The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is here, and it’s making waves in the luxury sports sedan segment. Acura has long been known for its commitment to precision-crafted performance, and the TLX Type S is no exception.
This latest iteration of the TLX Type S builds on the success of its predecessor, offering a refined driving experience, cutting-edge technology, and a design that exudes sophistication.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2025 Acura TLX Type S a standout choice for enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike.
Design: Aggressive Yet Elegant
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is a head-turner. Acura’s designers have struck a perfect balance between aggression and elegance, creating a sedan that looks just as at home on a racetrack as it does in a valet line at a high-end restaurant.
- Exterior Design: The TLX Type S features Acura’s signature Diamond Pentagon grille, flanked by sleek Jewel Eye® LED headlights that provide both style and superior illumination. The sculpted hood and bold lines running along the sides give the car a muscular, athletic stance. New for 2025 are subtle design tweaks, including revised front and rear bumpers, a more aerodynamic profile, and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels that enhance its sporty appeal. The quad exhaust tips at the rear are a clear indicator of the car’s performance pedigree.
- Color Options: Acura offers a range of stunning color options for the TLX Type S, including the eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl, which shifts hues depending on the lighting, and the classic Performance Red Pearl. The paint quality is exceptional, with a deep, lustrous finish that highlights the car’s contours.
- Interior Design: Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with sportiness. The seats are upholstered in premium Milano leather with contrast stitching, and the Type S badges on the headrests remind you that this is no ordinary TLX. The driver-focused cockpit features a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum paddle shifters, and a 10.2-inch HD center display. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces, genuine metal accents, and open-pore wood trim options.
Performance: Power Meets Precision
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is all about performance. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s legendary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which provides exceptional grip and handling in all conditions.
- Acceleration and Handling: The TLX Type S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. The engine’s power delivery is smooth and linear, with minimal turbo lag. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly and seamlessly, whether you’re cruising on the highway or pushing the car to its limits on a twisty backroad. The SH-AWD system is a game-changer, distributing torque between the front and rear wheels and even side-to-side across the rear axle to enhance cornering stability.
- Driving Modes: The TLX Type S offers multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Each mode adjusts the throttle response, steering weight, and suspension settings to suit your driving style. In Sport+ mode, the car feels razor-sharp, with a more aggressive exhaust note and tighter handling.
- Braking and Suspension: The TLX Type S comes equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes that provide excellent stopping power and fade resistance. The adaptive suspension system ensures a comfortable ride in everyday driving while maintaining composure during spirited driving. The car’s low center of gravity and well-tuned chassis contribute to its agile and responsive handling.
Technology: Cutting-Edge Features
Acura has packed the 2025 TLX Type S with an array of advanced technology features designed to enhance both convenience and safety.
- Infotainment System: The centerpiece of the TLX Type S’s tech suite is the True Touchpad Interface, which controls the 10.2-inch HD display. While the touchpad takes some getting used to, it’s intuitive once you’re familiar with it. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The audio system is a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D® premium setup that delivers concert-like sound quality.
- Digital Cockpit: The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is fully customizable, allowing you to display navigation, audio, and performance data right in front of you. The head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: The TLX Type S comes standard with Acura’s suite of driver-assistance features, known as AcuraWatch™. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The car also features blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Comfort and Practicality
While the TLX Type S is a performance-oriented sedan, it doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality.
- Seating and Space: The front seats are both supportive and comfortable, with ample bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving. Heated and ventilated seats are standard, as is a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers will find plenty of legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline may be a bit restrictive for taller passengers.
- Cargo Space: The trunk offers 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is competitive for the class. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, providing additional flexibility for carrying larger items.
- Quiet Cabin: Acura has gone to great lengths to ensure the TLX Type S’s cabin is quiet and serene. Active noise cancellation and acoustic glass help to keep road and wind noise to a minimum, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The 2025 TLX Type S is not the most fuel-efficient car in its class, but it strikes a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
While these numbers are respectable for a high-performance sedan, they may not appeal to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency.
Acura has made efforts to reduce the car’s environmental impact, including the use of sustainable materials in the interior and a start-stop system that reduces emissions during idle times.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S starts at $57,500, placing it in the upper echelon of the luxury sports sedan market.
While it’s not the most affordable option, it offers excellent value for money given its performance, technology, and luxury features.
When compared to competitors like the BMW M340i and Audi S4, the TLX Type S holds its own, offering a unique blend of Japanese reliability and performance.
Competitors
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S faces stiff competition in the luxury sports sedan segment. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its rivals:
- BMW M340i: The M340i is known for its sharp handling and powerful inline-6 engine. However, the TLX Type S offers a more luxurious interior and a lower starting price.
- Audi S4: The S4 boasts Quattro all-wheel drive and a refined interior, but the TLX Type S’s SH-AWD system gives it an edge in terms of handling.
- Genesis G70: The G70 is a strong contender with its stylish design and competitive pricing, but it lacks the brand cachet and performance pedigree of the TLX Type S.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is a compelling option for anyone in the market for a luxury sports sedan. It combines exhilarating performance with a luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology, and a design that turns heads wherever it goes.
While it may not have the same brand recognition as some of its European rivals, it more than makes up for it with its unique blend of attributes.
If you’re looking for a car that delivers thrills behind the wheel without sacrificing comfort or practicality, the 2025 Acura TLX Type S should be at the top of your list.
It’s a testament to Acura’s commitment to precision-crafted performance and a worthy contender in the competitive luxury sports sedan segment.
Specifications at a Glance:
- Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged V6
- Horsepower: 355 hp
- Torque: 354 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain: SH-AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Starting Price: $57,500
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is more than just a car—it’s a statement. Whether you’re carving up canyon roads or cruising down the highway, this sedan delivers an experience that’s hard to beat.