2021 Acura TLX vs. 2021 BMW 3 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Acura TLX and 2021 BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Acura TLX and the 2021 BMW 3 Series.
When we compare the 2021 Acura TLX's and the 2021 BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, resale value and base engine power. The 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Acura TLX's and the 2021 BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2021 Acura TLX.
Pricing: A used 2021 Acura TLX ranges from $25,999 to $38,048 while a used 2021 BMW 3 Series is priced between $26,565 to $47,926.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Acura TLX loses 47.9 percent of its value and the 2021 BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Acura TLX retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 BMW 3 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 8.2 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 9 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.2 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series an advantage in reliability compared to the Acura TLX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the 2021 BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. This gives the 2021 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Acura TLX. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room and rear leg room. The 2021 Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Acura TLX and the 2021 BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$67,516
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$36,995 - $130,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$41,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,603
Price Range:
$25,999 - $38,048
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$53,557
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$31,603 - $104,320
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
719
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34,807
# Good or Great Deals:
272
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,353
Price Range:
$26,565 - $47,926
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
959
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
33,742
# Good or Great Deals:
416
Acura TLX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Acura TLX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
5 - 11.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
12.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
1 - 39.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
28.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
Acura TLX Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
27 out of / 29BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Acura TLX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD Type S, SH-AWD Type S w/Perf. Wheel+Tire, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/A-SPEC, w/Advance, w/Tech
2021 BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
349 / 491 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 562 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
13.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3709 lbs
Width:
75.2 inches
Height:
56.4 inches
Length:
194.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/50R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching