21 MPG combined is what drivers get who want the performance and prestige of the 2022 Acura TLX Type-S equipped with the performance tire package. This isn’t a number that will win any green car awards, nor is it meant to. The TLX Type-S with the stickier rubber appeals to a specific buyer: one who prioritizes driving enjoyment, styling, and a touch of exclusivity over outright fuel efficiency. They accept the fuel consumption as the price to pay for a different kind of driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the TLX Type-S with performance tires achieves 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands placed on the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 during frequent stop-and-go traffic. The quick bursts of acceleration this engine is capable of certainly don’t help. The highway number is more palatable, but still not class-leading. The ten-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range at cruising speeds, but the inherent thirst of a powerful six-cylinder ultimately dictates the outcome. If you spend most of your time commuting in dense urban environments, expect to see figures closer to the city estimate. Open road adventures should yield results approaching the highway number, but aggressive driving will quickly erode any gains.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,750 for the 2022 Acura TLX Type-S with performance tires. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. It’s important to recognize that this is just an estimate. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific conditions in which you operate the vehicle. Lead-footed drivers in areas with high gas prices will undoubtedly exceed this figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the TLX Type-S often sits slightly below the official numbers. Owners report combined MPG figures in the high teens to low twenties during normal driving. Factors such as weather conditions, tire pressure, and the use of accessories like air conditioning can all impact fuel consumption. The biggest determinant, as with any performance vehicle, will be how frequently you tap into the engine’s ample power reserves. Restraint pays dividends, but it’s not always easy with this car’s eagerness to perform.

How it compares

The TLX Type-S lives in a competitive segment, and its fuel economy doesn’t always stack up favorably. For example, the BMW M340i, while offering similar performance, typically achieves around 25 MPG combined. The Audi S4, another direct competitor, also tends to offer slightly better fuel economy in the 23-24 MPG range. Even the Genesis G70 3.3T, known for its potent engine, can often match or slightly exceed the TLX Type-S in terms of fuel efficiency. Buyers considering all Acura fuel economy data will likely already understand that a focus on sharp driving dynamics means giving up a few MPG to competitors. Those interested in seeing TLX MPG across all years can observe that there are more efficient models in the lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly exploit the V6’s exhilarating acceleration. Smooth, deliberate inputs will conserve fuel. The TLX Type-S provides immediate and intoxicating performance, but it’s also a heavy car, so any unnecessary throttle input leads to wasted fuel.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Optimal tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which directly translates to improved fuel economy. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended pressure, and use a reliable tire pressure gauge.

Avoid prolonged idling. Modern engines don’t require extended warm-up periods, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine.

Use the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) carefully. While “Sport” and “Sport+” modes enhance responsiveness, they also increase fuel consumption. The “Normal” or “Comfort” modes optimize fuel efficiency, providing a more relaxed driving experience without sacrificing too much performance.