TLX vs S60
For compact luxury car shoppers, the TLX from Acura and the S60 from Volvo are two of the obvious candidates. The choice here comes down to priorities: engine & performance favors the TLX, while fuel economy & range favors the S60.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance TLX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range S60 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance5.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.6
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 S60 has better fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (30 mpg for the S60, 25 mpg for the TLX) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The TLX has 25 hp more power
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the TLX: 272 hp against 247 hp. The TLX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The S60 has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 27 mpg on the S60 versus 22 mpg on the TLX. Expect to notice it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the S60 has the better rating here.
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The S60 has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the S60 makes its strongest case: 36 mpg against 31 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The TLX has 22 lb-ft more torque
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The TLX’s 280 lb-ft beats the S60’s 258 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the TLX. The TLX pulls ahead with 25 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the TLX is the safer choice.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp S60: 247 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft S60: 258 lb-ft The TLX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
S60 leads
The S60 dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The S60 has the edge with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the S60 has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
TLX: 25 mpg S60: 30 mpg The S60 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
TLX: 22 mpg S60: 27 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the S60 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the TLX and the S60 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 247 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 27 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | S60 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 247 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (280 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Acura and want to keep things familiar
Choose the S60 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 25 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (27 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 31 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the TLX or the S60?
It depends on your priorities: the TLX is stronger on engine & performance, while the S60 leads on fuel economy & range.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the TLX’s and the S60’s) so you don’t have to. The TLX earns my vote first and foremost with 25 hp more power. Where the S60 fights back is better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the TLX, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the S60.
My pick: the TLX if engine & performance is a daily concern, otherwise the S60 for its fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.