Engineer Explains Why Acura TLX is Better Than Lexus IS: 5 Top Reasons why the TLX is Better

This is going to be a controversial video, because the camp is clearly divided on both sides of the fence when it comes to the question "which is better" - referring to the new 2021 Acura TLX to the newly revised 2021 Lexus IS.
While I am in love with Toyota and Lexus cars and would buy the Lexus IS in a heartbeat (especially the IS 500), the Acura TLX is still the better car when I do a formal, non-biased evaluation of the two.
This is a comprehensive, complete coverage of why I think the TLX is better and I go over all five reasons one by one. Please note that this is in addition to the full review I've already done on the 2021 Acura TLX previously.
Please watch until the end as I go over the reasons very logically and will help you make your decision about the TLX vs IS.

[@chucklau3512]

V6 over turbo 4 any day.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Lexus built and designed in Japan, Honda built and designed in the USA, no brainier Lexus all day long...

[@Rickster1965]

Toyota/Lexus isn’t too quick to be the first with new technology. They stay with tried and true, hence their high reliability ratings year after year.

[@davarenalford1725]

We all know Japanese built cars last longer

[@lostmind5063]

The lexus looks better.

[@andys1548]

I've always been a fan of Acura, my family has owned both and currently own a Lexus. Handling is definitely better on Acura's, the stereotype is definitely right about Lexus being an "old man car". Personally I'm Acura all the way, the interior is on par with today's competition. Whereas Lexus is lacking redesigns, starting with the same key fob that's been around in the early 2000's. Tech is way behind their competitors, Lexus needs to step up on that for sure

[@alanaguirre594]

Lexus still way better. Don’t even see any Acura TLX on the road

[@freakasound]

everyone skip to 6 min mark. everything before that is just rambling

[@lexingtonanderson4282]

We have 4, ES, IS, GS and LS, we traded Honda, Nissan, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, while not leading edge technology, they out class Honda in ownership satisfaction.

[@vinci93]

lexus is better, very reliable

[@AutomotivePress]

Hi all, many thanks for comments and feedback. I know that size-wise, the TLX competes more with the Lexus ES, but the data shows that IS buyers cross shop and cross compare to the TLX - which is why I'm comparing the two. They both have strengths and weaknesses, and they both have distinct character - so you can't go wrong with either one. Personally, I will pick the IS 500 launch edition which is what I am trying to get right now.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you everyone for your comments. Some people asked me which model I would buy as my personal car... and even though the TLX is a better car in most respects, I still like the Lexus myself and will likely buy the IS vs the TLX mainly because I love the current Lexus design and engineering. In fact, I'm pretty close to making a decision about putting a deposit for the IS 500 launch edition and trade-in my Supra.

[@alexanderradetsky6994]

I love the way you started with background information regarding the philosophical approach of both companies - thank you! It really added meaningful context to your position.

[@Mx5pro]

I love them both Acura and Lexus

[@omairsh8]

Acura has always had more soul and driver focus. They nailed it with this TLX

[@henrysniper8481]

After working at Acura dealerships and also Lexus dealerships, my experiences have created my preferences. I like preferentes, and love Lexus. Acura is a good car while Lexus is truly great in my opinion and really no car compares to the Lexus if you know cars.

[@rbasi25]

I had an acura tl in the past and it gave me nothing but problems. I have a 2016 lexus IS300 and it has had zero issues since day 1. Toyota is very reliable. Data shows us that you will be visiting the mechanic shop much less frequently with your lexus than you will with an acura.

[@boostitillblow]

Good review; however as a consumer Honda and Acura's reliability has gone down hill after the early 2000's due to all the high gadgets it has. Yes, it focus on tech like GM, Ford and all the others, while Toyota and Lexus focus on consumers who wants something reliable for themselves and their family. As a parent, am tired of taking the new Civic to the shop for a transmission repair, while my Lexus is almost at 400k miles. Also, it shouldn't matter where anything is made, as long as it's affordable and built well. I do hope Toyota don't lose focus on their quality in the future.

[@EyesChinky]

Dope review man!

[@Miiike604]

You have some really awesome content. Thank you for putting this video together. Really informative.