2018 Acura TLX Shapes up, Lowers Its Shield

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Slowly but surely, the inhabitants of the Acura stable are dropping the toned-down version of the brand’s polarizing “shield” grille in favor of the far more appealing “diamond pentagon” mouth.

That grille debuted on Acura’s Precision concept car before appearing on the redesigned 2017 MDX. Now, it’s the TLX sedan’s turn for plastic surgery. The automaker promises a refreshed and shieldless TLX at the New York International Auto Show on April 11, hoping that a new face might turn the tide on the midsize sedan’s flagging fortunes.

Minus this photo, which clearly reveals the updated model’s new grille, sculpted hood and LED headlights, there’s not much information flowing out of Acura. The automaker claims the 2018 TLX will boast “premium features and technology enhancements” that should place the sedan as one of the most “technologically advanced and well-equipped cars” in its segment. Well, we’ll see about that.

Certainly, Acura needs more eyes on its products, especially its sedans. Overall brand sales in the U.S. sank by nearly 16,000 units last year compared to 2015 — up from recession-era totals but well below its mid-2000s tally. The TLX, which replaced the TL and TSX in the brand’s lineup for the 2015 model year, saw U.S. sales sink by nearly 10,000 units compared to its first full year on the market. This year’s not looking too good so far.

At its peak popularity, the old TL brought in over 70,000 U.S. customers for three consecutive years in the mid-2000s. Last year saw 37,156 TLX sales. Of course, the buying public’s shift towards crossovers and SUVs plays a role in the declining sales of nearly all traditional passenger cars. These days, it’s more a game of holding on to what you already have.

[Image: Honda North America]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Vulpine Vulpine on Mar 29, 2017

    From what I can see of that nose, it's certainly better looking than what they're currently carrying.

  • Trickle down the NSX layout; RWD with hybrid motors up front. Combine that with some weight out of the cars and you'll have something pretty swell.

  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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