2025 Acura TLX vs. 2025 Lexus ES Comparison

The 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Lexus ES are highly polished midsize luxury sedans delivering a ton of car for the money. While that’s to be expected in a premium vehicle, the TLX and ES also stand out for their powertrain choices and comprehensive features.

Of the two, the TLX puts more emphasis on driving excitement — thanks to sharp steering and available all-wheel drive (AWD). Its standard 272-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has more than enough muscle, although the turbocharged V6 in the range-topping Type S transforms the TLX into a fully fledged sport sedan.

Those who prefer to be coddled should lean toward the Lexus. A whisper-quiet cabin and supple ride make it ideal for anyone who prizes a relaxed, low-stress drive. This goes a long way toward explaining why the Lexus ES is a 5-time Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award winner.   

Need more information before making the choice? We’re happy to oblige.

2025 Acura TLX

2024 model shown

Following an update last year, the 2025 TLX comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment screen, plus wireless charging, and leather upholstery. 

The entry-level TLX Technology trim starts at $46,595. The mid-range TLX A-Spec with AWD costs $51,595. And the higher-performance TLX Type S rings in at $58,945. All prices include factory-to-dealer destination charges.  

Acura TLX Highlights

Type S performance: Don’t get us wrong — even the base front-wheel-drive TLX with its 272-hp turbo 4-cylinder is quite entertaining. Yet we’d have to forfeit our car-loving credentials if we didn’t mention the thrills that come with the Type S. A 355-hp turbo V6 blasts the TLX from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. 

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive: No one can call Acura humble for naming its all-wheel drive system “super.” But Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), standard with the A-Spec and Type S, lives up to its billing by improving grip and sharpening the TLX’s handling reflexes. We’ve been seriously impressed by the amount of grip.

Steering agility: Speaking of handling, the Acura TLX feels light on its feet (tires?), thriving on tight and twisty roads. This steering prowess is equally satisfying on city streets or through mountain curves.  

ELS audio system: The TLX offers ELS audio systems in 13- or 17-speaker configurations. They both deliver stunning quality. The wizard behind them (Elliot Scheiner) is a Grammy-winning sound engineer.  

Read our Acura TLX Expert Review or see 2025 Acura TLX models for sale near you. 

2025 Lexus ES

2024 model shown

Buyers seeking their ideal ES are spoiled for choice. Among its many trims and F-Sport option packages are three powertrains — including a fuel-sipping hybrid — plus a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. 

This generation of ES dates back to the 2019 model year, but remains one of our most highly recommended luxury sedans. The base ES 250 starts at $43,190, while the top-of-the-line ES 300h Ultra Luxury trim commands $53,480. We like the Technology package that brings a head-up display, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a Smart Access key card.

Lexus ES Highlights 

Ride quality: Lexus deserves a lot of credit for the suspension tuning of the ES. Sure, there are rivals with firmer/sportier setups (including the Acura TLX). Yet the ride quality of the ES is perfect for those who want a plush-yet-not-floaty suspension that soaks up rough roads with uncanny ease.

Rear legroom: If driving with more than one passenger is going to be a frequent occurrence, know that the Lexus ES delivers in rear legroom. Its 39.2 inches are about four inches more than the TLX can provide. 

All-wheel drive: Having all-wheel drive as standard in the least expensive ES 250 trim is a positive asset. But it means sticking with this version’s 203-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. ES 350 models with a V6 engine and ES 300h hybrid models are all front-wheel-drive. 

Silky V6: If you can live without all-wheel drive, we think the 302-hp V6 in the ES 350 is a perfect choice for this car’s luxurious nature. It whisks the ES from a standstill to 60 mph in a brisk 6.6 seconds, as opposed to 8.1 seconds with the base 4-cylinder. 

Read our Lexus ES Expert Review or see 2025 Lexus ES models for sale near you. 

Similarities

The 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Lexus ES are most similar in their overall value. They cost thousands less than several direct competitors, particularly from the German sector, but neither skimps on standard or optional tech and safety features. They’re also known for their reliability and resale values. Even their warranties are identical.

Conclusion

The Acura TLX is the extrovert, thanks to its bold exterior design and optional turbo V6. We love how this Acura powers around corners and encourages fun behind the wheel. 

Where it falters a bit, at least compared to the Lexus ES, is in rear legroom and its quirky touchpad controller for the infotainment system. It gets easier with practice, but we think a simple touchscreen would be a better idea. 

The Lexus ES has impeccable credentials here at Kelley Blue Book. This Best Buy award-winner shines in all areas as a comfortable midsize luxury sedan, and it doesn’t demand a mega-jackpot lottery win to afford it. 

Neither the Acura nor the Lexus is a bad choice, but the easygoing ES is more attuned to the demands of a wider range of luxury car shoppers. 

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.