2025 Acura TLX: Which Trim Level Should You Buy?

Sized between the typical mid-size and compact luxury-sedan templates, the Acura TLX has interior space approaching that of cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class but is priced against the 3 Series and C-Class. Acura’s streamlined trim structure means there are few options other than dealer-installed equipment; buyers pick a trim level and a color, and that’s pretty much it. After a mild face-lift and a raft of new standard tech features for the 2024 model year, Acura’s segment-straddling sedan is unchanged for 2025. Which 2025 Acura TLX trim level is right for you?

Related: 2024 Acura TLX Type S Review: The Sweet Spot

Technology

The entry-level TLX Technology, which starts at $46,595 (all prices include $1,195 destination charge), is powered by a 272-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 280 pounds-feet of torque; it’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The base TLX returns an EPA-rated 22/31/25 mpg city/highway/combined.

The AcuraWatch safety suite is standard on every 2025 TLX. It includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, automatic high beams, and front and rear parking sensors.

Even the base TLX includes a generous list of luxury equipment, including 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a moonroof, and keyless entry and start. The cabin features leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting. One 12.3-inch display functions as the instrument cluster, while another controls infotainment functions. (It is not, as is the industry standard, a touchscreen, instead relying on a frustrating touchpad control like a mousepad on a laptop computer.) The infotainment tech is at least current, with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-In and satellite radio; the Technology trim also comes with wireless phone charging and a 13-speaker ELS Studio sound system.

A-Spec

Largely similar to the entry-level TLX, the $51,595 A-Spec is fitted with standard all-wheel drive, which drops fuel economy to 21/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined. Outside, it gets unique wheels and a black lip spoiler, and its cabin features ventilated front seats and a 17-speaker ELS Studio audio system.

Type S

The Type S also features standard AWD but powers the wheels with a turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 355 hp and 354 pounds-feet of torque; it starts at $58,945. The EPA rates the Type S at 19/25/21 mpg. A suspension rework helps the chassis keep pace with the more powerful engine with adaptive dampers, sturdier stabilizer bars, quicker steering and additional underbody bracing. Brembo supplies the front brakes, and a black splitter and diffuser, quadruple exhaust outlets and black 20-inch wheels differentiate the Type S from lesser TLXs. Additional luxury content includes front seats with adjustable thigh supports and bolsters, a head-up display, 360-degree camera system and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

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