Acura TLX vs. BMW 3 Series

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and 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 Acura TLX and the BMW 3 Series.

When comparing the Acura TLX's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2025 Acura TLX ranges from $36,988 to $52,195 while a used 2025 BMW 3 Series is priced between $38,998 to $61,980. For a new model, the Acura TLX's price is between $46,595 and $59,845, with the BMW 3 Series priced between $49,425 and $69,475.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura TLX loses 49.7 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value. This means the Acura TLX retains 1.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 7.8 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 8 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.7 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Acura TLX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the 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 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura TLX. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura TLX and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.