2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Lexus ES
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Lexus ES often comes down to balancing performance eagerness against overall long-term running costs. The TLX demands a higher initial investment at $45,400 compared to the ES's $42,140, a difference of $3,260, but it backs that up with significantly more muscle: 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the Lexus's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. This power trade-off directly impacts fuel economy, as the TLX achieves a combined 25 MPG requiring premium fuel, while the more economical ES delivers 28 MPG using regular unleaded. While the Lexus offers slightly more trunk space at 13.9 cu ft compared to the Acura's 13.5 cu ft, the TLX maintains a slightly wider footprint at 75.2 inches. Ultimately, buyers need to decide if the Acura's performance edge is worth the extra cost and required premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy and use of regular unleaded gasoline.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES has a slightly larger cargo capacity at 13.9 cu ft and a taller profile at 57.1 inches, offering marginally better utility.
2025 Acura TLX
The 2025 Acura TLX is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering a substantial 69 extra horsepower, peaking at 272 hp.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES offers better day-to-day value by being $3,260 cheaper upfront and using less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You prioritize outright engine performance, benefiting from the 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the stability of Front Wheel Drive for spirited driving dynamics.
- You are comfortable paying the $45,400 MSRP and factoring in the cost of premium unleaded fuel.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- Saving money is important, as the Lexus ES undercuts the TLX by $3,260 and requires only regular fuel.
- You need the maximum efficiency, achieving 33 MPG highway compared to the TLX's 31 MPG highway.
- You appreciate the traction benefit of All-Wheel Drive in varied road conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Lexus ES |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 195.9" |
| Width | 75.2" | 73.4" |
| Height | 56.4" | 57.1" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 113.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 381.6/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| ELS Studio Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Speaker System | 13 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Pioneer |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.5 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.8 in. | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Lexus ES.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Acura TLX than the Lexus ES?
The Acura TLX boasts significantly more power, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This is a major advantage over the Lexus ES, which offers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 69 hp difference favoring the Acura.
Which sedan is cheaper to fuel regularly?
The 2025 Lexus ES is the cheaper option for fueling, as it runs on regular unleaded gasoline and achieves a better combined 28 MPG. The Acura TLX requires premium unleaded and only nets 25 MPG combined.
Is the initial price difference significant between these two models?
Yes, there is a measurable upfront difference; the base MSRP for the TLX is $45,400, while the Lexus ES starts at $42,140, meaning you pay $3,260 more for the Acura.
Which car offers better storage space for luggage?
The 2025 Lexus ES has a slightly larger trunk capacity at 13.9 cubic feet compared to the 2025 Acura TLX, which provides 13.5 cubic feet.
Do the drive types differ between the base models?
They do, as the standard configuration for the Acura TLX is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the base Lexus ES comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
How do their overall dimensions compare?
The Lexus ES is slightly longer (195.9 inches vs 194.6 inches) and taller (57.1 inches vs 56.4 inches) than the TLX, though the TLX is slightly wider at 75.2 inches versus the ES's 73.4 inches.
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