Evolution of power: Comparing the original 2021 TLX Type S to the 2024 iteration.
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Acura TLX Type S 0-60 History: How the 2024 Model Compares to the 2021 Original

ByLiam Knight

When the 2021 Acura TLX Type S roared onto the scene, it marked the long-awaited return of the Type S performance badge—a sedan that promised to blend Japanese luxury with genuine sporting credentials, and car enthusiasts have been comparing stopwatch times ever since.

If you have watched YouTube reviews of both the 2021 and 2024 TLX Type S models, you have probably noticed something confusing. Some videos claim the 2021 hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, while others show the 2024 doing it in 4.4 seconds. Then you see a 2024 review that says 5.1 seconds again. What is the real story?

The truth is, the Acura TLX Type S has evolved since its 2021 debut, but not in the way most people think. The engine horsepower has not changed. The torque figure remains identical. Yet the driving experience—and the stopwatch—tell a more interesting story when you dig into the details.

TL;DR
The 2021 and 2024 Acura TLX Type S share the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Independent testing shows the 2021 model consistently hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds , while the 2024 model has been clocked as quick as 4.4 seconds in some tests and 5.0 seconds in others . The difference comes down to testing conditions, tire choices, and subtle transmission calibration updates—not a horsepower bump. Both generations deliver thrilling performance, but the 2024 model benefits from refinement that makes that power easier to access.

Key Takeaways

  • Same Heart, Same Numbers: Both the 2021 and 2024 TLX Type S use the identical 3.0L turbo V6 with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque .
  • 0-60 Variability: The 2021 model tested by MotorTrend and others consistently runs 5.1 seconds to 60 mph . The 2024 has been recorded anywhere from 4.4 to 5.1 seconds depending on the source and conditions .
  • Transmission Tweaks: The 2021 received praise for its 40% quicker downshifts in Sport+ mode . Some 2024 reviewers still critique the transmission’s willingness to upshift early .
  • Weight Creep: The 2021 tips the scales around 4,179-4,200 lbs . The 2024 comes in at approximately 4,221 lbs .
  • Price Evolution: The 2021 started at $53,345 . The 2024 Type S now begins at $58,195 .

Understanding the Acura TLX Type S 0-60 History

When Acura brought back the Type S badge in 2021, it was a big deal. The last Type S models rolled off the line in 2008, and enthusiasts had been waiting over a decade for a proper performance sedan from Honda’s luxury division . The 2021 TLX Type S was designed to take on the BMW M340i, Audi S4, and Genesis G70 .

The engineering team started with the standard TLX chassis—already praised for its rigidity and handling—and added the all-new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. This engine was developed by some of the same engineers who worked on the Civic Type R and the NSX hybrid supercar . It features a twin-scroll turbocharger mounted above the transmission to keep the engine compact, and peak torque of 354 lb-ft arrives at just 1,400 rpm . That means the moment you touch the throttle, the power is there waiting for you.

The 10-speed automatic transmission was heavily revised for Type S duty. It received a new torque converter, stronger internal gears, improved clutches, and a dedicated transmission cooler . These changes allow for 40% quicker downshifts and 30% quicker upshifts compared to the standard TLX transmission .

When journalists tested the 2021 model, the numbers landed consistently. MotorTrend recorded a 5.1-second 0-60 mph run and a quarter-mile time of 13.7 seconds at 101.8 mph . Autoblog noted Acura’s official estimate of “around 5 seconds” and called the engine “a winner” with no dead spots in the powerband . The car weighed approximately 4,200 pounds .

Italicized Insight: The 2021 TLX Type S engine uses a low-profile cylinder head design that incorporates the cam bearing caps directly into the valve cover, saving 8 mm of height compared to a traditional DOHC design .

What Changed for 2024?

Here is where the history gets interesting. For the 2024 model year, Acura gave the TLX a refresh. But if you are expecting a horsepower war, you will be disappointed. The engine output remains exactly the same: 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque .

The changes are subtle but meaningful:

  • Exterior tweaks: A thinner frame around the Diamond Pentagon grille, new colors including Urban Gray Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic, and new wheel options .
  • Interior updates: Larger 12.3-inch screens for both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment display, plus thicker carpeting and added insulation for reduced cabin noise .
  • Safety improvements: The windshield-mounted camera and grille radar have wider fields of view for better AcuraWatch™ performance .
  • Standard equipment: The ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system becomes standard .

The weight increased slightly to 4,221 pounds, likely due to the additional insulation and content .

But the 0-60 story gets messy because different publications reported different numbers for the 2024 model.

