If you are shopping for a new luxury sedan, you are after a different level of comfort than the standard road car. In most cases, Lexus will top the charts regarding price, reliability, and available features. However, brands like Acura have made waves recently to punch above their weight and compete with the more prominent names. As a result, the Lexus IS is one of the best luxury sedans on the market. Here are three reasons to pick the 2023 Lexus IS and three reasons you might choose the 2023 Acura TLX instead.

The 2023 Lexus IS comes in eight configurations

Some would say you are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what trim of Lexus IS to buy. However, with eight total configurations, there is an option for everyone out there. Starting with the 2023 Lexus IS 300, which houses a turbo four-cylinder engine and is available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Next up is the Lexus IS 350 F Sport, which utilizes a V6 engine for some more oomph.

The IS350 is also available in rear or all-wheel drive and offers a design package for both trims. Lastly, you can choose the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance. The IS 500 uses a 472 horsepower V8 engine and sportier handling. Available only in rear-wheel drive, the IS 500 is performance focused and available with a “Premium” package.

The 2023 Acura TLX has six trim levels

Scaling for the 2023 Acura TLX trim levels is easier to understand than the Lexus IS. Starting with the base model, the Acura TLX comes with the same turbocharged four-cylinder and 10-speed automatic transmission as the Honda Accord. The engine makes 272 horsepower and puts the car at 5.9 seconds 0-60 mph. In addition, the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance package use the same drivetrain as the base model.

Differences lie in suspension, interior trim, and technology features. Moving to the Type-S model, you get a turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The top-spec trim for the TLX is the Type-S PMC, a limited package hand-built with more performance-oriented specifications and design elements.

How much does the 2023 Lexus IS cost?

A standard 2023 Lexus IS 300 is going to start at $40,585. This price point is a steal considering the Lexus comes with features like LED headlights, heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and safety features like lane-keep assist and pre-collision safety. Moving up to the Lexus IS 350 F Sport, you will start at $44,910. Again, you gain some aggressive styling elements, bigger wheels, a limited-slip differential, and sports seats with heat and ventilation. Lastly, you have the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance starting at $58,270. The IS 500 price difference comes from the dynamic handling package, an option on the IS 350, among a few other options that are now standard.

How much does the 2023 Acura TLX cost?

Surprisingly, the 2023 Acura TLX base model comes in at $41,045. This is nearly $1000 more than the Lexus IS 300. Although the TLX does have similar features to the IS 300, it does have a few advantages over the Lexus. Unlike faux leather in the base model Lexus, interior features like genuine leather set the TLX apart. Technology and A-Spec trims are $44,745 and $47,495, respectively. The Advanced trim TLX starts at $51,945 and adds a few more available options to the package. The actual price difference comes with the Type-S, which adds all the performance features for the $56,445 price tag.

Is the 2023 Lexus IS or the 2023 Acura TLX more reliable?

Judging by the reliability ratings from J.D. Power for the 2021 Lexus IS, the 2023 model year will be no different. The Lexus IS ranks 81 out of 100 in the top ten for its class. Although it is its own brand, Lexus is the luxury offshoot of Toyota, which is known for being one of the most reliable brands in the world.

As for the 2023 Acura TLX, J.D. Power ranks the previous model year at the same rating as the Lexus IS. Scoring 81 out of 100 in reliability, both cars compete at the same level of reliability. Much like the Lexus, Acura is the offshoot luxury brand of Honda. Yet another brand known for its incredible reliability, it comes as no surprise that the Honda D.N.A. bleeds into the Acura lineup.

Which one should you buy?

The 2023 Acura TLX and the 2023 Lexus IS are well-equipped luxury sedans. However, due to the price point, reliability ratings, and overall features, it is hard to distinguish which one is the better option. It comes down to brand loyalty and specific preferences with interior layouts or design choices. No matter which one you decide on, you won’t be disappointed.