The 2023 Acura TLX with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gets 25 MPG combined. It’s not a hybrid, and it doesn’t try to be. This TLX appeals to buyers wanting a stylish, well-appointed sports sedan that values driving engagement and looks over saving gas. It’s for drivers who appreciate a fun driving experience without emptying their wallets at the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the TLX FWD gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number shows typical stop-and-go traffic where the engine’s turbocharger is constantly working, which hurts efficiency. On the open road, the TLX is more relaxed. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps here, letting the engine cruise at relatively low RPMs. Remember that highway numbers can drop quickly if you constantly use the engine’s 272 horsepower. The TLX encourages spirited driving, which will decrease fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Acura TLX FWD 2.0L is $2,300. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a fuel price reflecting the national average. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do, and fuel prices in your area. Someone doing short city trips will probably spend more, while a driver with mostly highway miles could potentially spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers give a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Some TLX owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer trips. But, aggressive driving or mostly short trips can easily reduce overall fuel economy by 2-3 MPG. The TLX’s fun nature and responsive engine are part of why people like it. It is up to each driver how much they accelerate quickly and corner sharply. The more you drive using the car’s performance, the more you will hurt the fuel economy.

How it compares

The TLX is in a competitive market. A comparable BMW 330i (RWD), for example, is rated at 28 MPG combined, a noticeable 3 MPG improvement. The Lexus IS 300 RWD gets 25 MPG combined, matching the TLX. An Audi A4 40 TFSI gets 29 MPG combined. The Acura’s focus on a fun driving experience, luxurious interior, and sleek design are key selling points, which sometimes justify the slightly lower MPGs for the TLX buyer. Someone valuing pure fuel efficiency might prefer the Audi or BMW, but the TLX offers a good mix of performance and luxury. Be sure to check TLX MPG across all years for additional data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating quickly. The TLX’s turbocharger gives good power, but often accelerating hard reduces gas mileage a lot. Practice accelerating smoothly to keep the turbo from constantly boosting. Drive smoothly to keep your momentum, as smooth driving is efficient driving.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended levels listed on the doorjamb. This is important on a sporty car like the TLX where handling depends on optimal grip.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed on the highway reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy. The TLX has adaptive cruise control, letting you keep a safe distance while getting the best gas mileage.

Let the car idle as little as possible. Modern engines are fairly efficient, and idling for a long time uses fuel without moving the car. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Think about using premium fuel. The TLX can run on regular fuel, but Acura recommends premium fuel for the best performance and fuel economy. Premium fuel can help the engine run more efficiently, perhaps offsetting the higher cost. Analyze the actual MPG you get before seeing if premium fuel is right for you.