DecodedCars2020 Acura TLX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD, 4dr Sedan Sh-AWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 23 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,565–3,818 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 40 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Acura TLX is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,565 lb (4dr Sedan FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway), 1% worse than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 TLX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 TLX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 190.6 in | 72.8 in | 57.1 in | 109.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,565 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Sh-AWD | 190.6 in | 72.8 in | 57.1 in | 109.4 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,818 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLX FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | -1% | $3,050 | 330 |
| TLX FWD A-SPEC | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 336 |
| TLX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 31 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 374 |
| TLX FWD A-SPEC | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 382 |
| TLX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 384 |
| TLX AWD A-SPEC | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 387 |
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.3 MPG2020 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura TLX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
| 2020 Acura TLX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.8% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura TLX (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Nov 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V751000 · 248,999 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Mar 25, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V215000 · 624,552 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Not every 2020 Acura TLX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
63Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
70,990 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Acura TLX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel System, Gasoline — 12 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,990 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Acura TLX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other TLX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 4 |
| 2024 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 5 |
| 2023 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 19 |
| 2022 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 34 |
| 2021 TLX | 25 | 194.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 104 |
| 2019 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 93 |
| 2018 TLX | 27 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 96 |
| 2017 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 71 |
| 2016 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 111 |
| 2015 TLX | 28 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 336 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →