cars news 10: Refreshing or Revolting: 2018 Acura TLX

Acura has given its “Performance Luxury Sedan” a mid-cycle refresh for the 2018 model year. In addition to more standard and available content, the 2018 Acura TLX sedan gains revised styling and a new sport A-Spec trim. Here is a look at the aesthetic changes to the 2018 Acura TLX.

The most noticeable change to the 2018 Acura TLX is its all-new front end styling. The front grille is larger and has been reshaped with the vertical sides angled outward instead of inward, while the lower horizontal edge is less sharply angled down. The center chrome plate is now gone and the Acura emblem is now larger. LED headlights are now standard with the headlight assembly reshaped to match the lines of the new grille.

The top-spec TLX 3.5L with Advance package gets trapezoidal LED foglights mounted in the outside lower air intakes. The hood also features a sharper crease down the center. The new TLX 3.5L A-Spec gets a unique front fascia with larger outer lower intakes and round LED foglights.

Along the side, the 2018 Acura TLX sedan receives new wheel styles from the base 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the 15-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with the Advance package, and the five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels on the A-Spec. The TLX 3.5L with Technology package features chrome side exterior trim, while the TLX A-Spec gets a matte black side window surround.

Around back, the 2018 Acura TLX 3.5L features a unique rear fascia with chrome accents, new diffuser, and dual exhaust tips. The TLX 3.5L with Advance package gets a body-colored rear decklid spoiler, while the A-Spec features a gloss black decklid spoiler, smoked LED taillights, and unique rear fascia with a lower diffuser, and larger 4-inch round dual exhaust tips.

Inside, changes are minimal for most models. The infotainment system is faster and now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The TLX 3.5L with Technology package features upgraded seats with contrast stitching and piping.

The TLX 3.5L A-spec gets larger seat bolsters and is available with red seats and red door inserts.

What do you think of the refreshed 2018 Acura TLX sedan? Share your thoughts below.

Last week, we examined the subtle changes to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan. Reactions were mixed: Benjamin Jermaine said, “I’ve always loved the Sonderklasse …all generations. This one as well. Good job.” And Opus49 said, “I really love the new LED headlights on this S-class, it reminds me of the cool multi-beam headlights on the 2016/2017 Mercedes CLS.”

Other comments were less enthusiastic: Michael Bailey “preferred the pre-refreshed one,” while igorito thought it looked like a “clown face.”