In an age when wiser execs ran Acura, the TLX Type S might have been known as the Legend Type S, a name that imparts a magic that three letters can’t muster. And given its handling and performance, it could easily earn the appellation. That might surprise those who think the TLX is little more than a Honda Accord with airs — and that’s understandable if you sample the base TLX, which comes with front-wheel drive and a 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s little more than, well, an Accord with airs.

The TLX Type S looks nothing like the Audi-inspired Accord. instead, it looks much like the Acura Integra’s bigger brother. And its heart distinguishes it from its mainstream siblings, possessing a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, four-piston Brembo brakes, along with a host of interior and tech upgrades.

It’s one riotous party on four wheels. You’d almost call it Legendary. Certainly, you’d never call it a TLX.

Clearly, Acura can still build a ridiculously fun sports sedan when it wants to. Put this puppy in Sport mode and you'll find its steering is unwaveringly precise and communicative. The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, coupled with 20-inch wheels, ensures ample grip for spirited driving. It seem as if everyone else is driving slowly. Some of the credit goes to adaptive dampers, which keeps the body flat through corners but doesn’t soften the ride, which is decidedly firm. But what else would you expect from a sports sedan? Its braking is as strong as its acceleration, providing short straight stops, or just lessening velocity quickly when called upon.

On the downside, like too many Honda products, there’s far too much road and tire noise, making long highway runs a test of tolerance. It’s simply inexcusable to have to turn up the audio system volume so that it can be heard in a car that starts at more than $58,000.

The front seats are roomy, while rear seat legroom is merely adequate at best. That’s surprising in a car measuring 195 inches long. Part of that is due to Honda’s typically low seating position, which requires more legroom to compensate for its low seating height.

For 2024, the Acura TLX gets a revised grille and two more paint colors, both shades of gray. But they work well on the TLX’s sleek, chiseled flanks, looking cool and up-to-date in a way few competitors are.

More importantly for some, the TLX receives a new configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen — 20% larger than before — powered by a faster processor. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, head-up display, a wireless charging pad, Amazon Alexa and two new USB-C charging ports on the back of the center console come standard. Certainly, the tech updates are nice. But Acura’s touchpad is far too finicky for use in such a fast, fierce sports sedan and proves frustrating to use. Since Acura was going to the trouble of reworking its instrument panel, couldn’t they opt for a touchscreen?

Some may find this a non-starter, while others will find the TLX Type S’s performance so enthralling, it’s worth contending with.

Given these flaws, perhaps it’s best that this TLX Type S isn’t called a Legend, even if its performance proves worthy.

2024 Acura TLX Type S

Base price: $58,195

Engine: Turbocharged DOHC 3.0-liter V6

Horsepower/Torque: 355/354 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 21 mpg

Fuel required: 91 Octane

Length/Width/Height: 195/75/56 inches

Ground clearance: 5.3 inches

Curb weight: 4,221 pounds

Cargo capacity: 13.5 cubic feet

Towing capacity: Not rated

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