Farewell Acura TLX, Another Sizable Blow to Sporty Sedans Lineup
After a 30-year run, the Acura TLX sports sedan is being discontinued, marking the end of an era for the popular car model. The last TLX units will leave the market this month.
First introduced in 1995, the Acura TLX has been a staple in the automotive industry, selling 1.2 million units since its inception. Over the years, the design of the TLX has evolved to reflect current trends, maintaining a sharp and sporty appearance that has appealed to a wide range of customers. The car offered a variety of trims, including the Type S and a PMC Edition, catering to diverse tastes and backgrounds.
Despite its popularity, sales of the Acura TLX have been declining steadily. This trend mirrors a broader shift in the automotive industry, as car buyers are increasingly turning to SUVs instead of sedans. In response to this changing landscape, Acura is focusing its future plans on expanding its presence in the crossover and electric vehicle (EV) markets.
This strategic shift is not without precedent. Acura has recently launched the ADX crossover, and plans to re-launch the RSX as an electric crossover. This focus on electrification and SUV segments aligns with Honda's recent pivot to emphasize hybrids and selective electrification rather than an all-out EV push. Honda, Acura's parent company, has scaled back its EV investment plans, reducing its planned EV sales target from 30% to around 20% by 2030 and prioritizing hybrid technology, as hybrids currently enjoy stronger consumer preference than pure EVs. Honda plans to launch 13 new hybrid models between 2027 and 2030 and develop new large-vehicle hybrid systems.
This suggests that Acura is likely to continue diversifying its lineup with hybrid and electric crossovers, matching customer demand while leveraging Honda’s emphasis on hybrid technology. The launch of the ADX crossover and the electric RSX crossover fits this trend, focusing on SUVs and electrification without fully abandoning hybrids. Acura’s strategy reflects the broader industry trend of balancing electrification with hybrid continuation amid evolving market and regulatory conditions.
While the Acura TLX will no longer be produced, the author had a positive experience driving the TLX Type S. Praising its versatility, size, driving dynamics, comfort, and fuel efficiency, the author found the TLX to be an enjoyable and capable vehicle.
The decision to discontinue the Acura TLX was made to better align with changing customer needs and the automotive industry. As Acura moves forward, it seems clear that the future lies in crossovers and electrification. The TLX may be gone, but its spirit lives on in Acura's commitment to innovation and quality.
[1] Source: Honda's Corporate Approach and Acura's Future Plans
- The shift in Acura's focus from automotive sedans to crossovers and electric vehicles is reflective of a broader trend in the industry, where car buyers are showing increased preference for SUVs and electrified vehicles.
- As Honda, Acura's parent company, prioritizes hybrid technology over an all-out electric vehicle push, it's likely that Acura will continue to diversify its lineup with hybrid and electric crossovers.
- The end of the Acura TLX cultivates room for growth in the finance sector, as the industry pivots towards electrification and SUVs, offering a potential avenue for investments in manufacturing and transportation systems that align with these growing markets.
