Acura TLX vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
In comparing the Acura TLX's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class'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, interior volume and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Pricing: A used 2024 Acura TLX ranges from $43,210 to $51,555 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $46,801 to $62,210. For a new model, the Acura TLX's price is between $46,108 and $58,794, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $49,176 and $64,214.
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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 47.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz C-Class retains 0 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Acura TLX.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class an advantage in reliability compared to the Acura TLX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura TLX and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
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:
$49,176 - $64,214
Starting MSRP:
$46,950
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:
285
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,433
# Good or Great Deals:
46
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,934
Price Range:
$46,801 - $62,210
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,881
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,634
# Good or Great Deals:
364
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 $:
$22,866
Depreciation %:
48.7%
Resale Value $:
$24,084
Residual Value %:
51.3%
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
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
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:
16.6%
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:
3.1
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 / 29Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 36Ranking
32 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Acura TLX Trim Levels
SH-AWD Type S, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, w/Tech
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 43, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
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 / 50000 miles
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:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
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:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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:
Available
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:
Available
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:
Standard
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:
Standard
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:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
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:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 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:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 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:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
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
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic / Twilight Blue Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey
Red
Power Red/Black