Fun One: 2025 Acura TLX Type S

So give the video a look as the TLX sings its swan song.

Connie Peters is an automotive video creator and journalist covering all types of cars and trucks for the past 10 years in suburban Vancouver. You can watch all of her  videos on her YouTube channel or find here on social media: Instagram.com/xoconniepeters , TikTok.com/@xoconniepeters, Facebook.com/xoconniepeters, Threads.net/@xoconniepeters

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A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

[Image: Video Thumbnail]

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This is the 2025 Acura TLX, and it’s the top-performance Type S model. Nothing has changed for 2025—it’s essentially a carryover after receiving a refresh in 2024. This is one of my favorite sedans to drive. I love driving it—it’s genuinely fun, thanks to its turbocharged V6, which delivers strong power and sounds great.

But there is one thing that would keep me from buying this car. In fact, it’s the reason I absolutely would not buy it. Let’s take a look around.

I have it in Sport Plus mode right now, and I love the sounds it makes. It feels incredible to drive. Under the hood is a 3.0L turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

The base TLX, which is not a Type S, comes with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. So, stepping up to the Type S represents a significant jump in performance. I would choose the Type S without hesitation—I know I’ve said this already, but it really is one of my favorite sedans to drive. The Type S also gets a sport-tuned suspension, which gives it a noticeably more engaging drive compared to the base TLX.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever driven the base TLX. Every time the TLX shows up in the press fleet here, it’s the Type S—and I’m grateful for that. It’s a joy to drive.

I love the sporty rear end of the TLX Type S. It has quad exhaust tips, signature Acura badging, a black rear spoiler, and a generally aggressive look. In both Canada and the U.S., the Type S is all-wheel drive. However, other TLX trims are front-wheel drive in the U.S. In Canada, all TLX models come with all-wheel drive.

The trunk is spacious, and I appreciate the durable rubber mat. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, and you can release them from the trunk area, which is a convenient feature.

Inside, the TLX has a beautiful interior. But here’s the deal-breaker for me: the trackpad. It’s the only way to control the infotainment system and vehicle settings, and I absolutely can’t stand it. It’s difficult to use and extremely frustrating.

Yes, the system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and connects quickly. The infotainment is responsive, and the ELS Studio 3D sound system is excellent—but the trackpad alone is enough to make me walk away from this car.

We have dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and Acura’s push-button gear selector, which I do like. The different drive modes are great too. You might even hear the difference in engine sound as I switch from Normal to Sport to Sport Plus. The modes also adjust the digital driver display, which I appreciate. Acura does a nice job with the animations and interface—when I press the brake, you can even see it reflected in the cluster graphics.

We also have adaptive cruise control, steering wheel controls for media, and a heated steering wheel. Without these steering wheel buttons, I don’t even know if I’d listen to music in this car because the infotainment is that frustrating. I do like the volume knob, and the system lets you skip tracks as well, but I mostly rely on the controls on the wheel.

The red leather interior is gorgeous. Acura consistently does a great job with red interiors. You may remember I had it recently on the RDX as well. We’ve got a center armrest with cupholders and USB-C charging ports in the back, along with air vents and seatback pockets. There is a large center tunnel, so the middle passenger won’t have much foot room. I’m 5’1″, and I find the space comfortable. However, I wish this $70,000 car had a panoramic sunroof.

Again, the ELS Studio 3D audio is excellent, and the red leather with red stitching carries through to the door panels. There’s some hard plastic up top, but the cabin still looks and feels upscale overall.

Some of you sometimes ask me to try on the rear seatbelt, so here it is. I’m 5’1″, and I fit comfortably. This is a proper five-passenger sedan, though four would be more comfortable on longer trips.

Earlier, I mistakenly said the base TLX is rear-wheel drive—it’s actually front-wheel drive. Only the Type S comes with all-wheel drive in both the U.S. and Canada.

Beyond the power, the Type S also benefits from a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and large 20-inch wheels. It’s a true driver’s car and remains a joy behind the wheel.

The base TLX starts at around $59,000 CAD (about $46,500 USD). This fully-loaded Type S comes in just under $70,000 CAD, or roughly $59,000 USD. The base engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 272 horsepower, while the Type S gets the 3.0L V6.

This week, I also have the Mercedes-Benz CLE in for comparison. That car is $77,000 CAD, but it’s a two-door coupe and a four-seater, so it’s a different experience. It’s also not as powerful.

Ultimately, I really do love driving the TLX. Let me know what you think in the comments, and please subscribe. I’ll see you again soon.