2025 Acura TLX

On one hand, sport sedans like the Acura TLX can be sociable and sensible. They can carry more than one passenger, plus a decent amount of luggage. On the other, they provide thrilling experiences during solo drives. The TLX sure does that, while also packing a lot of standard equipment that includes an awesome audio system.

Acura launched this generation of TLX for the 2021 model year, so things like tech and design are all contemporary. It has plenty of appeal for buyers new to this class, as well as for those who have been around several blocks in most of the alternatives. We’ve also noticed in our owner reviews that many buyers have owned other Acura vehicles — that loyalty speaks volumes

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury compact cars, including the Acura TLX.

After a mid-cycle revamp last year (this generation of TLX debuted for 2021), there are no big changes this time around.

The A-Spec version with SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive — factor in another $5,000 or so) is a popular choice, and easy for us to recommend. We love the absolutely tenacious grip provided by this clever system, and the TLX is predominantly a driver’s car after all.

The benchmark among sporty premium compact sedans is the BMW 3 Series, with the Genesis G70 also in contention. On a softer note, there’s the Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. They’re all in a financial ballpark that begins in the low-ish to mid-$40K area and increase steadily as you climb trims and add power. The higher-performance TLX Type S, for example, starts at over $58,000,

Before buying a new TLX luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Acura TLX resale values are comfortably above average, just as strong as the Lexus IS after five years. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The regular TLX employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 272 horsepower. It’s capable of propelling the car from standstill to 60 mph in a whisker below six seconds — plenty quick for most needs and drivers. Although the BMW 330i comes with 255 horsepower, it’s quicker to 60 mph, accomplishing the task in 5.6 seconds. The Genesis G70, meanwhile, keeps up with the BMW 3 Series and enjoys 300 horsepower.

We could describe the TLX as a luxury sedan, or as a sport sedan with luxury elements. With a certain agility and poise, it definitely exists to engage the driver, while not being so firm in its ride quality that it upsets the passengers. Every version has sport front seats with lateral cushioning, plus paddle shifters beneath the steering wheel for whenever the driver decides to change gear — instead of letting the (perfectly capable) 10-speed transmission do it automatically.

The 355-horsepower turbo V6 in the Type S is naturally the enthusiast’s choice, hitting 60 mph in a scant 4.9 seconds. It comes with Acura’s superb SH-AWD system as standard, distributing torque between the front and rear wheels. Through quick corners, we’ve found that the car holds its line with a virtually unshakable resolve. And we’ve enjoyed the eager responses to throttle inputs when using Sport+ mode.

The Type S also has an adaptive suspension as standard, with a greater range of comfort and sportiness than the passive setup in the lower 2.0T models. This suspension is part of the optional Advance package for the 2.0T TLX.

Fuel Economy

The TLX’s fuel economy figures are merely average. Front-drive versions achieve 25 mpg in a combination of city and highway driving. All-wheel drive reduces the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine’s figure by one mile per gallon. For comparison, the rear-drive BMW 330i manages 29 mpg combined.

All-wheel drive is standard in the Type S, whose turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine returns 21 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is recommended for both TLX engines.

A rotary control takes pride of place in the center console. It selects drive modes, while underlining the car’s intention to provide a thrill or three.

The usual luxury stuff is still evident, though. Like high-quality materials, ambient LED cabin lighting, and comfortable spots where the elbows land. Every TLX has a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Type S also comes with a higher-resolution 360-degree camera system.

We’re sure that adults sitting in the back won’t love the scant 34.9 inches of rear legroom. They’d prefer a roomier German rival, but they should also consider themselves lucky that this is still more space than a Lexus IS.

Trunk area of 13.5 cubic feet isn’t especially generous, although it’s still one of the best in the luxury compact sedan class.

Our main complaint regarding the TLX’s interior is the touchpad for the infotainment system. It’s similar to the trackpad of a laptop computer, yet doesn’t feel particularly intuitive. No doubt getting used to it will happen over time, it’s just that we’d rather establish a quicker connection.

Our takeaway from the TLX’s subtle styling revisions last year was that Acura was already pleased with how the car looks and didn’t want to mess with it too much. Good call. We like the details too. The dual exhaust pipes of the A-Spec look great, while the quad-pipe setup of the Type S is true sport sedan territory.

GPS-linked climate control
Using information from the navigation system in tandem with a solar sensor, this feature helps maintain a consistent cabin temperature. We think it’s cool, or occasionally warm, if you know what we mean. It’s standard in all but the base model.

Wireless charging
Just place a smartphone on the pad in the center console and the recharging process begins. This is standard across the range.

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
This system goes beyond just providing extra confidence on slippery roads. We’ve found that it really does bolster the handling of the TLX with its incredible grip.

ELS audio
Grammy-winning recording engineer Elliot Scheiner (Sting, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters) is the golden-eared expert behind the high-end (yet standard) sound system for the TLX.

Head-up display
Information projected onto the windshield saves drivers looking away from the road to a screen on the center console. It’s part of the Advance package offered with the 2.0T model and standard in the Type S.

Brembo brakes
Italian company Brembo specializes in high-performance braking systems, with a client list that includes Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren. A set of Brembo brakes is standard equipment on the TLX Type S.

One of the more powerful base engines in the compact luxury sedan class lives under the hood of the TLX 2.0T. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The more affordable versions have front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Type S models come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard in the Type S.

Both engines connect to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2024 TLX compact luxury sedan lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The powertrain warranty is for six years or 70,000 miles. Lexus offers the same arrangements and German rivals have shorter warranties. Genesis leads the pack in this respect. Complimentary scheduled maintenance over the first two years or 24,000 miles is also included.

Safety Ratings

The TLX has earned top scores of Good in the limited number of updated crash tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also took a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.