2018 Acura TLX A-Spec: Does the A-Spec Deserve Respect? [Video Review]

The 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec has been on sale for a few months now. What makes the A-Spec different?

Acura is a brand that is anchored by its sedan range. As with Lexus, its crossovers may dominate sales these days, but you couldn’t really imagine either brand without a sports sedan in their lineups. Acura knows that, and they’ve spruced up the TLX for 2018. Joining the smaller ILX and the larger RLX – the latter of which just went on sale in its new form – the TLX complete’s the brand’s sedan trifecta. Added to the TLX mix is the A-Spec package. What makes the 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec so different from the ordinary model. Check out the video review above to find out!

What’s different

In short, not much. Not enough to tell it apart at first glance from the standard TLX. The A-Spec looks sportier and carries some subtle sport tuning over the regular model, but that’s about it. For the extra cash, you get eight A-Spec badges, minor aesthetic changes throughout, and some new wheels.

Despite having a 290 horsepower V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the TLX A-Spec made it to 60 in 7.75 seconds. Granted, that’s at a mile above sea level, but that is about 2 seconds slower than its estimated time of ~6 seconds. The handling part of the A-Spec package does help the TLX’s case. Featuring the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and the subtle sport tuning, the rear end stays nicely planted around corners. Unlike front-wheel drive or front-biased all-wheel drive cars, the TLX A-Spec doesn’t tend to push wide going around tight bends. It also settles down nicely when you’re not in the mood for fun and games.

Is the A-Spec package worth it?

If you’re in the market for an Acura TLX A-Spec, you need to choose the Tech Package before you even have the option of the A-Spec Package. Even with those options – including the extra $2,900 from the A-Spec Package – this TLX comes out just under $46,000. Even if it’s not the most dynamically spectacular sports sedan out there, it is a handsome contender that’s very reasonable, considering what you get for the price.