Many automakers have stopped the production of sports sedans in favor of SUVs. However, Lexus and Acura continue to make this vehicle class for those who enjoy a thrilling drive while having the comforts and luxury of a sophisticated sedan. If you want a car that’s fun to drive and comes with upscale features and technologies, the 2025 Lexus ES or the 2025 Acura TLX offer these in abundance. To help you decide which sports sedan best fits your lifestyle, read as our Lexus of Stevens Creek team in San Jose, California, compares these two vehicles.
Eye-Catching Exterior
Whether cruising down the freeway or driving through San Jose, the ES and TLX are modern and handsome.
Lexus ES
Lexus offers the 2025 ES in ten trims, including the ES 250, the ES 350, and the limited ES Black Line Special Edition, with the ES 250 being an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. Under the ES 250 and ES 350 lineup, high-performance F SPORT trims are perfect if you want a sportier model. The first thing you notice about this luxury sports sedan is its muscular front end. Lexus gives this car a massive diamond-shaped grille bracketed by rectangular-shaped LED headlights. Multispoke wheels and clean body lines add to the sports car’s appearance.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX has three trims based on the package name: Technology, A-Spec, and Type S. This premium sports sedan takes a milder stance with a more conservative body type than the Lexus ES. The TLX’s slim front grille features cat-eye-shaped LED headlights and a dropped fascia with two large air scoops on either side. The sedan’s aerodynamic shape features a long nose, swept-back windshield, and raked roof. Handsome multispoke wheels give it a sporty look.
Powerful Performance
Speed and agility define the Lexus ES and Acura TLX, with powerful engines, selectable drive modes, and smooth-shifting transmissions.
Lexus ES
Under the hood of the ES 250 AWD and the ES 250 F SPORT Design AWD is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The ES 350 models have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers an impressive 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. With the latter engine, you can take your ES from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
An eight-speed automatic transmission pairs with both engines, and with the AWD models, you get Lexus’ dynamic torque control system for added traction. F SPORT models come with Drive Mode Select, which helps enhance driving efficiency.
Acura TLX
The Technology and A-Spec trims have a 2.0-liter engine that produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Type S trim features a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Acura gives the base Technology trim front-wheel drive, and the other trims come with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The models with SH-AWD have a sports-tuned suspension system and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Sophisticated Interior
Both sports sedans have elegant interiors with upscale materials and refined features.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a midsize sedan with two rows of seats that can comfortably fit up to five people. The seating material is perforated NuLuxe or supportive and sumptuous quilted semi-aniline leather. You get heated and ventilated front seats on the upper ES trims and a wood-and-leather heated steering wheel. Everyone will appreciate the dual-zone automatic climate control and multi-adjustable front seats.
Acura TLX
You can fit up to five people on the TLX’s two rows of seats. Upscale materials include sport seats with perforated Milano leather trim, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, and heated and ventilated front seats on the two upper trims. With the humidity control and air filtration system, everyone can breathe easily while riding in the 2025 TLX.
Innovative Technology
Cutting-edge technology, from entertainment to safety, helps enhance the driving experience.
Lexus ES
All the 2025 ES trims come with the Lexus Interface multimedia system with an 8-inch touch screen or a 12.3-inch display. The infotainment system includes navigation and destination assistance, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. For the ultimate listening experience, choose the optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay premium surround sound system.
Acura TLX
Acura’s True Touchpad Interface features a 12.3-inch dual-content center display with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come standard across the TLX lineup, and you also get a navigation system with a 3D view. Enjoy listening to music or podcasts through the 13- or 17-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system. All trims also come with AcuraLink Connected Services.
Cutting-Edge Safety Features
Lexus and Acura take safety seriously and equip their vehicles, including the ES and TLX, with the latest driver-assist features.
Lexus ES
The ES has the Lexus Safety System 2.5+ bundle of driver-assist features that include the following:
- A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
- Dynamic radar cruise control.
- A lane mitigation system.
- Automatic high-beam headlights.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- A parking assist system.
- Road sign assist.
- Left turn intersection support.
Acura TLX
The TLX sports sedan has the AcuraWatch technologies that include the following:
- A collision mitigation braking system.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- A lane-keeping assist system.
- Lane departure warning.
- Traffic sign recognition.
- Traffic jam assist.
- A blind-spot information system with a rear cross-traffic monitor.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
Take the Lexus ES for a Test Drive Today
The Lexus ES stands out with its head-turning looks, F SPORT models, and elegant interior. Stop by our San Jose dealership to learn more about the luxurious Lexus ES and take one for a test drive. You can also browse our inventory of new vehicles. Once you choose the vehicle that appeals to you the most, our finance team will help you secure an auto loan you’re comfortable with.
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