Lexus IS vs Acura TLX: Sport Sedan Showdown
These two brand new Japanese compact luxury sedans are set to do battle in a crowded segment.
New Contenders
While the compact performance luxury sedan segment isn't quite as popular as it used to be, there are still many compelling options for those seeking such a vehicle. Two of the newest are the 2021 Lexus IS and Acura TLX, a pair of Japanese alternatives to the glut of German luxury sedans. Both of these vehicles are brand new and offer a lot in terms of value, performance, and features, so let's take a closer look at each and try to determine which is the better option right now.
Photos: Lexus
Powertrains
The Lexus IS is available with two engines - a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 rated to produce either 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque or 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft in the IS 350. The soon-to-be-released IS 500 will offer a 5.0-liter V8 making 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, however. These powerplants are mated to either a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Powertrains (Continued)
Meanwhile, the TLX also starts out with a 2.0-liter turbo I-4, rated to produce 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the Type S, and you'll get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic handles the shifts, and sends power to either the rear or all four wheels depending on the configuration, while the IS is available in rear- or all-wheel drive.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Interior Specs
While the TLX is physically larger than the IS, the Lexus offers more in the way of interior space in most areas. Headroom for the TLX comes in at 37.2 inches in the front and 36.3 inches in the rear, with 42.5 inches for front legroom and 34.9 inches out back. Meanwhile, the IS provides 38.2 inches of front headroom, 36.9 in the rear, as well as 44.8 inches of front legroom, and 32.2 for rear passengers.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Cargo Space
The 2021 Acura TLX features a 60/40 split rear seat that allows owners to fit longer items in the trunk. Total cargo space comes in at 13.5 cubic feet, which is a bit larger than the Lexus' 10.8 cubic feet, though it also offers a 60/40 split rear seat.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Technology
The 2021 TLX comes with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen as standard equipment, though it's notably not a touchscreen. Meanwhile, the base IS features an 8.0-inch touchscreen, an optional 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson stereo system, while both of these sedans offer dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats.
Photos: Acura
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.
Pricing
The cheapest TLX starts out at $37,500, while the range-topping Type S has an MSRP of $52,300. The IS costs a bit more at $39,050 for the base model and $42,950 for the IS 350, while pricing for the IS 500 hasn't yet been announced. Ultimately, these two cars offer a little something different for that money, as the TLX is a solid, luxury-laden value, while the IS is more of a fun sport sedan for those that like to drive.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the IS vs TLX right here in ClubLexus forum.