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2018 Acura TLX sharpens up outside, smartens up inside

A mid-cycle refresh comprehensively improves an overlooked entry-level luxury player.

Chris Paukert
Following stints in TV news production and as a record company publicist, Chris spent most of his career in automotive publishing. Mentored by Automobile Magazine founder David E. Davis Jr., Paukert succeeded Davis as editor-in-chief of Winding Road, a pioneering e-mag, before serving as Autoblog's executive editor from 2008 to 2015. Chris is a Webby and Telly award-winning video producer and has served on the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. He joined the CNET team in 2015, bringing a small cache of odd, underappreciated cars with him.
Chris Paukert
2018 Acura TLX - red
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Acura's TLX is charged with taking the murderer's row that is Audi's A4, BMW's 3 Series, Cadillac's ATS and Lexus' IS, among others.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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You're looking at a V6 model with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. A sportier A-Spec trim is also available.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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Acura's 2016 Precision Concept has clearly contributed to the bold, love-it-or-loathe-it nose of the 2018 TLX.

27-2018 Acura TLX launch - CP
27-2018 Acura TLX launch - CP
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The TLX's trunk has 14.3 cubic feet of storage space.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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New available interior features include ambient light piping, wireless charging pad and power seat thigh extension.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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All-wheel-drive TLX V6 models like this weigh around 3,600 pounds.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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Many AcuraWatch advanced driver-assist systems come standard, including forward collision warning with auto-brake and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system are optional.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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Six-element Jewel Eye LED headlamps are standard.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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LED fog lamps come on models equipped with the TLX's Advance trim.

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"SH-AWD" is Acura-speak for torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive.

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Acura calls its new grille treatment "diamond pentagon." Fair enough.

2018 Acura TLX - red
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Click through for more photos of Acura's 2018 TLX.

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