TLX vs IS 350
The TLX and the IS 350 sit in the same compact luxury car class, but Acura and Lexus don’t always agree on what matters most. This one has a front-runner. The TLX wins 2 of 4 compared areas, and fuel economy & range is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance IS 350 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range TLX wins
- Space & Practicality TLX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price TLX wins
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance8.0
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
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
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The TLX has 25% more cargo space
At 13.5 cu ft versus 10.8 cu ft, this is a decisive lead for the TLX, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The TLX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The IS 350 has 39 hp more power
The IS 350 is slightly stronger on total system output. The gap, 311 hp versus 272 hp, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The TLX has better fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the TLX: 25 mpg against 22 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The TLX has better city fuel economy
If fuel economy (city) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the TLX leads clearly with 22 mpg to the IS 350’s 19 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the TLX has the better rating here.
-
The TLX has better highway fuel economy
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The TLX’s 31 mpg beats the IS 350’s 27 mpg. The TLX uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
- TLX 194.6 in × 75.2 in × 56.4 in
- IS 350 185.8 in × 72.4 in × 56.5 in
Physically, these two aren’t the same size: the TLX is larger in overall dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
IS 350 leads
On engine & performance, the IS 350 comes out slightly ahead. The IS 350 wins here with 39 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the IS 350 comes out ahead.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp IS 350: 311 hp The IS 350’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
TLX leads
Here the TLX opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The TLX delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the TLX is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
TLX: 25 mpg IS 350: 22 mpg The TLX uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
TLX: 22 mpg IS 350: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the TLX starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
TLX leads
No contest in space & practicality: the TLX is the stronger of the two. The TLX gives you 25% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. On space & practicality alone, the TLX gets the nod.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
TLX: 13.5 cu ft IS 350: 10.8 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the TLX nor the IS 350 has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 311 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic (6-speed automatic with AWD) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | 17.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft (winner) | 10.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.4 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 110.2 in |
Price
| Spec | TLX | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | $45,500 |
“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.
Price & Value
A price gap of $100 at launch won’t make or break this decision. The TLX costs $100 less and still comes out ahead in more areas, a rare combination.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of launch. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (13.5 cu ft vs 10.8 cu ft)
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (22 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (31 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you want more value for your money ($100 less at launch)
Choose the IS 350 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (311 hp vs 272 hp)
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
- you already know your way around Lexus’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TLX or the IS 350?
For most people, the TLX is the stronger choice, unless you specifically want 39 hp more power, where the IS 350 has the edge.
Which is larger, the TLX or the IS 350?
Going by the official dimensions, the TLX is the bigger of the two at 194.6 × 75.2 × 56.4 in. The IS 350 measures 185.8 × 72.4 × 56.5 in.
Is the TLX cheaper than the IS 350?
The TLX is the cheaper option, launching at $100 less than the IS 350 (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
The TLX from Acura and the IS 350 from Lexus go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. It’s hard to argue with 25% more cargo space, which is exactly what the TLX brings. I’d also count better fuel economy in the TLX’s favor. Where the IS 350 fights back is 39 hp more power.
Match the strength to your habits (fuel economy & range for the TLX, engine & performance for the IS 350), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the TLX. The IS 350 only comes out ahead if you need 39 hp more power, which only the IS 350 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.