Motor1 estimated 5.1 seconds and noted that while the engine sounds glorious, the transmission “seeks inadvisably tall gears” during hard driving and “ignores the shift paddles and upshifts before redline unless your foot is absolutely to the floor” .

The Drive recorded 5.0 seconds and praised the steering, brakes, and seating position while also critiquing the transmission’s shift logic .

The Detroit News clocked the 2024 at 4.9 seconds during testing on challenging roads .

And an Australian publication, carsales.com.au, cited independent North American testing showing the TLX Type S can sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds .

So which number is correct? The answer reveals something important about how performance cars are tested.

What the YouTubers Got Right About Both Generations

The Engine Sound

Every reviewer across both model years agrees: the 3.0-liter turbo V6 sounds fantastic. Autoblog called it “music to the ears” with the active exhaust valves open in Sport+ mode . The Drive described it as “a deliciously violent noise at full chat” with an eagerness to be revved . The active exhaust system, adapted from the NSX, opens butterfly valves in each muffler to let the sound out, and it is 5-7 decibels louder when fully open .

SH-AWD Magic

The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system earns consistent praise. It can send up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and then push 100% of that torque to the outside rear wheel during cornering . This torque-vectoring ability helps rotate the car through turns and masks the TLX’s front-drive origins. MotorTrend noted that in figure-eight testing, the Type S matched the BMW M340i and outperformed the Audi S4, despite being down on power and heavier .

The Brembo Brakes

Both generations feature large Brembo front calipers clamping 14.3-inch rotors . Stopping from 60 mph takes just 112 feet with the optional performance tires . The Drive called the brakes “excellent” with pedal feel that inspires confidence when pushing hard .

What the YouTubers Got Wrong (or Missed)

The “Heavy” Narrative

Reviewers love to call the TLX Type S heavy. At over 4,200 pounds, it is. But what they often miss is how that weight is distributed and managed. The chassis is incredibly stiff, with additional bracing and frame stiffeners on the Type S . The adaptive dampers do an excellent job controlling mass. You feel the weight in a parking lot, but you do not feel it at speed on a back road.

The Transmission Confusion

Here is the biggest point of disagreement between reviewers. Some praise the 10-speed, others criticize it. The truth is more nuanced.

The 2021 transmission received significant upgrades over the standard TLX gearbox. Autoblog noted that in Sport+ mode, “this transmission is in the top tier of torque converter automatics” with response times similar to BMW’s ZF eight-speed . The revisions allow 40% quicker downshifts, and the close-ratio first few gears make getting off the line exciting .

However, by 2024, some reviewers felt the transmission had not kept pace with competitors. Motor1 complained that during hard driving, it “seems to seek inadvisably tall gears” and ignores paddle inputs unless your foot is absolutely floored . The Drive called it “a bit of a letdown” and said 10 gears is two too many .

What changed? Probably not the hardware. The 2024 likely retains the same strengthened internals and torque converter. But reviewer expectations may have evolved, and competitors like the BMW M340i continue to set a high bar for transmission responsiveness.

The 0-60 Variability Explained

How can the same car with the same horsepower run 4.4 seconds in one test and 5.1 seconds in another? Several factors explain this:

  • Tire choice: The optional Pirelli P Zero summer tires (an $800 option on the 2021) provide significantly more grip than the all-season alternatives . The 4.4-second test likely used optimal summer rubber on a prepared surface.
  • Launch technique: The torque converter automatic requires a specific launch technique. You cannot brake-torque it like a dual-clutch transmission without overheating the converter. Reviewers who understand this get faster times.
  • Temperature and surface: Cooler air helps the turbocharged engine make more power. Prepped drag strips provide better traction than public roads.
  • Testing variance: Publications use different equipment and methods. MotorTrend uses rollout subtraction, which typically yields slightly quicker times than some other methods.

Blockquote Insight:
“You may be about a half second slower to 60 mph in the Type S, but you’d pay a lot more to get that half second and all the equipment elsewhere.” — *Autoblog, comparing the TLX Type S to German rivals *

Timeline: The Evolution of Acura TLX Type S Performance

  • 2021: The Type S returns after a 13-year absence. Debuts with 355-hp turbo V6, 10-speed auto, SH-AWD standard. 0-60 in 5.1 seconds . Base price: $53,345 .
  • 2022-2023: Minor updates. No significant powertrain changes. The Type S establishes itself as a value-oriented alternative to German competitors.
  • 2024: Mid-cycle refresh brings styling tweaks, larger screens, added insulation, and updated safety tech. Same horsepower, same torque. Tested 0-60 ranges from 4.4 to 5.1 seconds depending on conditions . Base price rises to $58,195 .

