Is the Range-Topping Acura TLX Worth an Extra $20,000 Over the Top-Tier Integra?
Acura only has two sedans in its current lineup – the entry-level Integra and the midsize TLX. Both cars are luxurious, comfortable, and sporty in their own ways. However, the TLX is more expensive than the Integra, with its top trim costing $20,000 more than the top-trier Integra. But is it worth it?
The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec with Technology is well-equipped
Acura value-packed the 2023 Integra by offering three different trim levels without any standalone options. As such, it’s easy to pick the Integra that you want simply by choosing the right trim level:
- Base: $31,300
- Integra A-Spec: $33,300
- Integra A-Spec with Technology: $36,300
The top-trim Integra A-Spec with the Technology package can be optioned with either a CVT or a six-speed manual (for the same price). Transmission choice aside, the A-Spec trim level comes with everything the base trim model does, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather interior, but it adds a few aesthetic upgrades.
Some of the upgrades include LED foglights, a perforated leather interior, a sport appearance package, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Technology package ups the ante with notable features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment system, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system. The Technology package includes a remote start system for the Integra models with an automatic transmission.
Every Integra trim level is powered by the same 200-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the top trim adds an adaptive suspension for better handling when needed.
Overall, it’s clear that Acura put a lot into the Integra for a fair price. Let’s see how the top-tier TLX stacks up against it.
The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offers a robust feature set
The 2023 Acura TLX is available in five different trim levels:
- TLX base: $39,850
- TLX Technology: $43,850
- TLX A-Spec: $46,600 (AWD +$2,000)
- TLX Advance: $51,050
- TLX Type S: $55,550
- TLX Type S with Perf. Tire: $56,350
The Acura TLX Type S offers a robust feature set. The most notable features include power-adjustable driver and passenger front seats that are heated and ventilated, Milano leather upholstery with suede inserts, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The TLX also provides plenty of other creature comforts, but its real attraction lies under its hood.
The TLX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That power is transmitted to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. We drove the 2021 model and found its performance to be sublime. The turbocharged engine gains power smoothly as it goes through the RPM range, and the car’s tight suspension makes it handle well in the corners.
For stopping power, the TLX Type S relies on Brembo front brakes and, like the Integra, the TLX also has an adaptive suspension.
Is the top-trim TLX worth the extra money over the Integra?
It’s hard to say if the extra power and performance that the 2023 Acura TLX Type S provides is worth a whopping $20,000 over the top-trim Integra. When comparing both cars’ feature sets, there are plenty of similarities. That means anyone could be just as comfortable in the Integra as they would be in the TLX but for far less money.
In that case, it comes down to performance. If you’re the type of buyer that wants the racecar-like handling and acceleration that the TLX Type S can provide, the extra money spent could be worth it. But if you’re looking for an all-around daily driver and don’t care as much for performance, the Integra A-Spec will suit you just fine. At least it comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which is something the near-$60,000 TLX does not have.
