2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Lexus IS
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura TLX bursts onto the scene with 272 hp and a standard FWD bias, offering crisp performance from its 10-speed automatic transmission, justifying its $45,400 MSRP. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus IS leans into traditional sport sedan dynamics with a RWD setup, starting at a more accessible $40,535 despite having 241 hp. The power gap is noticeable; the TLX boasts 31 more horsepower than the IS. While both achieve a 25 MPG combined rating, the TLX provides superior utility with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the IS's 10.8 cu ft. The TLX's larger footprint (194.6 inches long) suggests more interior room, contrasting with the more compact, driver-focused dimensions of the Lexus. Ultimately, the TLX champions brute force and space, while the IS offers an engaging RWD experience at a lower entry price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy figures and larger 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Lexus IS.
2025 Acura TLX
With a significantly larger 13.5 cu ft cargo hold, the longer 194.6-inch Acura TLX is better equipped to handle family hauling needs.
2025 Lexus IS
Enthusiasts will prefer the Lexus IS for its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout, which typically offers superior driving balance and dynamics.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS offers a compelling package starting at $40,535, undercutting the TLX by nearly $5,000 despite sharing the same 25 MPG combined rating.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You demand the highest output, prioritizing the 272 hp engine over the IS's 241 hp.
- You value easier parking and maintenance access, as the standard FWD layout is often simpler than RWD.
- You need maximum storage, benefiting from the segment-leading 13.5 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- A traditional rear-wheel-drive chassis setup that enhances cornering feel is paramount to your driving pleasure.
- You want to save $4,865 upfront, as the Lexus IS starts significantly cheaper at $40,535.
- You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle, as the IS is over 4 inches shorter in length than the TLX.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 185.4" |
| Width | 75.2" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.4" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 110.2" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 365.4/539.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.4 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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.5 in. | 44.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.8 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | 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. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 235/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 IS.
How significant is the 31 horsepower difference between the TLX and the IS?
The 2025 Acura TLX packs 272 hp versus the Lexus IS's 241 hp, resulting in a noticeable advantage for the Acura in straight-line acceleration, especially when utilizing the quicker-shifting 10-speed transmission.
Is the rear-wheel drive in the Lexus IS worth the power trade-off against the FWD Acura?
For driving purists, the RWD bias of the IS offers a more engaging and balanced handling characteristic favored by enthusiasts, whereas the TLX uses FWD, which prioritizes traction in low-grip conditions.
Which car is better suited for long highway commutes regarding efficiency?
Both sedans achieve an excellent 31 MPG highway rating, meaning neither has a significant fuel consumption advantage on the open road, though both require premium unleaded fuel.
How much more practical is the Acura TLX for hauling cargo?
The TLX offers substantially more usable trunk space, providing 13.5 cu ft, which is nearly 3 cubic feet more than the Lexus IS's 10.8 cu ft capacity.
What is the major financial difference between these two models?
The 2025 Lexus IS has a $40,535 MSRP, making it $4,865 less expensive than the 2025 Acura TLX's starting price of $45,400.
Do the dimensions impact usability in tight city driving?
Yes; the Lexus IS is nearly 4 inches shorter in length (185.4 inches vs 194.6 inches) and slightly narrower, potentially making it easier to maneuver and park in congested urban environments than the larger TLX.
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