Real-World Impact: Living with Both Generations

If you are considering a used 2021 or a new 2024 TLX Type S, what does the difference actually feel like?

The 2021 Experience

The 2021 feels like a statement. It is Acura proving they can still build a serious performance sedan. The engine pulls hard from any rpm, the SH-AWD system hooks up out of corners, and the Brembos haul it down confidently. The transmission in Sport+ mode transforms the car, holding gears and snapping off quick shifts. At $53,345, it undercuts the Germans by thousands while offering similar equipment levels .

The 2024 Experience

The 2024 feels like refinement. The cabin is quieter thanks to the extra insulation . The screens are larger and crisper. The safety systems have wider fields of view. But the driving experience remains largely identical. If you put a 2021 and 2024 side by side on a back road, you would be hard-pressed to tell which is which without looking at the grille.

The Drive summed it up well: “The TLX Type S is among the most well-rounded sports sedans I’ve driven in a very long time” .

Comparison: 2021 vs 2024 Acura TLX Type S

Specification2021 TLX Type S2024 TLX Type S
Engine3.0L Turbo V63.0L Turbo V6
Horsepower355 hp @ 5,500 rpm355 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque354 lb-ft @ 1,400-5,000 rpm354 lb-ft @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
Transmission10-Speed Auto10-Speed Auto
DrivetrainSH-AWD standardSH-AWD standard
0-60 mph5.1 sec (tested)4.4-5.1 sec (varies)
Quarter Mile13.7 sec @ 101.8 mphNot officially retested
Curb Weight4,179-4,200 lbs4,221 lbs
Braking 60-0112 feetNot retested
Base Price$53,345$58,195
Notable UpdatesNew engine, stronger transmissionLarger screens, added insulation, refreshed styling

FAQ: Your Questions About TLX Type S 0-60 History Answered

Is the 2024 Acura TLX Type S faster than the 2021?

Not meaningfully. The horsepower and torque are identical. Some tests show slightly quicker 0-60 times for the 2024, but this is likely due to testing conditions and tire choices rather than any mechanical improvement .

What 0-60 time did MotorTrend get for the 2021?

MotorTrend recorded 5.1 seconds to 60 mph and a quarter-mile time of 13.7 seconds at 101.8 mph .

What is the fastest reported 0-60 for the TLX Type S?

Independent testing cited by carsales.com.au showed a 4.4-second 0-60 mph run . The Detroit News recorded 4.9 seconds .

Did the 2024 model get more horsepower?

No. Both the 2021 and 2024 produce 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque .

What changes were made to the 2024 transmission?

The hardware appears unchanged from the strengthened 2021 version. However, some reviewers note the transmission still exhibits the same behavior—holding gears well in Sport+ mode but occasionally upshifting early during hard driving .

Is the 2024 worth the higher price?

The 2024 starts at $58,195, about $5,000 more than the 2021 . You get larger screens, a slightly quieter cabin, updated styling, and the same great powertrain. Whether that is worth $5,000 depends on how much you value the tech and luxury updates versus pure performance.

How does the TLX Type S compare to the BMW M340i?

The BMW is quicker (around 4.1 seconds to 60) and more fuel-efficient, but it is also more expensive when similarly equipped. The TLX matches or beats the BMW in handling tests like the figure-eight course .

Does the TLX Type S hold its value?

Early indications suggest decent resale value, though the 2024 price increase may affect depreciation. The Type S badge carries enthusiast appeal that helps maintain value better than standard TLX models.

Conclusion: Two Generations, One Spirit

The history of the Acura TLX Type S 0-60 performance is really a story about consistency. From the 2021 debut to the 2024 refresh, the core formula has not changed: a turbocharged V6 with class-leading torque delivery, a 10-speed automatic strengthened for performance duty, and SH-AWD that makes this heavy sedan dance through corners.

The 2021 proved Acura could still build a genuine sports sedan. The 2024 refined the package without messing with success. Whether you buy a used 2021 and save thousands, or a new 2024 for the latest tech and quieter cabin, you are getting the same thrilling engine and the same capable chassis.

The 0-60 times may vary by a few tenths depending on who is testing and what tires they are using, but the real-world experience remains excellent. The TLX Type S delivers that rare combination of Japanese luxury refinement and genuine performance capability—and that has not changed from 2021 to 2024.

Have you driven both the 2021 and 2024 TLX Type S? Which generation do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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