2021 Acura TLX — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Acura TLX is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–30 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Acura TLX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2021 listings: Acura TLX A-SPEC.
Compared with the 2020 Acura TLX: Fuel economy slips from 32 to 30 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo. No longer listed: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S10) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4851 mm |
| Width | 1853 mm |
| Height | 1440 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 93 cu ft (2,633 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 26 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 22 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 222 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2021 Acura TLX across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 25 mpg (US), or 25 to 30 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/29) | 231 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 222 | $3,300 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/25) | 261 | $3,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Acura TLX
Running Costs: 2021 Acura TLX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Acura TLX at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Acura TLX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Acura TLX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (2), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 26V332000, reported 21 May 2026. Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 25V391000, reported 12 June 2025. Risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 25V031000, reported 23 January 2025. Risk: An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fuel system — campaign 24V950000, reported 19 December 2024. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Acura TLX. The most-reported areas are Power train (56), Electrical system (11), Unspecified (10). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 71 complaints across the 11 Acura TLX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Acura TLX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (56 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Electrical system (11 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 30 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 29 mpg average for Acura models in our database. Its 222 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 235 g/km Acura average.
Of the 11 Acura TLX model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 34 mpg). See every Acura TLX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Acura TLX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Acura TLX: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s10).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Acura TLX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 30 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Acura TLX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Acura TLX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Acura TLX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Acura TLX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (2), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Acura TLX?
Among the 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (56 complaints), Electrical system (11 complaints), Unspecified (10 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Acura TLX have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.