2025 Lexus IS vs. Acura TLX: Which Sport Sedan is Right for You?

If you, like many New Haven drivers, appreciate luxury but still gravitate towards performance, check out this Lexus IS vs. Acura TLX comparison guide from Crabtree Lexus of New Haven. Here, we compare these two luxury sports sedans on several points, including performance, versatility, and interior dimensions. Read on to learn what each of these vehicles offers, and why, at the end of the day, performance-oriented drivers like you should go with the 2025 Lexus IS. 

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2025 Lexus IS vs. Acura TLX: Which is More Powerful?

Sporting either a turbocharged 2.0L inline 4 or a turbocharged 3.0L V6, the 2025 Acura TLX is an excellent sports sedan that handles well thanks to its proprietary Super-Handling AWD® system. However, fans of high-octane performance and even higher horsepower may find the 2025 Lexus IS more appealing due to its varied trim offerings and engine availability. Check out the basic engine specs of the Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS below:

2025 Lexus IS Engine Options & Trim Availability

2.0L Turbo Inline-4

• Standard on: IS 300, IS 300 F Sport Design, IS 300 F Sport
• Horsepower: 241 hp
• Torque: 258 lb-ft of torque

3.5L V6

• Standard on: IS 300 AWD, IS 300 F Sport Design AWD, IS 300 F Sport AWD
• Horsepower: 260 hp
• Torque: 236 lb-ft of torque

3.5L V6

• Standard on: IS 350 F Sport Design, IS 350 F Sport Design AWD, IS 350 F Sport, IS 350 F Sport AWD
• Horsepower: 311 hp
• Torque: 280 lb-ft of torque

5.0L V8

• Standard on: IS 500 F Sport Performance, IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium
• Horsepower: 472 hp
• Torque: 395 lb-ft of torque

2025 Acura TLX Engine Options & Trim Availability

2.0L Turbo Inline-4

• Standard on: Technology, A-Spec®
• Horsepower: 272 hp
• Torque: 280 lb-ft of torque

3.0L Turbo V6

• Standard on: Type S
• Horsepower: 355 hp
• Torque: 354 lb-ft of torque

Even if we limit our comparison and only compare the Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS 350 model variants, we find that even this limited segment of Lexus IS trim offerings outperforms two of three Acura TLX models in horsepower and matches them on torque. This difference only grows starker once we move to the top of the 2025 Lexus IS lineup, where the IS 500 models produce more than 100 additional horsepower compared to the top-of-the-line TLX Type S.

Additionally, some Lexus IS models can be equipped with RWD, which is often preferred in sports sedans due to balanced handling, powerful acceleration, and driving dynamics. The TLX is only available in FWD and AWD configurations. 

2025 Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS: Which is More Spacious?

With 38.2 inches of headroom and 33.8 inches of legroom in the front, the 2025 Lexus IS provides an additional inch of headroom and more than two inches of extra legroom compared to the TLX, making it more comfortable when driving to Milford. Most Lexus IS trims also come standard with the Lexus Memory system, enabling you to personalize and recall your preferred seat settings for optimal comfort. 

2025 Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS: Choose the 2025 Lexus IS With Crabtree Lexus of New Haven

Whether we limit our comparison to the Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS 350 models or the entire expansive Lexus IS lineup, it is clear that Wallingford drivers who enjoy powerful engines and engaging drives should seek the 2025 Lexus IS. Visit our dealership in East Haven and test-drive the Lexus IS with us today. Afterward, consult with our finance experts on how to take advantage of our excellent incentives, including our new vehicle specials and generous leasing/financing options.