Is the Acura TLX type S good on gas?
The TLX Type S is not a standout for fuel economy among luxury sport sedans; official estimates place it in the low-to-mid 20s miles per gallon combined, with higher highway efficiency and lower city efficiency. In most real-world driving, expect mid-20s mpg overall, with better highway numbers when cruising at steady speeds and more aggressive driving reducing efficiency.
To understand what that means in context, this article breaks down the official numbers, how drivetrain choices and driving styles affect mileage, how it stacks up against rivals, and practical tips to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing the Type S’s performance character.
Fuel economy snapshot
Key efficiency figures and the factors that influence them in the Type S.
- EPA fuel economy (SH-AWD with the automatic transmission): approximately 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined.
- Real-world range: commonly observed in the low 20s mpg in mixed daily driving, with higher numbers on long highway trips and lower numbers in urban or spirited driving.
- Drivetrain impact: all-wheel drive and the car’s performance tuning contribute to lower mpg versus non-performance TLX variants.
- Drive mode effect: Sport and Sport+ modes, which sharpen throttle response and shift timing, typically reduce fuel economy compared with Normal or Comfort settings.
In practice, the Type S delivers respectable highway efficiency for a turbocharged V6 with all-wheel drive, but city driving and enthusiastic driving can pull numbers down noticeably. For buyers prioritizing efficiency above all else, the standard TLX or other non-performance rivals may offer an easier daily compromise.
What affects mileage in the TLX Type S
Powertrain, weight, and drivetrain
The Type S relies on a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing around 355 horsepower, paired with Acura’s SH-AWD system. The combination of a powerful engine and all-wheel drive adds weight and drivetrain losses that affect efficiency, especially at higher throttle and during aggressive maneuvers.
Driving style and mode selection
Driving aggressively, accelerating hard from stops, and using Sport/Sport+ modes will typically lower mpg. Conversely, calmer, steady-speed driving and smoother throttle inputs help you approach the EPA highway estimates and may push overall mileage toward the higher end of real-world figures.
In the context of the Type S’s performance focus, fuel economy reflects a trade-off between thrill and efficiency. The car’s powertrain and chassis are tuned for dynamic response, which inherently carries a efficiency penalty when driven hard.
How it stacks up against rivals
In the sport-luxury sedan segment, rivals such as the BMW M340i, Audi S4, and Mercedes-AMG C43 offer comparable horsepower and all-wheel-drive performance. Fuel economy among these peers varies by model year and drivetrain, but the TLX Type S generally lands in a similar or slightly lower range for combined mpg due to its AWD setup and turbocharged V6 configuration. If fuel economy is a top priority, you might find small gains with some competitors that offer similar power with different efficiency characteristics.
Tips to maximize MPG
Even with a high-performance engine, careful driving and upkeep can help you squeeze more miles per gallon from the TLX Type S.
- Drive smoothly: anticipate traffic and avoid rapid accelerations and hard braking.
- Maintain steady highway speeds: use cruise control when appropriate to minimize throttle fluctuations.
- Keep tires at the recommended pressure and ensure tire wear is even; improper inflation or alignment can hurt mpg.
- Reduce aero drag: remove unnecessary roof racks and cargo when not in use.
- Regular maintenance: follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including air filters and spark plugs, to keep the engine operating efficiently.
Following these practices won’t turn the Type S into a conventional fuel saver, but they can help you approach the lower end of real-world figures and improve overall efficiency over time.
Summary
The Acura TLX Type S balances performance and efficiency in a way that appeals to enthusiasts but yields modest fuel economy compared with non-performance sedans. Expect roughly 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and about 23 mpg combined with the SH-AWD automatic, with real-world numbers dipping in urban or spirited driving. If fuel economy is a key consideration, be prepared for a trade-off between speed and efficiency, and consider driving habits and route planning to maximize mileage. For the latest, model-year-specific numbers, consult the EPA ratings and Acura’s official specifications.
