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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $47,861–$61,571 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Acura TLX Type S at 8.2/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.7/10. The Acura TLX Type S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.4/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $47,861–$61,571, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Acura TLX Type S sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Acura TLX Type S is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Acura TLX Type S ranks #74 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $47,861 starting price is about 73% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $50k →
Across the TLX Type S model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $54,172 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $52,595 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.3/10 | $51,017 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $49,439 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $47,861 |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Fuel injection system 23/01/2025 · 25V031000 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Acura TLX Type S's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.2/10 overall, ranking #74 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 94% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Acura TLX Type S starts at $47,861 and ranges up to $61,571 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Acura models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.