Searching for your ideal luxury sport sedan can feel like a never-ending quest. The 2025 Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS 350 matchup stands as one of today’s most interesting head-to-head battles. Both cars fight for the attention of buyers looking for the perfect combination of performance, luxury, and lasting value. In this cars comparison, our team at Lexus of Stevens Creek digs into everything that matters, from how they drive and feel to tech features and what they’ll cost you over time, so you can pick the right ride for your daily drives.
Quick Comparison Overview
The Acura TLX and Lexus IS 350 serve different buyers in the luxury sport sedan world, The TLX draws in drivers wanting sporty feel with luxury touches at good prices, while the Lexus IS 350 pulls in those who value reliability, comfort, and brand status. It’s worth noting that some Lexus IS 350 models come with rear-wheel drive, a favorite among sport sedan purists for better handling, stronger acceleration, and more fun driving dynamics.
Performance and Powertrain Comparison
Engines is where these luxury rides really differ. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 143 mph. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) IS 350 F Sport speeds from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds due to its V-6’s immediate power delivery and the RWD setup’s better launch grip.
The Acura TLX produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This combo gets the TLX from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. If you’re after more power, the TLX Type S packs a punch with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter turbo V-6. This set up rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency Analysis
Looking at fuel efficiency, the TLX Technology with front-wheel drive gets 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) A-Spec gets 21 city and 29 highway, while the AWD Type S is less efficient with 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Lexus IS 350 delivers EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with RWD and 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with AWD, putting it just behind the TLX models.
The engine philosophies create distinct personalities. The TLX’s turbo engines give you that low-end torque but get less fuel-efficient when pushed hard. The Lexus naturally aspirated engines tend to be more consistent no matter how you drive. For Bay Area folks dealing with unpredictable traffic, the IS 350’s V-6 gives you steady fuel use whether you’re cruising down Highway 101 or crawling through traffic on I-280. Let’s compare the cars side by side in terms of long-term fuel cost.
Long-Term Cost Analysis
With San Jose gas prices running higher than the national average, these mile per gallon differences really matter. The TLX 2.0-liter AWD has an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of roughly $2,500 compared to $2,700 for the IS 350 AWD.
Interior Design and Technology Features
When you compare the interior of the TLX vs. IS 350, the Lexus is more spacious in front, with 38.2 inches of front headroom and 44.8 inches of front legroom compared to the Acura’s 37.2 inches of front headroom and 42.5 inches of front legroom. The TLX wins in the back with 34.9 inches of rear legroom vs. 32.2 inches in the Lexus. The TLX gives you 13.5 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to 10.8 cubic feet for the IS 350.
These luxury sedans both offer excellent technology features. The TLX comes with a 12.3-inch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a touchpad controller, while the IS 350 has a smaller 8-inch touch screen. Both cars use nice materials throughout, but the Acura’s bigger screen and ELS Studio 3D sound system create a more immersive feel while driving. Lexus counters with its Memory System that remembers seat settings — great for couples sharing driving duties.
Pricing and Trim Level Analysis
The basic TLX Technology trim starts at $45,400, the mid-level A-Spec with AWD runs $50,400, and the TLX Type S costs $58,050. The IS 350 starts lower with the F Sport Design RWD at $45,155, then the F Sport Design AWD at $47,155, the F Sport at $47,230, and the F Sport AWD at $49,230.
When it’s time to sell, the Lexus IS 350 holds its value well, retaining about 59% of its value after five years, while the Acura TLX keeps 55%. That difference adds up in the long run. Reliability stats back this up. Lexus ranked #1 in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study for the third consecutive year, while Acura sat towards the bottom. These facts make the Lexus IS 350 a smarter long-haul investment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Luxury Sedan Needs
Looking at the Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS 350 head-to-head, both offer powerful engines, great performance, comfortable interiors, and advanced tech. However, the Lexus IS 350 simply gives you better build quality, reliability, and long-term value. Want to check out the 2025 Lexus IS 350 for yourself? Stop by our Lexus Stevens Creek dealership in San Jose, California, for a test-drive, and see why smart luxury buyers often end up with a Lexus in their garage.
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