2025 Acura TLX Review

2025 Acura TLX – Overview

The 2025 Acura TLX occupies a unique spot in the lineup—too large to be a compact sports sedan like the Integra, yet not quite a midsize, making direct comparisons a bit tricky. The base model comes with front-wheel drive and a 272-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while all-wheel drive is available as an option. This setup places it in competition with slightly smaller German rivals such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Visually, the TLX impresses with its wide, low, and elongated proportions, but rear-seat legroom falls short when compared to midsize sedans like the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series. Opting for the Type S elevates performance with a 355-hp turbocharged V6, finely tuned brakes, and sharp steering. Its standard SH-AWD system effectively masks the front-wheel-drive underpinnings, yet the Type S’s larger size prevents it from achieving the agility of a true sports sedan.

When Is the 2025 Acura TLX Coming Out?

Acura has announced that the 2025 TLX will be available in dealerships starting late summer 2025. Early reservations are encouraged, as demand is expected to remain strong for this luxury sedan.

What’s New for 2025 Acura TLX?

After receiving a refresh for the 2024 model year, the TLX carries over unchanged for 2025.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Acura TLX starts at $46,595, with fully loaded models reaching $59,245, depending on trim and options.

At the top of the lineup is the 355-hp Type S, which leads in both performance and price. Its lively performance makes it our favorite, and its pricing adds to its appeal—especially compared to the BMW M340i. The all-wheel-drive M340i starts higher than the Type S, and a fully equipped Bimmer can easily exceed $60,000. In contrast, the Type S is more affordable and comes standard with premium features such as adaptive dampers, leather upholstery, and the ELS Studio premium audio system. For maximum performance, we’d recommend adding the Performance Package, which includes unique 20-inch wheels with summer tires for enhanced cornering and braking capability.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard 2025 Acura TLX is powered by a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Acura’s SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system—designed to distribute power for better traction and agility—is available as an option. The TLX’s well-tuned chassis makes it a genuinely enjoyable drive, demonstrating that Acura can still craft a compelling sports sedan.

The higher-performance Type S takes things up a notch with a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, the same 10-speed automatic, standard SH-AWD, and a sportier suspension setup. Unlike the base TLX, the Type S can be equipped with sticky summer tires on 20-inch wheels. In our recent test drive, we found its engine lively, steering engaging, body control impressive, and brakes strong. That said, the ride is firm, transmitting road imperfections more noticeably, and the car doesn’t feel quite as nimble as shorter, sport-focused competitors like the Audi S4.

0–60-MPH Times

Our tests showed the base 2025 Acura TLX with the turbocharged four-cylinder reaching 0–60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The TLX Type S, equipped with the turbo V6, was notably quicker, hitting 0–60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The front-wheel-drive 2025 Acura TLX is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while models equipped with SH-AWD see slightly lower figures of 21 city and 29 highway. The performance-oriented TLX Type S achieves up to 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. In real-world testing on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, the all-wheel-drive four-cylinder TLX returned an impressive 30 mpg, demonstrating efficiency close to its highway rating. For official EPA ratings and more details, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 Acura TLX cabin is designed to reflect its sporty character, featuring striking analog gauges and a prominent rotary drive-mode selector at the center of the dashboard. Acura’s renowned build quality shines through, with upgraded materials such as open-pore wood and real aluminum giving the interior a more premium feel than its predecessor.

While the sedan feels roomy from side to side, rear-seat space is somewhat limited compared with competitors. The highly adjustable front seats and excellent forward visibility make driving a pleasure, and the TLX offers a wide variety of interior colors and leather options. Additional features include a head-up display and customizable ambient lighting, with themes inspired by famous driving destinations and racetracks like “Pacific Coast” and “Suzuka.”

Infotainment and Connectivity

All 2025 Acura TLX models come equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, primarily operated via a touchpad on the center console. Additional controls are available through steering-wheel buttons and physical knobs next to the touchpad, with a padded wrist rest enhancing comfort during use. Standard tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For those seeking premium audio and convenience features, the Advance package adds the high-end ELS Studio sound system and a wireless charging pad.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All 2025 Acura TLX models come standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of driver-assistance technologies. New additions include traffic-sign recognition and a driver-awareness monitor. Key safety features include:

• Standard Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking

• Standard Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

• Standard Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

For detailed crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Acura offers competitive warranty coverage for the TLX, with a limited warranty that matches most rivals, including the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Key coverage details include:

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

• Complimentary maintenance: 2 years or 24,000 miles

2025 Acura TLX Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Acura TLX successfully blends luxury, technology, and performance. Whether you prioritize comfort, features, or sporty driving, there’s a trim that fits your needs. The Type S appeals to driving enthusiasts, while the base and Technology trims are practical daily drivers.

2025 Acura TLX Videos