What Lexus competes with TLX?

The Lexus model that most directly competes with the Acura TLX is the Lexus IS.

In practice, the TLX and IS occupy the same compact luxury sedan space, sharing similar dimensions, capabilities, and price ranges in their base forms. The TLX has its own distinctive design language and performance variants (including the Type S), while the IS lineup offers IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500 with a mix of turbo four-cylinder, V6, and V8 powertrains. Beyond this direct pairing, Lexus also offers the ES as a larger option and NX as an SUV alternative, which can influence buyer choices within the brand’s lineup.

Direct Lexus Rival: IS

The IS is the closest Lexus alternative to the TLX in traditional sedan form. It competes on price, size, and performance, and Lexus positions it to appeal to buyers who want a sporty yet refined compact luxury sedan. The current IS lineup includes IS 300 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, IS 350 with a V6, and IS 500 with a V8 for high-performance needs. In terms of handling and driving dynamics, IS models—particularly in F-Sport trims—offer a decidedly driver-focused experience similar to the TLX Type S.

Key points of comparison between the TLX and the Lexus IS include:

• Performance and powertrains


• Ride quality and handling


• Interior space and comfort


• Technology and safety features


• Pricing and available trims

These areas highlight where shoppers will notice differences, whether they prioritize raw performance, refinement, or value for money.

Overall, the IS stands as the direct Lexus rival to the TLX, with ES offering a larger, more comfortable alternative for those who want extra rear-seat room, while NX and RC provide different body styles and experiences within the Lexus lineup.

Other Lexus options in the same family

ES: A larger, more comfortable option

The ES sits above the IS in size and price, delivering a plush ride and generous interior space. It’s a strong choice for buyers who want more rear-seat room and a smoother daily-driving experience, even if it means sacrificing some of the sharper handling characteristic of the IS or TLX.

NX and RC: Different body styles

For buyers seeking alternatives within the Lexus lineup, the NX compact SUV offers practical utility and elevated seating, while the RC coupe brings a sportier, two-door silhouette. Neither is a direct sedan rival to the TLX, but they expand Lexus’ appeal to buyers who cross-shop different body styles and driving experiences.

Summary

In the current market, the Lexus IS is the closest competitor to the Acura TLX in the compact luxury sedan segment. If space and a smoother ride are priorities, the ES may be more appealing, while NX and RC broaden Lexus’ lineup for non-sedan preferences. Prospective buyers should consider test-driving both the TLX and IS to determine which best matches their priorities in performance, comfort, and technology.

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.

What is the Lexus equivalent of Acura TLX?

The most direct Lexus equivalents to the Acura TLX are the Lexus IS and the Lexus ES, depending on the specific comparison. The Lexus IS is a closer match for the performance-oriented TLX A-Spec, while the Lexus ES is a better comparison for the more comfort-focused standard TLX, which is larger and has a larger engine, says this YouTube video.
 
This video compares the Acura TLX and Lexus IS, highlighting their performance and features: 1mMotormouthYouTube · Jan 19, 2021
Lexus IS

• Best for: Sporty performance and handling. 
• Comparison to TLX A-Spec: The IS 350 F Sport offers a more powerful V6 engine and greater agility compared to the TLX A-Spec. 
• Features: Offers high-end features like a standard heated steering wheel and Amazon Alexa integration in some trims. 

Lexus ES

• Best for: A larger, more comfort-oriented luxury sedan. 
• Comparison to standard TLX: The ES is larger and has a more powerful standard V6 engine than the base model TLX. 
• Features: The ES comes standard with premium comfort and tech features. 

Which is better, Acura TLX or Lexus IS 350?

The main differences are that the Acura TLX is a more spacious, modern, and performance-oriented sedan, especially in the Type S trim, while the Lexus IS 350 is smaller but favored by some for its refined interior and reputation for reliability. Choosing depends on priorities: prioritize modern tech, space, and a powerful engine with the TLX, or choose the IS 350 for a more classic sports sedan feel and long-term reliability.
 
This video compares the features and performance of the TLX Type S and the IS 350 F Sport: 58sCarGurusYouTube · Oct 15, 2021
Acura TLX

• Performance: Generally seen as the sportier option, especially in the Type S trim, which features a turbocharged V6 engine. The base model is a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder. 
• Technology: Features a more modern infotainment system with a larger standard screen (12.3 inches) and wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims. The TLX uses a trackpad for infotainment control, which some users find clunky. 
• Space: Offers more interior space, particularly for rear passengers, and a larger trunk. 
• Interior: Modern design, with features like ambient lighting, a digital gauge cluster, and an available head-up display. 
• Drivetrain: The TLX is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with the Type S exclusively being AWD. 

Lexus IS 350

• Performance: Comes with a powerful 3.5L V6 engine in the IS 350 trim, which is comparable to or more powerful than the TLX's base engine. 
• Technology: Has a less modern infotainment system and the IS 350 lacks features like wireless charging, which are available on the TLX. The infotainment system, while less advanced, is considered more intuitive by some users. 
• Space: Has a smaller cabin and a smaller trunk compared to the TLX. 
• Interior: Considered more refined by some, though dated in some aspects. Features include standard dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and heated/ventilated leather seats. 
• Drivetrain: Available in both RWD and AWD. 

This video reviews the 2021 Acura TLX and compares it to the Lexus IS: 53sAutotraderYouTube · Dec 15, 2020
Which to choose?

• Choose the TLX if: You want the latest tech, a more modern and spacious interior, and strong performance, especially if considering the Type S trim. 
• Choose the IS 350 if: You prioritize long-term reliability, a more engaging and smaller driving experience, or a slightly more refined interior (at the cost of modern tech). 

Why is Acura discontinuing TLX?

Acura is discontinuing the TLX primarily due to declining sales and the broader market shift away from sedans towards SUVs and crossovers. In recent years, TLX sales have dropped significantly, and Acura is focusing on higher-demand vehicles, including new electric SUVs like the upcoming RSX, which will replace the TLX on the production line.
 

• Declining sales: The TLX's sales have been in a steady decline since 2015, with sales figures for 2024 showing only a fraction of its previous peak. For example, in the first half of 2025, only 3,634 units were sold. 
• Market shift to SUVs: The automotive industry is seeing a major shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs and crossovers. Acura's decision reflects this trend, as they are reallocating resources to their more popular SUV models. 
• Focus on electric vehicles: Acura is also pivoting towards electrification, and the production capacity at the TLX's Marysville, Ohio, plant will be used for a new electric SUV, the RSX. 
• Brand strategy: The discontinuation is part of Acura's larger strategy to streamline its lineup and focus on future growth areas, such as electric vehicles and its SUV offerings.