Acura is basically Honda’s fancier cousin, sharing plenty of parts and platforms, but sometimes taking a very different approach. Take the Honda Accord and Acura TLX—both mid-sized sedans, yet worlds apart in personality.
The TLX leans into performance and luxury, while the Accord is all about easy, comfortable daily driving. Depending on what you’re after, you really can’t go wrong.
Sure, the TLX comes with a higher price tag, but its sharper handling, premium touches, and sportier vibe make that extra cost feel justified. For some, it’s exactly what makes the upgrade worth it.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Acura and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book.
Think the Accord Is Good? The 2025 Acura TLX Takes It Up a Notch
Honda has always been strong at packing value into its cars, making it easy to choose the right trim. The 2025 Accord comes in two gas trims, LX and SE, each offering specific features at set prices. A moonroof is only available on the SE.
The 2025 Acura TLX follows a similar approach but offers three trims. Technology, A-Spec, and Type S provide a mix of luxury, performance, and tech to suit different buyers.
Even the Entry TLX Feels Loaded
The Acura TLX packs plenty of value, so even the base model gives buyers a lot for their money. It comes with:
- Powered 12-way adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control with GPS sensing
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital dash display
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- ELS sound system with 13 speakers
- AcuraWatch Driver Assist features
The A-Spec trim builds on that with:
- ELS premium audio system with 17 speakers
- A-Spec appearance package
- Black spoiler
For those chasing performance, the Type S adds:
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Head-up display
- Perforated Milano seats
- 16-way power-adjustable front seats
High-Tech Features Are Standard in the TLX
The Acura TLX clearly leans into tech. The Honda Accord offers tech too, but with only two gas trims, it can’t match the TLX.
The TLX brings a bigger infotainment screen, powered front seats, and a superior sound system. It’s an easy pick for audiophiles and anyone who loves modern features.
Honda Accord LX Features
The base Accord LX comes with a solid set of features, including:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Walk-away auto lock
- 7-inch color touchscreen
- Four-speaker, 180-watt audio system
- Cloth seats
- Auto-climate control
Honda Accord SE Features
Step up to the SE trim and you get a few nice upgrades:
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Power moonroof
- Heated front seats
The TLX Brings Style and Luxury Inside
The Acura TLX isn’t just tech-savvy—it also looks and feels more upscale inside than the Honda Accord.
The Accord’s cabin is still roomy and comfortable for five passengers, but the TLX stands out with a modern, striking interior design.
On top of that, even the TLX base model comes with powered, heated, and better-bolstered seats, adding both comfort and style.
Driver-Focused Cockpit
The Acura TLX stands out with a driver-focused cockpit and upscale materials, including open-pore wood, Alcántara, and real aluminum. Analog gauges and a large rotary knob on the center dash complete its modern, sporty vibe.
That style and sportiness come with a trade-off. The TLX’s rear seats are a bit tighter than the Accord’s, making it less comfortable for tall passengers.
The middle seat is especially snug, so families of five will likely appreciate the extra space in the Accord.
Acura TLX and Honda Accord Interior Dimensions
|
Interior Dimensions |
Acura TLX |
Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
|
Headroom (Front / Rear) |
37.2 Inches / 36.3 Inches |
39.5 Inches / 37.3 Inches |
|
Le=groom (Front / Rear) |
42.5 Inches / 34.9 Inches |
42.3 Inches / 40.8 Inches |
|
Shoulder Room (Front / Rear) |
58.2 Inches / 55.0 Inches |
57.9 Inches / 56.5 Inches |
TLX Offers Muscle, Accord Focuses on Mileage
The Acura TLX gets an edge over the Honda Accord thanks to its engine options. While the Accord leans on hybrid power for efficiency, the TLX sticks with gas-only engines.
The base TLX comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, offering plenty of pep for everyday driving.
Step up to the Type S, and you get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering serious performance for those who crave power.
Under the Hood of the Accord
The Honda Accord sticks with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder for its base LX and SE trims, while higher trims get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a hybrid system.
Transmission choices highlight another difference. The TLX comes with a 10-speed automatic, while the Accord relies on a CVT.
The TLX also offers Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which distributes torque front to back and side to side for sharper cornering and better grip.
|
Acura TLX |
Honda Accord |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder |
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder |
|
Horsepower |
272 HP |
192 HP |
|
Torque |
280 LB-FT |
192 LB-FT |
|
Fuel Economy |
22/31 MPG (FWD) / 21/29 MPG (SH-AWD) |
29/37 MPG |
How the TLX and Accord Stack Up in Price
The 2025 Acura TLX clearly pulls ahead of the Honda Accord in style, features, and performance—but price is a big factor. The TLX Technology FWD starts at $45,400, the A-Spec SH-AWD at $50,400, and the top Type S at $58,050.
The Accord is much more budget-friendly, with the LX starting at $28,295 and the SE at $30,560. That puts the gap between the two models roughly $15,100–$21,840 for the Technology and A-Spec trims, and about $27,490–$27,750 for the Type S.
Even with the premium, the TLX is worth it, offering a sharper interior, more tech, and stronger engines that make everyday driving not just practical, but genuinely fun.