Acura TLX vs. Acura RLX

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Acura RLX 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 Acura TLX and the Acura RLX.

When comparing the Acura TLX's and the Acura RLX's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Acura RLX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Acura RLX's specifications and ratings, the Acura RLX is a better car than the Acura TLX.

Pricing: A used 2020 Acura TLX ranges from $20,147 to $31,989 while a used 2020 Acura RLX is priced between $26,981 to $35,960.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura TLX loses 47.9 percent of its value and the Acura RLX loses 52.4 percent of its value. This means the Acura TLX retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura RLX.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 8.2 out of 10 while the Acura RLX's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 9 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Acura RLX being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.2 out of 10. For the Acura RLX the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Acura RLX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Acura TLX.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 206 horsepower, and the Acura RLX base engine makes 310 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 568 miles. The RLX is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 537 miles. This gives the Acura TLX the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura RLX. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura RLX, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

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