Archived model-year dossier

2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Acura TLX gets very few changes, only new paint colors, and is likely the last year before its second-generation redesign. A 206-horsepower four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic is standard, with the V6 and all-wheel drive on the Advance package. NHTSA lists five recalls and 62 complaints, led by engine (19). Used ones run $18,150 to $27,000.

Configurations6
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency23–27 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers4

What changed on the 2020 Acura TLX

Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the TLX receives very few changes for 2020, with new paint colors, and that the standard 206-hp four-cylinder pairs with an eight-speed automatic. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the model got a mid-cycle refresh for 2018 and 2020 is likely its final year before the second generation, and that all models come with a four-cylinder and front-wheel drive except the Advance package, which has the V6 and all-wheel drive.

Vandergriff Acura (opens in a new tab) lists standard automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams and forward collision warning. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 20/31 to 23/33 mpg and used 2020 TLXs at $18,150 for the 2.4 up to $27,000 for the 3.5 PMC Edition at a dealer.

Recalls and problems owners report

NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for the 2020 TLX. 21V215000 and 23V858000 cover a fuel pump on many Honda and Acura models, 23V751000 covers engine hard parts on 2015-2020 TLXs and other models, and 24V064000 and 26V332000 cover the front passenger occupant classification sensor.

Owners have filed 62 complaints: engine with 19, fuel system and gasoline with 12 each, electrical system with 9, engine cooling with 8 and power train with 7. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) and CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) break these down, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page.

2020 TLX against the 3 Series, A4, IS and G70

EPA rates the 2020 TLX at 23 to 27 mpg combined and $2,850 to $3,350 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series lists 28 to 30 at $2,600 to $2,750, the Audi A4 26 to 30 at $2,600 to $3,000, the Lexus IS 21 to 24 at $3,250 to $3,700, and the Genesis G70 20 to 25 at $3,100 to $3,900. The TLX beats the IS and G70 and trails the 3 Series and A4.

Trim-by-trim specifications

The 2020 Acura TLX: 8 trims compared.

Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.

2020 Acura TLX powertrain, performance and efficiency by trim
TrimEngineTransmissionDriveHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)EPA city / hwy / combSeatsBasic warranty
2.42.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-VTEC)Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/SportShiftFWD20618223 / 33 / 27 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
2.4 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-VTEC)Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/SportShiftFWD20618223 / 32 / 26 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
2.4 w/Technology Pkg2.4-liter 4-cylinder (i-VTEC)Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/SportShiftFWD20618223 / 33 / 27 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
3.53.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC)Automatic, 9-Spd w/SportShiftFWD29026720 / 31 / 24 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
3.5 w/Technology Pkg3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC)Automatic, 9-Spd w/SportShiftFWD29026720 / 31 / 24 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC)Automatic, 9-Spd w/SportShiftFWD29026720 / 30 / 23 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
3.5 w/Advance Pkg3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC)Automatic, 9-Spd w/SportShiftAWD29026720 / 29 / 23 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
3.5 PMC Edition3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC)Automatic, 9-Spd w/SportShiftAWD29026720 / 29 / 23 mpg54 yr / 50,000 mi
2020 Acura TLX dimensions, weights and capacities by trim
TrimCurb weightLengthHeightWheelbaseGround clearanceTurning circleFuel tankFront headroomFront legroomPayloadTires
2.43,505 lb190.7 in57 in109.3 in5.8 in39.2 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP225/55R17
2.4 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg3,580 lb191 in57 in109.3 in5.8 in39.2 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP245/40R19
2.4 w/Technology Pkg3,508 lb190.7 in57 in109.3 in5.8 in39.2 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP225/55R17
3.53,616 lb190.7 in57 in109.3 in5.9 in38.8 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP225/50R18
3.5 w/Technology Pkg3,640 lb190.7 in57 in109.3 in5.9 in38.8 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP225/50R18
3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg3,680 lb191 in57 in109.3 in5.9 in38.8 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP245/40R19
3.5 w/Advance Pkg3,812 lb190.7 in57 in109.3 in5.9 in39.5 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP245/40R19
3.5 PMC Edition3,838 lb191 in57 in109.3 in5.9 in39.5 ft17.2 gal37.2 in42.6 in850 lbP245/40R19

Equipment by trim

Which 2020 Acura TLX trim has what.

Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.

