2025 Acura TLX Type S

Performance

8/10

How does the TLX Type S drive? At our test track, the TLX Type S sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. That’s respectably quick but competing sport sedans such as the Audi S4 and BMW M340i are quicker still. Its results for handling (1.0 g around our skidpad) and braking (panic stops from 60 mph in a solid 107 feet) were more competitive.

The TLX Type S shines once you leave the test track and head out onto real roads. Power from the turbocharged V6 is readily available and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. The Type S also uses a trick all-wheel-drive system that makes the TLX feel more like a rear-wheel-drive car when driving down a twisty bit of road.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the TLX Type S? The sporty elements of the Type S nearly disappear from the driving experience during the commute. The front seats have ample bolstering that keeps you in place around corners, yet they’re also supportive and pleasing places to sit for extended periods. The ride finds a sweet spot between compliant and controlled. You’ll sense the presence of the available summer tires through some additional noise, but it’s the kind that keeps you invested in the drive rather than complaining about it.

We appreciate the auto setting for the seat heating and ventilation but were surprised by the absence of three-zone climate control. Backseat passengers have no climate adjustment options aside from the vents.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? There’s a lot to like about the TLX’s cabin. It’s easy to find a good driving position thanks to the seat’s ample amount of travel in all directions and the similarly generous tilt-and-reach range for the steering wheel. The large door openings and gently tapered roof help you enter and exit the vehicle gracefully. On the downside, rear legroom is tight, especially for tall passengers. It’s even less than what you get in the Acura’s smaller Integra.

The TLX's main tech Interface, which consists of a display screen and trackpad controller, can be annoying and distracting to use. The trackpad mimics your inputs like a touchscreen, but it isn’t large enough and lacks the precision needed to successfully navigate the numerous virtual buttons on screen at any one time.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? Major touchpad-interface issues aside, the integrated navigation system has sharp-looking maps and is easy to use. We also like the ELS audio system; it packs serious punch and accuracy.

Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. While wireless charging is standard, there aren’t any USB ports for rear passengers, which is odd for a luxury sedan. We like that most of the advanced driver assist systems are standard, and they do a respectable job of approximating natural driving. But we did notice that the adaptive cruise system is slow to react when the driver ahead moves out of your lane.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Type S makes a mostly insignificant sacrifice to the TLX’s overall storage with additional chassis bracing that partially blocks the rear seat pass-through. Otherwise, at 13.5 cubic feet, the trunk is larger than the trunks of most rivals. A wide opening helps with loading, but a short decklid somewhat hinders access to the deep side of the trunk. The cabin offers numerous places to store items, though most are modestly sized.

Got small children? The lower anchors for car seats are hidden behind a Velcro-backed strip of leather that must be removed. The wide doors should make it easy to load a car seat, but the TLX’s cramped rear seat will require some compromise in front seat space.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7/10

How economical is the TLX Type S? A turbocharged V6 engine isn’t going to be the most fuel-efficient option in a sedan, but the TLX Type S, with the optional summer tire package, is rated at a respectable 21 mpg combined. If you don’t opt for the available summer tires, the combined number stays the same but the highway estimate goes up 1 mpg to 25 mpg. Over our real-world evaluation route, the TLX Type S was true to form and returned 20.9 mpg. The bad news for the Type S is that its main rivals, the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C 43, both proved more fuel-efficient over the same evaluation loop, getting 24.5 mpg and 24.2 mpg, respectively.

Value

8/10

Is the TLX Type S a good value? The TLX Type S includes all the options available on the standard TLX. The Type S’ only upgrade option is the performance wheel-and-tire setup, which is worth getting. As equipped, the TLX is attractive from a features-to-dollar perspective, especially compared to an equivalent Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Warranty coverage is typical, though Acura does provide complimentary maintenance for two years/24,000 miles.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The Type S looks special, but in a way you can’t quite put your finger on. This effect is magnified when you add the performance wheel-and-tire option, which emphasizes the TLX’s apparent athleticism. Fortunately, the driving experience largely cashes the check written by the design. You have to push the Type S hard to find the benefits, but when you do, you start looking for reasons to do it again