2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Subaru WRX

$45,400 · Sedan

$37,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura TLX arrives as the sophisticated, front-wheel-drive luxury entry, boasting 272 hp and a smoother 10-speed automatic transmission, promising refinement for $45,400. In stark contrast, the 2025 Subaru WRX slams down the gauntlet with its raw, rally-bred character, offering 271 hp channeled exclusively through a thrilling 6-speed manual gearbox and standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, all for a significantly lower starting MSRP of $37,750. While the WRX leans into aggressive handling across its shorter 183.8-inch frame, the TLX provides slightly better fuel economy at 25 combined MPG versus the WRX’s 22 combined MPG. The Acura also offers marginally more luggage space with 13.5 cu ft compared to the Subaru's 12.5 cu ft, setting up a classic battle between premium cruising comfort and visceral, driver-focused engagement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX offers a more comfortable automatic transmission and superior highway fuel economy (31 MPG) for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The TLX offers a slightly larger cargo capacity (13.5 cu ft vs 12.5 cu ft) and a potentially more composed ride quality.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX’s standard All-Wheel Drive combined with the visceral engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission dominates spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX delivers exceptional performance credentials, including AWD and a manual transmission, for $7,650 less than the Acura TLX.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize a refined, effortless driving experience aided by a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You desire the slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 31 MPG on the highway.
Your budget accommodates the higher $45,400 MSRP for Acura's luxury appointments.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You crave the mechanical purity and control of a 6-speed manual transmission paired with standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximizing performance value is key, given the $37,750 starting price point.
You prefer a more compact and aggressive exterior footprint (183.8 inches in length).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Subaru WRX
Length	194.6"	183.8"
Width	75.2"	71.9"
Height	56.4"	57.8"
Wheelbase	113.0"	105.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	315.4/431.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 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	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	43.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	54.1 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	49.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	P255/40R	245/40R

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Subaru
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Subaru WRX.

How significant is the difference in horsepower and torque between the two sedans?

The difference is almost negligible on paper; the Acura TLX produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft, while the Subaru WRX counters with 271 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the power delivery will feel radically different due to the WRX's standard AWD system versus the TLX's FWD setup.

Which car is better equipped for foul weather driving?

The Subaru WRX is the clear winner here due to its standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making it inherently more capable and confident on slippery or rough surfaces compared to the TLX's front-wheel-drive configuration.

What is the primary cost justification for the TLX's higher MSRP?

The 2025 Acura TLX starts $7,650 higher than the WRX, suggesting the price difference covers upgraded interior luxury features, potentially better noise insulation, and the more complex 10-speed automatic transmission over the WRX's manual unit.

Is the manual transmission in the WRX easily upgradable to an automatic?

The data provided indicates the 2025 WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the TLX features a 10-speed automatic, meaning a direct swap is not indicated by these specifications alone; drivers must commit to the transmission type offered.

How does the physical size of these sedans compare?

The Acura TLX is longer at 194.6 inches compared to the WRX’s 183.8 inches, resulting in the TLX offering slightly more cabin room and a fraction more cargo space at 13.5 cu ft.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Subaru WRX specify premium unleaded fuel as the recommended type for achieving their published performance and efficiency ratings.