Is Acura TLX a small car?
No. The Acura TLX is a compact luxury sedan, not a subcompact or "small" car. It sits in the premium compact segment, where it competes with models like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
In automotive terms, "small" usually describes subcompact or compact cars with smaller footprints. The TLX, by contrast, offers a more spacious interior, a longer wheelbase, and a footprint designed for comfort, practicality, and performance within the premium compact class. It sits between entry-luxury compact sedans and larger midsize sedans in many market classifications.
Size and Class
In this list, you’ll find the TLX’s classification, footprint, seating, and cargo characteristics as it compares to typical rivals.
- Classification: compact luxury sedan
- Overall footprint: roughly 195 inches in length, with a wheelbase around 111 inches
- Interior: comfortable seating for five with premium materials and refined design
- Cargo space: typical for its class, roughly 12–14 cubic feet of trunk space depending on configuration
These attributes place the TLX squarely in the premium compact category rather than a true small car. The packaging is designed to balance interior space, ride quality, and performance potential.
Variants and What They Mean for Size and Feel
Acura’s TLX lineup includes several trims that share the same overall dimensions but vary in power, handling, and luxury equipment. Here’s a quick guide to the main variants.
Performance variants share the same footprint
- TLX (base): 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; front-wheel drive with optional SH-AWD
- TLX A-Spec: styling and chassis tuning on top of the base package
- TLX Type S: high-performance variant with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 and enhanced handling; shares the same footprint as the standard TLX
In practice, the exterior dimensions don’t change between trims. The Type S emphasizes power and chassis performance rather than added length or width. The TLX remains a compact-luxury sedan with a premium feel across its lineup.
What the Size Means for Real-World Use
For drivers weighing whether the TLX qualifies as a “small car,” the decisive factors are interior space, trunk practicality, and maneuverability in urban settings. The TLX offers comfortable seating, respectable cargo capacity for its class, and nimble handling that competes well with rivals such as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
Summary
In today’s market, the Acura TLX is best described as a compact luxury sedan—larger and more substantial than truly small cars, but smaller than most midsize sedans. It blends premium materials, advanced drivetrain options (including a high-performance Type S), and a practical footprint that appeals to buyers seeking a balance of luxury, efficiency, and spirited driving. If you’re shopping for a truly small car, you’ll want to consider subcompact options; if you want space, luxury, and performance in a compact package, the TLX fits the brief.
Is TLX smaller than Accord?
Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Accord a Large car, while the TLX is rated a Compact. The Accord has 12.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the TLX (105.7 vs. 93.4). The Accord has 2.3 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more rear headroom, 5.9 inches more rear legroom, .
Is the Acura TLX a small car?
Overview. With the 2025 TLX, Acura straddles the line between compact and midsize luxury sedans. From the front seats, it feels large and wide, like a BMW 5 Series. But in the back, it seems small and narrow, more like a BMW 3 Series.
What are the negatives of the Acura TLX?
While the TLX's ride is comfortable and handling is nimble, there's too much road and engine noise, undermining its premium aspirations. The front seats are supportive, but the rear seat is tight, and the car's low stance hurts cabin access. The touchpad-based infotainment system is very distracting to use.
What is the TLX comparable to?
Cars similar to 2025 Acura TLX
- 2025 Acura TLX. #12 in Luxury Mid-Size Cars. Get Your Price.
- 2025 BMW 5-Series. #5 in Luxury Mid-Size Cars.
- 2025 Audi A6. Get Your Price.
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz E Class. #1 in Coupes. Get Your Price.
- 2025 Acura Integra. #4 in Mid-Size Cars. Get Your Price.
- 2025 Lexus ES. #12 in Luxury Mid-Size Cars.
