2025 Lexus ES vs Acura TLX
How the Lexus ES Takes on The New Acura TLX in Phoenix
If you are shopping for the best midsize luxury sedan in Phoenix-- or if you just enjoy learning more about today’s sophisticated styling -- this Acura TLX vs Lexus ES comparison is for you.
We’ll look at how these two are alike and the most significant ways they are different. This comparison should be valuable to anyone shopping the luxury marketplace. However, it’s especially relevant for those in hot climates since our goal is to equip our Phoenix audience with vital information based on their specific needs and preferences.
Keep scrolling to learn more.
True Midsize Sedan Comfort
Many shoppers are unaware of the wide variety of sizes that come under the same marketplace umbrella. In this case, the 2025 Acura TLX in Phoenix is significantly smaller than the Lexus ES.
Larger in every way, an ES sedan has nearly 100 cubic feet of space while the TLX has just a bit more than 94 cubes. This shows in every category, giving the ES an advantage in headroom, legroom, and trunk space. 
Driver Cockpit Technology
If you want the ultimate driver cockpit, both brands are quick to oblige. Both offer a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital cockpit. Android Auto and Apple Carplay connect wirelessly as a modern convenience.
Lexus Navigation comes with a special upgrade that includes the Lexus Assistant. This is a remarkable liaison between the driver and the vehicle, helping with actions and information quickly. It also comes with Google Points of Interest. This helps you find fun adventures faster.
As for safety features, you’ll find both brands offer a rich package of driver assistance, even on the entry level editions. If you compare the Acura price to the Lexus price, there’s a really good chance that you will get more technology for your money with the Lexus ES. Find out more in this luxury sedan review.
Best Luxury Sedan For Phoenix Weather
In Phoenix's intense sunlight, automatic climate controls and ventilated seats are major comfort advantages. Likewise, every driver wants a remote starter. Early AC activation is extremely valuable for pre-cooling the cabin.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on all ES trims, ensuring greater individual comfort in Phoenix's extreme heat. Ventilated front seats are available with the technology package or a standard, depending on trim level. This feature significantly enhances comfort in hot weather by circulating air through the seat surfaces. The Lexus Remote Starter is part of the Lexus App, available with a subscription. .
The 2025 Acura TLX in Phoenix has standard dual zone climate controls. If you want ventilated front seats, you will need to step all the way up to the A-Spec and Type S trims. The AcuraLink app, like the Lexus app, has subscription services that include remote start and AC activation on the Technology, A-Spec, and Type S trims.
Lexus takes things a step further with its Climate Concierge. Available on the ES Ultra Luxury trim level, this four-zone automatic climate system can monitor and individually adjust the first and second row positions separately. It also can adjust the ventilated seats to match the driver and front passenger’s need for cooling. Likewise, it regulates the heated seats and heated steering wheel.
Second-Row Amenities
The ES and TLX offer the essentials in the second row, even at the entry-level. However Lexus provides more upgrade options for rear-seat comfort and convenience. Plus, as we proved earlier in this 2025 Acura TLX comparison, the ES is simply more accommodating to everyone. It has about four extra inches of second-row legroom.
For both, rear air vents are standard, essential for Phoenix summers. Also standard, there’s a center armrest with cupholders. Your adult passengers or your teens will appreciate second-row USB ports for charging their smartphones and other devices.
Offering more, there are manual rear window sunshades and power rear window sunshade on some trims. These aids offer protection from the intense Arizona sun, but only in the Lexus midsize luxury sedan. You can also enjoy an inexpensive window tinting package from Earnhardt Lexus.
As mentioned, the Climate Concierge allows for personalized air conditioning on the back row. Life is always better when the kids -- or your adult guests -- are cooler and happier.
If you are concerned about cold weather, Lexus offers rear seat heaters on its Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims while Acura offers them on its A-Spec and Type S trims.
Performance
The 3.5-liter V6 delivers 302 horsepower and still allows the Lexus ES driver to earn about 32 mpg highway. That’s power for the road and savings in your pocket.
You can compare that to the 2.0L VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engine on the 2025 Acura TLX. This engine delivers 272 horsepower, so while it may be competitive, it isn’t likely to be as speedy as the Lexus ES 350.
Then there’s the 2025 Lexus ES 300h. This 2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid generates an efficient 215 horsepower and can deliver that instantaneous electric torque that helps it take off from zero. It earns an incredible 43 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.
Regardless of which engine you choose, Lexus is more likely to give you the efficiency you want and the power you need.
Value and Prices
Lexus ES prices start in the low $40,000s. The trim levels include Ultra Luxury, F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, and Black Line Special Edition. The Acura TLX trim lineup starts in the low to mid $40,000s. Higher trims move quickly into the mid $50,000s for the TLX A-Spec or the TLX Type S.
Brand warranties are comparable so we’d say ownership considerations come down to Fuel efficiency, which is the forte of every Lexus whether it’s a hybrid or not, and value packaging, another area where this luxury brand excels.
While Acura provides amenities on par with Lexus, the Lexus trim level packaging is likely to be more satisfying to the buyer. It’s simply a matter of more value for the money.
Conclusion
With all of these things in mind, the Lexus ES should make your list while the Acura TLX can wait. The best way to determine if the ES 350 or 300h is right for you is to take a test drive.
Your local Phoenix area dealer is Earnhardt Lexus in North Scottsdale. Schedule a test drive.
Most new vehicles at Earnhardt Lexus include an “Arizona Window Tint Package” (sometimes referred to as the “Protection Package” or “No Bull Protection Package”) inclusive of highly-demanded, popular items designed to protect your investment such as window tint to help shield your interior from the intense Arizona sun. Price of the “Arizona Window Tint Package” is $579 at this dealership for most Cars, Vans, CUVs and SUVs. For some specific vehicles a Clear-Bra has been added and will be reflected accordingly in the price-stack. Actual vehicle sale price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer installed accessories, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
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