2025 Acura TLX: A Well-Deserved Retirement for the Japanese Sedan

It's now official—2025 will mark the final year of production for the legendary mid-size TLX sedan.

One can imagine the decision wasn't an easy one for the brand's top executives, but it's clear the end was near for the Japanese luxury sedan. It's an excellent car, but the rising popularity of SUVs and the return of the Integra ultimately sealed its fate. Whether or not the TLX will be replaced remains unknown.

A Bit of History

The Acura TLX arrived on the market in 2014, succeeding the TL—another car that had left a strong mark on the lineup. The TLX quickly established itself as one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment, thanks to its elegant design and sporty driving dynamics.

The Japanese sedan received a significant update in 2021, adopting a more athletic silhouette and even more impressive performance. It was with this second generation that the automaker introduced the Type S version. This four-door missile was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing no less than 355 horsepower. I personally loved driving this car, especially for its perfect balance between sportiness and precise steering. In short, the TLX has been a milestone model for Acura, and I'm certain it won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Declining Sales

Even though the Acura TLX remains a highly appealing car on all fronts, sales have been lagging in recent years. The brand's SUVs have been steadily gaining popularity, but what really changed the game was the return of the Integra nameplate to the Acura lineup. This iconic car experienced phenomenal success from the moment it launched, and the TLX has seemingly lived in its shadow ever since.

The sedan's departure will also make room for other models to join Acura's lineup—such as the upcoming ADX, a small SUV based on the Honda HR-V, which enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting. And that's not to mention other models set to arrive in the coming years.

For now, there's no indication of a direct replacement for the TLX. But who knows? The Japanese automaker might just pull another name from its past and offer us a brand-new mid-size sedan infused with a touch of nostalgia—very much in line with today's automotive trends.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier