2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura TLX captivates with its refined sport-sedan elegance, offering a compelling package centered around its 272 hp engine and 25 combined MPG. Contrastingly, the 2025 Nissan Z explodes onto the scene with pure, unadulterated sports car adrenaline, boasting a potent 400 hp and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The TLX leans into practical sophistication with its 194.6-inch length and 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, while the Z prioritizes agility in its smaller 172.4-inch frame. Drivers prioritizing efficiency will appreciate the TLX's 5 MPG advantage (25 MPG vs 20 MPG), but performance aficionados cannot ignore the Z's massive 128 hp surplus and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Acura commands a slightly higher MSRP at $45,400 compared to the Nissan's $42,970, framing this as a classic contest between luxury commuting refinement and raw, rear-wheel-drive engagement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura TLX
The 2025 Acura TLX wins for daily commuting due to its significantly better 25 combined MPG rating.
2025 Acura TLX
As a four-door sedan, the TLX offers superior practicality and passenger comfort compared to the two-door Nissan Z.
2025 Nissan Z
The 2025 Nissan Z offers superior thrills with 400 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque, and a standard manual transmission.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z delivers 128 more horsepower for a lower initial cost of $42,970.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You require the fuel efficiency yielding 31 highway MPG.
- You need the extra space provided by a sedan body style with 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the smoother, easier operation of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission for traffic.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You demand maximum raw output, benefiting from 400 horsepower.
- You insist on the visceral connection of a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer the lighter, more focused dimensions of a dedicated sports coupe.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 172.4" |
| Width | 75.2" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.4" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| ELS Studio Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Speaker System | 13 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.5 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.8 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 245/45R |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Nissan Z.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Nissan Z than the Acura TLX?
The Nissan Z is significantly more powerful, delivering 400 horsepower, which is a massive 128 hp advantage over the Acura TLX's 272 hp. This power difference is accompanied by 350 lb-ft of torque in the Z versus 280 lb-ft in the TLX.
Is the 2025 Acura TLX more fuel-efficient for long commutes?
Yes, the TLX is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG compared to the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG. The TLX also offers better highway cruising at 31 MPG versus the Z's 24 MPG.
Which vehicle is generally better for daily usability and passengers?
The Acura TLX is the better daily driver as it is a four-door sedan, offering easier ingress/egress and potentially more comfortable rear seating than the two-door Nissan Z coupe. Additionally, the TLX provides 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Does the Nissan Z come standard with a manual transmission?
Yes, the core appeal of the 2025 Nissan Z is its standard 6-speed manual transmission, offering enthusiast drivers a more engaging mechanical connection. The Acura TLX comes standard with a 10-speed shiftable automatic.
What is the price difference between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Nissan Z has a lower starting MSRP of $42,970, making it slightly more accessible than the 2025 Acura TLX, which is listed at $45,400. This means you pay less for significantly more horsepower in the Nissan.
Are both vehicles capable of handling performance driving well?
While the TLX offers capable handling, the Nissan Z is engineered purely for performance with its 400 hp, RWD layout, and smaller dimensions (172.4 inches long). The Z's mechanical setup is inherently geared more toward spirited driving than the TLX's FWD-based sedan architecture.
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