2025 Acura TLX Type S

The Acura TLX has come a long way over the past several years. It came out in 2015 as the successor to the TL sedan. Several years ago, I reviewed a 2017 model and was disappointed by its lack of urgency and slow reactions. The second-generation TLX that debuted four years later was a significant improvement. The regular model with the Advance package and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was a satisfying blend of amenities and athleticism. It made me wonder how much better its high-performance Type S sibling would be. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to drive the 2025 Acura TLX Type S, was it worth the three-year wait?

The Meaning of “S”

Acura’s major accomplishment with the regular TLX was striking the right balance between sport and luxury. That’s no minor feat. It had an even more difficult objective to achieve with the Type S: significantly increase power and performance without ruining the TLX’s usability and comfort. Instead of cranking up the boost on the base car’s 2.0-liter turbo four, Acura replaced it with a 3.0-liter V6 connected to a twin-scroll turbo, which helps it produce 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. To make sure the 10-speed automatic can withstand that higher output, Acura beefed up its gears and clutches, switched to a new torque converter, and installed a transmission cooler in front of the radiator. Not only did Acura make the transmission stronger, but it also made it quicker. According to the automaker, “When using the paddles, the transmission uses Type S-exclusive programming for 40-percent quicker downshifts. In Sport+ mode, the transmission also upshifts 30 percent faster by using a brief fuel cut during the gearchange.” Fourth-generation SH-AWD with torque vectoring delivers up to 70 percent of the boosted six’s torque to the back axle and up to 100 percent of that to either rear wheel. A stiffer body structure, a re-tuned suspension, more responsive electric power steering, and Brembo front brakes keep the S in Type S from equating to sloppy.

Inevitable Change

Last year, Acura updated the entire TLX lineup. All models received new front-end styling and upgraded hardware and increased coverage for certain parts of the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance features. Inside, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 20-percent larger 12.3-inch center screen with a faster processor, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a pair of USB-C charging ports for rear passengers became standard equipment. Two new colors joined the palette of available choices for certain models and configurations: Urban Gray Pearl and Liquid Carbon Metallic.

Updates exclusive to the Type S included new diamond pentagon grille mesh, 20-inch Berlina Black wheels, improved throttle response in Sport+ mode, a 10.5-inch head-up display, and a Surround View Camera.

Carry Over the Zero

The TLX Type S goes into 2025 unchanged with a starting price of $57,750. My $63,030 test car’s optional $600 Urban Gray Pearl paint and $3,485 copper-colored 20-inch wheels with 255/35R20 97Y Pirelli summer tires made it instantly recognizable and drew positive comments from the majority of people who got close to it – including me. At first, it seemed to be an odd combination of colors, but it wasn’t long until I thought they were the exact ones I’d pick if I bought a TLX Type S.

Old and New Frenemies

The subdued exterior made the red leather and black Ultrasuede interior stand out even more. The front row was largely a pleasant place to be, thanks to its heated and ventilated 16-way power seats, wireless phone charger, and 17-speaker Acura ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, being there reminded me of how fundamentally awkward the infotainment system’s True Touchpad Interface is. It’s grown on me over the years, but that’s partly because I’ve learned how to adapt to it instead of it being effortlessly intuitive to me – the way things should be.

The back seat was a completely different story. Two of my family members found it horribly uncomfortable, especially when someone tall was riding in the front passenger seat. To see where they were coming from, I got into the back seat and found entering the second row was uncomfortable and headroom to be a little tight for someone with my 5’10” frame.

Elton John Said It Best

“It’s no sacrifice at all.” Those lyrics from the 1989 Elton John song “Sacrifice” perfectly describe the TLX Type S in everyday driving. There’s no trade-off in ride quality or overall comfort for its increased power and capabilities. The Type S is all gains. Even in its most aggressive drive modes, no matter how fast I went, it had an innate balance to it. The turbo six was strong and enthusiastic, but it never seemed to be too much to handle. It pumped out just the right amount of power to be thrilling, not terrifying. I half expected the steering to have an exaggerated feeling of weight when I engaged the Sport and Sport+ drive modes. To my surprise, it gracefully toed the line between easy to use and engaging. The suspension was similar. As I progressed through the increasingly focused drive modes, the TLX Type S felt more and more buttoned down yet never had a spine-shatteringly harsh ride.

The 2025 Acura TLX Type S made its higher level of performance accessible and familiar and a place I enjoyed spending time – and burning gas – in. It took me three years to get there, but it was definitely worth the wait.