24 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but that’s okay. The 2021 Acura TLX AWD A-Spec with its 2.0L turbo-4 isn’t about saving fuel. It’s about sporty style, engaging handling, and premium comfort. This car prioritizes spirited driving experiences and attractive design over extreme fuel savings, although it also avoids excessive gas consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show the TLX A-Spec’s performance in different driving conditions. Expect around 21 MPG in the city, which accounts for the frequent stops and starts of urban driving where the engine idles more. On the highway, that number increases to 29 MPG. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps the engine stay efficient at cruising speeds. The difference between city and highway MPG suggests the TLX A-Spec is best for longer drives and weekend trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Acura TLX AWD A-Spec 2.0L at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and average national fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the fuel you use, and local fuel prices. This $2,400 estimate provides a way to compare the TLX’s fuel costs to other cars. It offers a quick comparison, but your own situation will certainly be different.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates, and the TLX A-Spec is one example. Drivers who often use the car’s Sport mode or drive aggressively will likely see MPG figures below the EPA estimates. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly and keep a steady speed on the highway might get results close to, or even slightly above, 29 MPG. Tire pressure, temperature, and using accessories like air conditioning can also affect fuel consumption. Monitoring your driving and tracking your MPG can provide a more accurate sense of your fuel costs.

How it compares

The 2021 TLX A-Spec AWD’s fuel economy is average for its class. The BMW 330i xDrive, a competitor, gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined. The Lexus IS 350 AWD gets 22 MPG combined. The Audi A4 allroad gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined. For buyers who like the TLX’s sporty style and Acura’s reliability, the slightly lower MPG may be acceptable. They may feel it’s worth it, compared to what they may be missing with other vehicles when accessing all Acura fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the TLX’s drive mode selector. “Normal” or “Comfort” mode offers a more relaxed throttle and optimized shift points for saving fuel during everyday driving. Avoid constantly using “Sport” mode unless more responsive performance is needed.

Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Consider consulting TLX MPG across all years to compare the ratings of past models.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding use more fuel. Accelerate smoothly and keep a steady speed as much as possible. Anticipate traffic and avoid unnecessary braking, coasting when possible.

Reduce idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in modern cars. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The TLX has an auto start-stop feature to help, but drivers can disable it if they find it intrusive.

Maintain scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, helps your engine run efficiently. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and performs better. Skipping this can increase fuel use over time.