2021 Acura TLX vs. 2021 Lexus IS 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Acura TLX and 2021 Lexus IS 350 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 Lexus IS 350.

When comparing the 2021 Acura TLX's and the 2021 Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The 2021 Lexus IS 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Acura TLX's and the 2021 Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 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 Lexus IS 350 is priced between $34,887 to $43,499.

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 Lexus IS 350 loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Lexus IS 350 retains 10.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Acura TLX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 8.2 out of 10 while the Lexus IS 350's quality rating is 9.1 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 9 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus IS 350 being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.2 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 350 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 Lexus IS 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The IS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 487 miles. This gives the 2021 Acura TLX the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Lexus IS 350. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Lexus IS 350, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Acura TLX and the 2021 Lexus IS 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.