2025 Acura TLX

Price Range: $45,400 - $58,050

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

In many ways, the second-generation 2025 Acura TLX is a marked improvement over its predecessor. The four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic together are smoother and react more naturally to inputs than the previous V6 and nine-speed, and the interior is more upscale.

However, the TLX takes a step backward as well. The powertrain is a tad thirstier and slower than similar engines in rivals, but the biggest issue is the new touchpad controller for the infotainment system, which is often frustrating to use.

#7 out of 9

Midsize luxury sedans

48 Owner Reviews

Pros

Pro:A lot of features for the money
Pro:Nimble handling with optional all-wheel-drive system
Pro:Available ELS Studio 3D audio system is among today's best

Cons

Con:Infotainment touchpad controller is distracting to use
Con:Rear seats can feel cramped
Con:Not as quick or fuel-efficient as many rivals

What’s new

No major changes for 2025
Part of the second TLX generation introduced for 2021

4 Colors
1 Trim

Build & Price Acura.com

2025 Acura TLX Review

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

9/17/2024

With the 2025 TLX, Acura straddles the line between compact and midsize luxury sedans. From the front seats, it feels large and wide, like a BMW 5 Series. But in the back, it seems small and narrow, more like a BMW 3 Series. Acura does price the TLX more like compact luxury sedans, though, and the TLX is a step up from the smaller Integra hatchback. For the 2025 model year, the automaker has made almost no changes to the TLX, though the complimentary maintenance program is cut in half to one year or 12,000 miles.

Edmunds spotlight: What's the deal with the True Touchpad Interface?

Two factors contribute to the Acura TLX's relatively low Edmunds rating: its unimpressive fuel economy estimates and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI is how you operate the TLX's infotainment system. Located on the center console, it consists of a trackpad, a Back button, and a Home button, and it responds to fingertip movement and pressure. The theory behind the TTI is noble — reduced driver distraction — but it often has the opposite effect because making accurate inputs on the small pad is challenging in a moving car. Acura has started removing the TTI from some of its models, but the TLX still uses it.

Competitors to consider

The TLX credibly competes with sedans in two different segments. Based on our in-depth Expert Rating, which you can read below, the TLX doesn't fare well against most models in the midsize class, which are typically larger and more sophisticated (though more expensive). However, it's not far behind the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series in the small sedan category, making it worthy of consideration against those rivals.

Which TLX does Edmunds recommend?

For the best blend of style, performance, efficiency and slick-road traction, choose the TLX A-Spec. In addition to good looks and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the A-Spec also offers a wider range of colors and more standard equipment.

Compare 2025 Acura TLX trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Acura TLX models

Acura attempts to cover two bases at once with the 2025 TLX sedan. In some ways, it is more like a midsize luxury car, while in others, the more appropriate categorization would be compact. Either way, it is available in Technology, A-Spec and Type S trim levels.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (272 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) is standard with Technology and A-Spec trim. It uses a 10-speed automatic transmission to power the TLX Technology's front wheels, while the A-Spec has standard all-wheel drive. The TLX Type S gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (355 hp, 354 lb-ft), a 10-speed automatic with rev-matching downshifts, and AWD.

Technology
The most affordable version of the TLX has:

19-inch machined-finish wheels
Power sunroof
12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats
Leather upholstery
12.3-inch infotainment screen with touchpad controller
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Amazon Alexa Built-in natural voice recognition
Connected services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot
Wireless smartphone charging pad
13-speaker sound system

The TLX Technology also comes standard with these safety features:

Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Acura and the car in front)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

A-Spec
The TLX A-Spec adds sporty exterior styling and more equipment, including:

19-inch dark gray alloy wheels
LED foglights
Flat-bottom sport steering wheel
Brushed aluminum interior trim
Black headliner
Mixed leather and synthetic suede seat upholstery
Ventilated front seats
17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium sound system

Type S
This is the performance-tuned version of the TLX, building on the A-Spec package with a more powerful engine, exclusive design details, and:

20-inch black alloy wheels
Sport+ driving mode
Adaptive suspension with thicker stabilizer bars
Extra chassis bracing (can help to enhance handling)
Front Brembo performance brakes
Power-folding side mirrors
Rain-sensing windshield wipers with a de-icer
16-way power-adjustable front sport seats
10.5-inch head-up display
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the TLX and its surroundings in tight parking situations)

Highlights from the TLX's stand-alone accessories list include:

Upgraded wheels with different finishes
Welcome lighting
Premium floor mats
Heated steering wheel
Wood interior trim

Build Your 2025 TLX

At a Glance:

4 Colors
1 Trim
$45,400starting MSRP

Build & Price Acura.com

Acura TLX Owner Reviews

4.1

5(52%)

4(25%)

3(11%)

2(8%)

1(4%)

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Expectations are Key!

E. Lin, 11/03/2020

2021 Acura TLX SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

Recently picked up a redesigned AWD TLX w/turbo 4 cyl. in A-Spec trim. Really wanted the Type S but decided that the eventual ramp up in cost and lower fuel economy probably would have been deal breakers. I am very glad the TLX is no longer based on the Accord platform as it looks great and can stand out more from its Honda brethren. Here are my initial impressions. Pros: - Engine … has some zip and should be more than adequate for most people (enthusiasts can continue waiting for the Type S) - Looks like a sleek sports car (especially if you choose the red/black interior seating)! - Seats are super comfortable, even more so than the ones on the MDX I was driving. Good support and I can imagine long drives being pleasant. - Suspension has been upgraded to double-wishbone. I don't feel I miss the active-dampening of the Advance trim. - Trunk release button is handy for when your hands are full (just stand there with fob in proximity and push the button!) - Awesome ELS sound system - Wireless phone charging Cons: - There is no spare tire (for additional fuel economy). You'll deal with a compressor and sealant in the trunk. You can always ask roadside assistance to do it for you. - The touchpad takes some getting used to. Unfortunately the method to operate the tactile pad for Acura apps is not the same as for when you use Carplay. I can't comment on the Android version but it may be the same issue. I've gotten used to this but I can see this being a deal breaker for some folks. - Car is marketed to compete with the BMW 3 series, C-Class, etc. and is competitive in price, interior space, trunk space, but not in fuel economy. I believe the exterior being more like the 5-series or E-Class size and the weight has quite a bit to do with it. This oddball combination forces the TLX to be more of a direct competitor with the Kia Stinger GT-Line for these reasons (fuel economy is identical). Speaking of weight, the TLX is only about 250 lb less than the MDX I gave up. Luckily the engine is more than sufficient to power the car on the highway. I always hated how underpowered a 2012 C-Class I owned was similar in weight to this TLX but struggled to accelerate with its underpowered V6. In conclusion, I'll stop short of saying this car is for "Acura fans only" but it is definitely not for everyone. The looks may keep sales high but only time will tell how long-term owners feel. Either way, it is most definitely worth it to get a test drive if you are on the fence after this review! 2 Year update: I've turned in the car a year early as I got tired of the following issues: 1) Infotainment works about 90% of the time. It's also quite slow when compared to true luxury makes. 2) Braking on this car is very inconsistent. I always feel like I have to give quite a bit of room to the car in front of me. This car never let me forget how heavy it is. 3) I was hoping I could get closer to 30 mpg but it was really more b/w 23-24 mpg from mixed driving. 4) It's an adventure when driving through narrow streets. I always hated visiting NYC with this car, especially when looking for parking! You may get this car for the looks but make sure it checks a lot of other boxes before you do!

Fast Yet Practical

Ajpetro, 02/24/2022

2021 Acura TLX Type S 4dr Sedan AWD w/3.0T (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

I've owned a number of fun to drive vehicles over the years including an Eclipse GSX, Integra Type R and a Mustang GT. Currently, along with TLX Type S, my wife and I drive a 2015 M4 Convertible and a 2012 Acura TL SHAWD with a manual transmission. While the Type S isn't quite as fast as our M4, it's much easier to live with on a daily basis. Good power, great handling and enough room …

Acura TLX Type S and it’s worth it

Mark F., 04/30/2023

2023 Acura TLX Type S 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)

I researched the trio of the Audi S4, BMW M340, and Acura TLX Type S narrowing it down to the TLX because of a few factors: (1) Design and color choice; (2) Acura reliability; (3) Value with included features; and (4) Performance. We all know the TLX is heavier and not as fast as the S4 or M340 however the package of features and quality build of the car ultimately were the determining …

