2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Picking between the sensible luxury of the 2025 Acura TLX and the raw excitement of the 2026 Nissan Z can be tough when your budget hovers around $45,000. If daily usability is your priority, the TLX is the clear choice, offering a respectable 25 MPG combined versus the Z's 20 MPG. However, if straight-line performance dominates your decision, the Z flexes hard with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the TLX's 272 hp. The TLX provides practical dimensions at 194.6 inches long, while the smaller Z (172.4 inches) prioritizes agility. Furthermore, the TLX’s 13.5 cu ft of cargo space beats the coupe's limited capacity, making it a better all-arounder despite requiring premium fuel like the Z.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is the better daily commuter due to its significantly better combined MPG of 25 versus the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.
2025 Acura TLX
As a sedan, the TLX offers practical space and superior practicality compared to the tight two-seat configuration of the Nissan Z coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering a massive 128 horsepower advantage and the engaging experience of a 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers considerably more horsepower (400 hp vs. 272 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $42,970.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You need better fuel economy, netting 25 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG.
- You require the added utility of a sedan body style with 13.5 cu ft of cargo room.
- You prefer the smooth operation of a 10-speed automatic transmission over a manual.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum power is essential, as the Z boasts 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the engaging control of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You want a sportier, more compact RWD platform (172.4 inches long vs. TLX's 194.6 inches).
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Nissan Z.
Which car costs more to fuel regularly?
Both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel, but the 2025 Acura TLX is more efficient. The TLX achieves 25 combined MPG, meaning it will cost less at the pump than the 2026 Nissan Z, which is rated for only 20 combined MPG.
How does the size difference impact usability?
The Acura TLX is significantly larger at 194.6 inches long compared to the Z's 172.4 inches. This size difference translates directly into better cabin space and a usable 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity in the TLX, whereas the Z is a much smaller coupe.
Is the performance gap between the two significant?
Yes, the gap is huge: the 2026 Nissan Z produces 400 horsepower, which is 128 more than the 272 horsepower generated by the 2025 Acura TLX. This power difference is coupled with the Z's RWD layout, making it the definitive enthusiast's choice.
Is the Nissan Z available with an automatic transmission?
Based on the provided specs for this comparison, the 2026 Nissan Z is only specified with a 6-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the Acura TLX comes standard with a 10-speed shiftable automatic.
Which car offers better value if I don't need performance?
If performance isn't the top priority, the TLX provides better overall value for daily life due to its 5 MPG advantage and sedan practicality. However, if performance per dollar is the metric, the Z's 400 hp at a lower MSRP makes it a strong budget enthusiast value.
Are the driving dynamics fundamentally different?
Absolutely; the TLX uses a front-wheel-drive setup paired with its 10-speed automatic, designed for smooth, predictable commuting. The Z is a dedicated rear-wheel-drive coupe focused on dynamic handling, especially when utilizing its 6-speed manual gearbox.
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