At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
271hp @ 5600
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Acura Tlx and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Tlx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Tlx returns 26 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,050 for the Tlx and $32,495 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
183.8in
Width (in)
75.2in
71.9in
Height (in)
56.4in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3709lbs
3351lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Acura Tlx
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tlx
Fuel Economy
Tlx
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price ($32,495)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or WRX?
The Tlx gets 26 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tlx is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tlx or WRX?
The Tlx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and WRX?
The Tlx starts from $40,050 and the WRX from $32,495. The WRX is cheaper by $7,555 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Tlx or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider