TLX vs A4
The TLX and the A4 sit in the same compact luxury car class, but Acura and Audi don’t always agree on what matters most. Each one wins something important. For the TLX it’s engine & performance; for the A4 it’s fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance TLX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range A4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The TLX has 71 hp more power
The A4 gives up a lot on total system output: 201 hp, compared with 272 hp on the TLX. The TLX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The A4 has better fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The A4 brings 29 mpg to the table; the TLX brings 25 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The TLX has 44 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the TLX wins comfortably with 280 lb-ft against 236 lb-ft. The TLX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The A4 has better city fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (26 mpg for the A4, 22 mpg for the TLX) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The A4 has better highway fuel economy
The spread here is large: 36 mpg on the A4 versus 31 mpg on the TLX. Expect to notice it. The A4 uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
TLX leads
The TLX wins the engine & performance section decisively. The TLX brings 71 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the TLX.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp A4: 201 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft A4: 236 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
A4 leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the A4 leads, and not by a little. The A4 makes its case with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For fuel economy & range, the A4 is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
TLX: 25 mpg A4: 29 mpg The A4 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
TLX: 22 mpg A4: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the A4 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the TLX and the A4 land in almost the same place. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the TLX’s and the A4’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (12V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 201 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft (winner) | 236 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | TLX | A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (272 hp vs 201 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (280 lb-ft vs 236 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Acura does things
Choose the A4 if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (29 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TLX or the A4?
Neither wins outright. Choose the TLX if engine & performance matters most, or the A4 if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Acura or Audi. I only care that you end up with the right one of the TLX and the A4. To me, the standout is that the TLX offers 71 hp more power. On the other side, the A4 brings better fuel economy, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the TLX. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the A4.
My pick: it genuinely depends, with the TLX ahead on engine & performance and the A4 ahead on fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.