Feeling conflicted

Zoomnbyu, 09/30/2021

2021 Acura TLX 4dr Sedan w/2.0T and A-Spec Package (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

I am on my 4th three year Acura lease in a row now. It all started with a 2013 TSX Special Edition, followed by a 2016 TLX 2.4 Tech and then a 2019 TLX 2.4 A-Spec. I recently took delivery of a 2021 TLX A-Spec and while I am enjoying it, I find myself somewhat conflicted. Each of my cars was generally an improvement over the one previous to it. They offered enough changes to keep me … interested enough to remain a loyal Acura customer. Enter the all-new 2021 TLX. It by all measures is one of the biggest leaps that Acura has made in a number of years. This leap, though, may leave some longtime customers slightly frustrated. Where evolution and constant improvement is key to continued loyalty, the new TLX has an Achilles heel. Where the past few cars have always been better than the last, this new car, while still better in most ways, also falls short in a few areas, but let's start with what is good. Performance is definitely at the head of that list. Acura has finally given the TLX the base engine that it deserves. It’s basically a detuned version of that which powers the mighty Civic Type R and it is a strong performer. While lacking the rev happiness and true aural pleasure that was a mainstay of the previous two engines offered, it makes up for it by offering a strong punch and it moves this car with absolute authority. Gas mileage, thankfully, has thus far been better than the EPA estimate getting 24-25 in and around town and 32 on the highway. Unfortunately, while the engine is eager, Honda's new 10 speed transmission is simply not quite the dance partner that my previous cars 8 speed DCT was to the 2.4L. That DCT was simply seamless and with the exception of the occasional lag when down-shifting was always what made those cars a blast to drive in spite of the 2.4's somewhat limited power. The new tranny just feels like there may be a bit of work left to do on the software to get rid of some clumsiness and sharpen up its smoothness of operation. And this is where everything that follows really starts to be a list of tradeoffs from the old car to the new. The Chassis is all new and is said to be presently exclusive to Acura. Gone is the front strut suspension in favor a double wishbone setup that harkens Acuras of yore. The steering feel and overall composure are finally deserving of this car. One slight downside, at least in the A-Spec trim, is ride. While generally well composed over smooth to moderate surfaces, it quickly loses that composure when the going gets rough. It simply runs out of compliance and behaves poorly over bigger bumps. Despite that shortcoming and likely because of this setup, the handing is quite impressive. Especially considering that Acura has now ditched its impressive PAWS all-wheel steering system. Another tradeoff, this one sacrificing turning radius which is fairly poor for a mid-sized sedan. Lastly, where the overall driving experience is much quieter, tire noise is much more intrusive. This is a strange tradeoff and may also the source of the handling's weakest point, its average at best Bridgestone touring tires. From the outside, the car is sharp. Everything is nicely improved and more aggressive yet balanced in its execution. The interior is a drastic change and mostly a better place to live, but some weaknesses quickly become apparent, primarily in the driver's seat. Its position and available adjustments are lacking. Adjusted to my frame as in my last three Acuras, I find myself sitting abnormally low in this car. While I can raise the seat base, I then lose support under my thighs. It's just awkward feeling. The next issue is Acura's new infotainment system. Both the interface and the sound system itself, while quite different is simply not really an actual improvement over their previous tech. There is simply very little that is intuitive in using their new touchpad. And on the new ELS 3D sound system, while the overall sound is impressive, it simply does not produce the flawless and incredibly deep bass response that the previous ELS system delivered. The deletion of the rear deck mounted subwoofer is largely to blame here. The front doors, now the new home for the subs, vibrate annoyingly under-arm when music with heavy bass is played. Lastly is a features issue. Missing is the auto-wipers that were standard on my last A-Spec. A simple deletion on Acura’s part, but an odd omission for a previous owner buying the same trim of a new model. The long and short is that this new TLX is a really nice, impressive handling and quick car to drive. If not for my previous Acura experience I may not even nit-pick some of the things that I do. One last thing, updating this 4/1/2022: while the car has been growing on me overall, make sure to get it with SH-AWD! The power in this car is useless in FWD form. You can't put the power down even in the dry and it's pretty nearly horrible in the wet so if you are a spirited driver make sure to step up to the AWD version.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Acura TLX, so we've included reviews for other years of the TLX since its last redesign.

2025 Acura TLX