The 2018 Acura TLX added a more powerful V6 engine option, redesigned its interior technology, and introduced new safety features across the lineup

The 2018 Acura TLX received its first major refresh since the model launched in 2015. The most visible change was under the hood: Acura replaced the previous 3.5-liter V6 with a new 3.5-liter engine that produced 290 horsepower, up from 280. The four-cylinder engine remained at 206 horsepower. Inside, the infotainment system moved to a larger 8-inch touchscreen with a new interface, and Acura added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Safety additions included standard automatic emergency braking on all models and new driver-information features on higher trims.

If you are shopping used 2018 TLX models now, these changes matter because they affect what features you will find, what the engine feels like to drive, and how the interior technology works compared to earlier years. The 2018 also marked the year Acura began phasing in its new design language, so the exterior styling shifted slightly from the 2017 model.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 TLX V6 produced 290 horsepower, a 10-horsepower increase from 2017, making it noticeably quicker in acceleration and highway passing.
  • An 8-inch touchscreen replaced the previous smaller display, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on all trim levels.
  • Automatic emergency braking became standard equipment on every 2018 TLX, a safety feature that was optional or unavailable on earlier model years.
  • The exterior received subtle styling updates including a revised grille and new wheel designs, distinguishing 2018 models from 2015–2017 versions at a glance.

Engine and Performance Changes

The 2018 TLX V6 engine produced 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, compared to 280 horsepower and 272 pound-feet in the 2017 model. While the horsepower gain was modest, the torque decrease meant the engine felt slightly different in real-world driving—less pulling power at lower RPMs, but smoother power delivery at highway speeds. The nine-speed automatic transmission remained the same across both years.

The four-cylinder engine (2.4 liters, 206 horsepower) stayed unchanged from 2017. It paired with the same eight-speed transmission. Most buyers who test-drove both engines reported that the V6 felt noticeably quicker during highway merges and passing, though the four-cylinder remained adequate for daily commuting. Fuel economy figures were similar between 2017 and 2018 for both engines.

Interior Technology and Infotainment System

The 2018 TLX introduced a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the 7-inch screen in earlier years. The new interface was redesigned from the ground up, with larger icons and a faster response time. Acura added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features on all trims—these were not available on 2017 and earlier models. This meant you could mirror your phone's navigation, messaging, and music apps directly to the dashboard screen.

The steering wheel controls for the infotainment system were also redesigned in 2018, with a new button layout that owners reported was more intuitive than the previous generation. The system still included Acura's voice command feature, though the voice recognition was improved. If you are comparing a 2018 TLX to a 2017 model, the infotainment difference is one of the most noticeable changes during a test drive.

Safety Features and Driver information

Automatic emergency braking became standard on all 2018 TLX models. This system uses radar to detect an imminent collision and applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond. On 2017 and earlier TLX models, this feature was either unavailable or came only on higher trims as an option. The 2018 also added a new lane-keeping information feature on SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) models, which gently steers the car back toward the center of the lane if it drifts without a turn signal.

Adaptive cruise control was available on 2018 models with the Technology Package, allowing the car to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and slow down or speed up automatically. This feature existed on some 2017 models but was refined and made more responsive in 2018. The backup camera remained standard, as it had been since 2015, but the 2018 version included dynamic guidelines that showed the car's predicted path based on steering angle.

Exterior Styling Updates

The 2018 TLX received a revised front grille with a slightly different shape and chrome surround compared to 2017. The headlights remained the same basic shape but received updated internal LED elements. The hood line was subtly reshaped to give the front end a more aggressive appearance. These changes were part of Acura's broader design refresh across its lineup.

New wheel designs were introduced for 2018, with different spoke patterns and finishes depending on the trim level. The SH-AWD models received exclusive wheel designs not available on front-wheel-drive versions. The rear bumper was also slightly redesigned, though the change was minimal and mostly visible in close inspection. From a distance, a 2018 TLX looks very similar to a 2017, but side-by-side comparisons reveal the styling evolution.

Trim Levels and Pricing Structure

The 2018 TLX came in four main trims: Base, Tech, SH-AWD, and A-Spec. The Base model included the four-cylinder engine, manual transmission option (though most came with the automatic), and standard safety features. The Tech trim added the larger infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SH-AWD trim came exclusively with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive, plus additional suspension tuning.

The A-Spec trim, new for 2018, was a sportier variant available with either the four-cylinder or V6 engine. It included unique exterior styling (different grille, side skirts, and rear diffuser), sport-tuned suspension, and exclusive interior trim. Pricing for the 2018 TLX started around $33,000 for the Base four-cylinder model and reached approximately $42,000 for the A-Spec V6 with all-wheel drive, though prices varied by region and dealer.

What Stayed the Same from 2017

The overall body shape, dimensions, and interior cabin layout remained unchanged from 2017 to 2018. The leather upholstery options, seat comfort, and cargo space (14.3 cubic feet of trunk space) were identical. The power steering, braking system, and suspension geometry stayed the same, so the driving dynamics felt familiar to anyone who had driven a 2017 TLX.

The sound system options remained similar, with a standard 10-speaker system and an available premium audio upgrade. Climate control, power windows, and door locks all carried over unchanged. The main differences were the engine refinement, infotainment technology, and safety features—not the fundamental structure or comfort of the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 TLX V6 significantly faster than the 2017?

The 2018 V6 has 10 more horsepower but 5 fewer pound-feet of torque. In real driving, the 2018 feels slightly quicker at highway speeds and during passing, but the difference is not dramatic. Most drivers would notice the improvement only during back-to-back test drives.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to a 2017 TLX?

No. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built into the 2018 infotainment system and cannot be retrofitted to 2017 models. If smartphone integration is important to you, the 2018 is the first year to have it standard across all trims.

What is the A-Spec trim and is it worth the extra cost?

The A-Spec is a sportier variant with unique styling, sport suspension tuning, and exclusive interior details. It costs roughly $2,000 to $3,000 more than the standard trim. Whether it is worth it depends on whether you value the appearance and handling changes—the mechanical upgrades are modest.

Does the 2018 TLX have all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive is available on the SH-AWD trim with the V6 engine. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Base, Tech, and A-Spec trims with the four-cylinder, and optional on the A-Spec with the V6. The SH-AWD model is the only one that comes exclusively with all-wheel drive.

How much better is the automatic emergency braking on the 2018 compared to 2017?

The 2018 made automatic emergency braking standard on all models, whereas it was optional or unavailable on 2017. The system itself is the same technology, so the difference is availability, not performance. Having it standard means every 2018 TLX includes this safety feature.