Since it first went into production in July 2014, the Acura TLX has been a four-door sedan serving people who want a healthy dose of luxury but don’t have the budget or use for a full-size vehicle. CarBuyerLabs previously wrote in depth about the Acura TLX when the 2019 model arrived in showrooms, finding it an exciting car that goes above and beyond the “entry-level” moniker.
Six years is a long time, though, and I wanted to see whether the new 2025 Acura TLX remains at the forefront of the compact executive car class. Does it still have the excitement, sophistication, and value that was touted in 2019? The short answer is a resounding yes, with the 2025 edition building on what’s come before to deliver what owners need and want while offering excellent value.
Powertrain: Everyday and Sport Options
To be considered a sports sedan, a car needs to have some oomph when you press your right foot down. When the second-generation TLX was introduced for the 2021 model year, it downsized both engine options—but both are impressive heartbeats that substantially improved on the first-generation offerings. The base TLX Technology and TLX A-Spec are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine, which makes a solid 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, enough so you’ll never be left standing at a traffic light. The Technology package has front-wheel drive, while the A-Spec has all-wheel drive. Travelers might prefer the TLX Technology trim with its EPA-estimated 31 MPG highway.
If you want something more beneath the hood, the Acura TLX Type S will be your bag. New for the second generation, this trim packs a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that soars to 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It goes from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds, blowing away rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. Each TLX power plant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission for convenience and precise RPMs. Fuel efficiency isn’t as good as the previous generation, but with that much power at your disposal, you’ll have a grand time ripping down the highways and byways.
Performance: Control at Any Speed
Does Acura let drivers harness the power? Yes, it does—especially when you opt for the exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Active torque vectoring senses which wheels need the most torque and supplies it. This means excellent stability and responsiveness whether you’re making a hairpin turn or driving on a rainy interstate. The fourth generation of SH-AWD offers up to 30% faster reactions than the third generation to keep you on track. SW-AWD is standard on the TLX Type-S and A-Spec.
Beyond this, the Acura TLX is equipped with a double-wishbone front suspension, a lightweight and ultra-rigid chassis, and electro-servo brakes based on what’s found in the Acura NSX supercar. This combination produces outstanding responsiveness and stopping power in any environment. There are four pre-programmed driving modes, plus the option to create your own for a personalized experience. An adaptive suspension damping system is added for the Type S, which also comes with Brembo four-piston front brakes, high-performance bracing, and special damper tuning that emphasizes the “sport” in “sports sedan.”
Style: All Eyes on the TLX
As part of the 2021 redesign and subsequent 2024 refresh, the exterior Acura TLX got a major upgrade. Instead of being just another car, it’s now immediately recognizable when you go out. The hood is longer and has been chiseled to cut through the air. The body is now wider to improve stability, and the car sits lower to the ground, further improving the aerodynamics while giving it a more aggressive look. Jewel Eye LED headlights provide amazing nighttime visibility, and a variety of premium chromatic paints are available that shine under the sun. The A-Spec adds a black decklid spoiler, and the Type S goes to another level with a lowered front splitter, a diamond grille to improve engine cooling, and quad exhaust tips for a powerful aesthetic.
Interior: Sleek and Roomy
Your ride will be as comfortable as it is breathtaking, with the luxurious interior in every Acura TLX. A wrap-around cockpit with sport-style seats makes you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a supercar, immersing you in the leather trim and real metal accents. The driving mode dial and other controls are easily accessible, while the paddle shifters quickly get you into the right gear. Available features include sport-style pedals, a flat-bottom steering wheel, full-grain leather upholstery, and Ultrasuede trim. The 34.9 inches of rear legroom and 13.5 cu.ft. of cargo space are among the best in its class, making it easier to take a weekend trip with friends. Finally, illuminate your cabin at night with Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes based on notable tracks and destinations.
Technology: The Latest Amenities and Functionality
Tech is a big selling point when looking at luxury cars—it’s part of what makes them high-end. The Acura TLX passes this requirement with flying colors. All the information you need is displayed on a pair of 12.3-inch screens, with one for entertainment and one for digital gauges. Acura uses a touchpad controller for the main screen, so it doesn’t get covered with fingerprints. Every 2025 TLX has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a WiFi hotspot for seven devices, wireless smartphone charging, and three years of free AcuraLink connected services. Audiophiles can rejoice, too—the base Technology package is equipped with a 13-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system, while the higher trims get a colossal 17 speakers, letting you feel each note in your soul.
Safety: Protecting You and Your Family
The Acura TLX has always been known as a safe car. The inaugural 2021 second-generation TLX was recognized with the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Acura continues to build on this with the 2025 model offering the most advanced AcuraWatch driver assistance suite ever. All TLX trims receive the following standard features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Pedestrian Detection
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Blind Spot Information System
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
You can add other safety technology as well, like a 360-degree camera, which is standard on the Type S. If you are in a fender-bender, AcuraLink includes roadside service and automatic notifications to come to your aid.
An Award-Winning Car That Remains Exciting
In recent years, the Acura TLX has gotten some of the critical recognition that we lamented was lacking back in 2019. Honors include multiple Consumer Guide Premium Midsize Car Best Buy awards and a Newsweek Best Premium Car Award. Yet, the TLX continues to be overshadowed in profile and sales by the more affordable Integra and SUVs like the RDX and MDX.
Frankly, that’s a shame. Looking over the 2025 Acura TLX reveals that it continues to be an excellent luxury sedan, delivering sporty performance, luxury style, and everyday functionality at a reasonable price. The base level TLX has an MSRP of $45,400 while the TLX Type S starts at $57,750, which is less than notable competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
If you want a luxury sports sedan that’s compact yet roomy, fun yet refined, and tech-friendly yet safe, the 2025 Acura TLX should be on your shopping list. This four-door machine continues to evolve, and the newest edition is the best yet.
