-speaker sound system and 12.3-inch display for the infotainment system; Acura packs a lot of features into the Type S. Buyers who want even more can step up to the Type S with the Advance Package, which starts at $73,095 including destination. It will be the most expensive member of the line-up once the NSX exits the stage. Ordering the Advance Package adds a 25-speaker sound system with 1,000 watts and illuminated door speakers, 16-way power-adjustable front seats (the standard Type S gets 12-way units), a nine-way massage function for the front passengers, heated rear seats, wood interior trim with black metallic accents, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera, a power-operated tailgate, gloss black exterior trim and roof rails, plus acoustic laminated glass in the rear doors. As a bonus, Acura adds floor mats that it describes as "ultra-plush." Acura dealers across the nation will begin receiving the 2022 MDX Type S during the second half of December 2021. Related Video:

Acura TLX Luggage Test | Perfectly reasonable trunk space

The Acura TLX has a 13.5-cubic-foot trunk according to the spec sheet. That would be comparable to a typical compact mainstream sedan despite the TLX's exterior dimensions being more akin to a midsize sedan (its 194.6-inch length is right smack between a Toyota Camry and Honda Accord). Luxury cars usually sacrifice utility for style, and by adapting cab-rearward proportions for this latest generation, it shouldn't be surprising that the TLX follows the trend.  However, how much utility does the new TLX sacrifice and is the trunk still useful? Let's find out. It's a fairly deep space, but the amount of width and space behind the wheel wells is also reasonably generous and seemingly useful. As with every luggage test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).  To start off, I lined the biggest bags on their sides to demonstrate the difference in the trunk's width relative other sedans. Only three can fit, whereas you can fit four in the majority of midsize sedans. Nevertheless, all the bags fit. That's not the case with the Cadillac CT4 or CT5, or the big fibber, the BMW 3 Series and its "17-cubic-foot" trunk.  Basically, the numbers make sense here. While it can hold all the bags, there really isn't any leftover space as there is in a midsize sedan. That said, I should note that there are plenty of compact crossovers that can't fit all these bags below their cargo covers, including the Mercedes GLC and Alfa Stelvio.  OK, one more trunk-related note. While there is a spare-tire-shaped hole under the trunk floor, there is no spare tire. Instead, you get a compressor encased in foam covering the car's battery. Putting the battery in the trunk is totally normal, but there's something a tad bootleg about this placement. It seems like an afterthought. It almost certainly has to do with engine compartment packaging and/or weight distribution, but it does mean you do without a spare tire. Or, I suppose as BMW is apt to do, extra under-floor cargo space.  Related Content