Consumer Reports: Avoid the 2021 Acura TLX, Buy the 2021 Audi A4 Instead
Consumer Reports felt that the 2021 Acura TLX didn’t live up to the TLX name when it came down to it. It offered some safety features and an alright fuel economy, but the 2021 Audi A4 was more well-rounded overall. Plus, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon isn’t a bad compact car choice either.
Consumer Reports felt the 2021 Acura TLX fell short
When it came to the 2021 Acura TLX, Consumer Reports thought it didn’t live up to the previous generation. The overall score was only 56 out of 100, and the predicted reliability was below average. The predicted owner satisfaction was also below average. The TLX came in at 13 out of 17 on the list of luxury compact cars, only in front of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
This compact car averaged about 23 mpg overall. Consumer Reports found that the 2021 Acura TLX accelerated well, had a quiet transmission, and a comfortable front seat. The infotainment system was hard to use and unintuitive. Acura included forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard, but blind-spot warning (BSW) only came with an upgraded technology package.
Price Range: $37,500 – $53,100
The 2021 Audi A4 is a better alternative
Consumer Reports says the 2021 Audi A4 is one of the best cars nobody buys. It came in first on the list of luxury compact cars and had above-average predicted reliability. The predicted owner satisfaction was average. CR still found it to be a well-rounded sedan with responsive handling and 27 mpg overall. All-wheel drive is standard, as is FCW and AEB. Blind-spot warning and pedestrian detection are optional.
The 2021 Audi A4 does have two recalls. The first recall is related to seatbelts, and the second is for a broken lug nut in the suspension. It is a good idea to follow up with these to ensure the issues have been fixed.
Price Range: $39,100 – $44,600
Take a look at the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon
Consumer Reports calls the Volkswagen Arteon an “under-the-radar” alternative to the 2021 Acura TLX. It came in fifth on the list of luxury compact cars and had average predicted reliability. The predicted owner satisfaction was also average. The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon handled well on the streets and had an impressive interior. On the Arteon, the hatchback body was more versatile than some of the other compact car trunks.
FCW, AEB, and BSW are included. Pedestrian detection and LKA are optional. The Acura TLX has two recalls. The first is related to a low-pressure tire monitor, and the second is for the back window. This might freeze over in certain circumstances and reduce visibility. However, CR thought the handling, braking, and controls set it apart.
Price Range: $36,995 – $46,995
Right now isn’t the best time to be going to dealerships for test drives, but it might be worth the effort. The 2021 Acura TLX can get expensive as buyers look at the high-level trims, but the 2021 Audi A4 might have more to offer. The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is right in the middle, price-wise and technology-wise.
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