Acura TLX vs. Lexus IS 500
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Lexus IS 500 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 Lexus IS 500.
When comparing the Acura TLX's and the Lexus IS 500's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Lexus IS 500 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Lexus IS 500's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Acura TLX ranges from $43,210 to $51,555 while a used 2024 Lexus IS 500 is priced between $23,900 to $68,762. For a new model, the Acura TLX's price is between $46,108 and $58,794, with the Lexus IS 500 priced between $66,463 and $69,530.
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 Lexus IS 500 loses 37.5 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 500 retains 10.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura TLX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 500 base engine makes 472 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The IS 500 is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 435 miles. This gives the Acura TLX the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus IS 500. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 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 Lexus IS 500, 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 Acura TLX and the Lexus IS 500 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$46,108 - $58,794
Starting MSRP:
$45,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$66,463 - $69,530
Starting MSRP:
$63,370
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,159
Price Range:
$43,210 - $51,555
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
97
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
6,394
# Good or Great Deals:
5
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$63,340
Price Range:
$23,900 - $68,762
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
13
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,668
# Good or Great Deals:
3
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$21,755
Depreciation %:
48.3%
Resale Value $:
$23,245
Residual Value %:
51.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$24,168
Depreciation %:
38.1%
Resale Value $:
$39,202
Residual Value %:
61.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
Acura TLX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus IS 500 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Acura TLX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus IS 500
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
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 / 29Lexus IS 500 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Acura TLX Trim Levels
SH-AWD Type S, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, w/Tech
Lexus IS 500 Trim Levels
F SPORT Performance Premium
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:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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):
0.072 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque:
395 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.121 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:
5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
296 / 435 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
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
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:
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
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
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:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
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:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
10.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3756 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:
3891 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
187.3 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/40R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Gray
Liquid Carbon Metallic
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Gray
Cloudburst Gray / Incognito
Silver
Iridium
White
Ultra White
Blue
Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
Red
Infrared
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black w/ Satin Chrome Trim
Red
Circuit Red w/ Satin Chrome Trim
White
White w/ Satin Chrome Trim