2020 Acura TLX standard and optional equipment by trim
Equipment2.42.4 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg2.4 w/Technology Pkg3.53.5 w/Technology Pkg3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg3.5 w/Advance Pkg3.5 PMC Edition
Safety
Anti-theft alarmStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Blind-spot alert–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Child door locksStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Child-seat anchorsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warningStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Forward collision warning with automatic brakingStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hill-start assistStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rearview cameraStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Side-view camerasStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Surround-view camera––––––StdStd
Front and rear parking sensorsOptStdOptOptOptStdStdStd
Rear parking sensorsOptStdOptOptOptStdStdStd
Electronic stability controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Traction controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Technology
Text-message readerStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Bluetooth audio streamingStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
BluetoothStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Hands-free callingStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Navigation system–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Premium audio systemStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Real-time traffic information–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Satellite radioStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Apple CarPlay or Android AutoStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Steering-wheel audio controlsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Touchscreen–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Voice recognitionStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Comfort
Heated front seatsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Heated rear seats––––––StdStd
Heated steering wheelOptOptOptOptOptOptStdStd
Heated windshield––––––StdStd
Heated mirrorsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power front seats for driver and passengerStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power driver's seatStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Leather seats–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Leather-wrapped steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheelStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Folding rear seatStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Exterior and convenience
Alloy wheelsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Fog lightsOptStdOptOptOptStdStdStd
Rear spoilerOptStdOptOptStdStdStdStd
Power-folding mirrors––––––StdStd
12-volt power outletStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Power windowsStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Remote keyless entryStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Remote engine startOptOptOptOptOptStdStdStd
Proximity keyless entryStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Push-button startStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Cruise controlStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Integrated garage-door openerStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rear-window defrosterStdStdStdStdStdStdStdStd
Rain-sensing wipers–StdStd–StdStdStdStd
Dual-clutch automatic transmissionStdStdStd–––––

Complete certification table

6 configuration records.

EPA ID / labelEngine / technologyDrive / transmissionFuelCityHwyCombinedRange
41337TLX AWD3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)Premium202923N/A
41338TLX AWD A-SPEC3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventionalAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)Premium202923N/A
41333TLX FWD2.4L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S8)Premium233327N/A
41335TLX FWD3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventionalFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)Premium203124N/A
41334TLX FWD A-SPEC2.4L 4-cyl SIDIConventionalFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S8)Premium233226N/A
41336TLX FWD A-SPEC3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventionalFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9)Premium203023N/A

Model-specific answer center

4 answers for this exact family-year.

Q01What changed on the 2020 Acura TLX versus the 2019 Acura TLX?
Model year

Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2020 Acura TLX carries the 2019 Acura TLX's figures forward: 6 certification records labelled TLX AWD, TLX AWD A-SPEC, TLX FWD, TLX FWD A-SPEC, 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive on premium, rated 23-27 combined MPG/MPGe and an EPA annual fuel cost of $2,850 to $3,350. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 6 for the 2019 to 5 for the 2020.

Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What torque do the 2020 Acura TLX's wheel nuts need?
Wheels and tires

The 2020 Acura TLX owner's manual gives 80 lb-ft as the wheel-nut tightening torque. Source: 2020 Acura TLX owner's manual.

Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q03What size wheels does the 2020 Acura TLX have?
Wheels and tires

The 2020 Acura TLX's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the 2.4 and 2.4 w/Technology Pkg, 18 inches on the 3.5 and 3.5 w/Technology Pkg and 19 inches on the 2.4 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg, 3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg, 3.5 w/Advance Pkg and 3.5 PMC Edition. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2020 Acura TLX trims differ from one another?
Trims

The 2.4 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg has blind-spot alert, fog lights, front and rear parking sensors and 7 more as standard equipment over the 2.4. The 3.5 has 290 hp against 206 over the 2.4 w/Technology Pkg. The 3.5 w/Technology Pkg has blind-spot alert, leather seats, a navigation system and 4 more as standard equipment over the 3.5. The 3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg has fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking sensors and remote engine start as standard equipment over the 3.5 w/Technology Pkg. The 3.5 w/Advance Pkg has AWD instead of FWD and heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a heated windshield and 2 more as standard equipment over the 3.5 w/Technology Pkg & A-SPEC Pkg.

Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications

Live NHTSA evidence

Current federal safety records for 2020 Acura TLX.

Methodology: how a recall or complaint answer is verified

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Exact-vehicle evidence desk

Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.

Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.

FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology

Other model years

Compare the Acura TLX across model years.

See every Acura TLX model year and research hub

Ownership desk

Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.