The 2025 Genesis G80 and 2025 Acura TLX are both midsize luxury sedans with elegant exteriors, classy cabins, and refined driving dynamics. During many test drives, we’ve also come away impressed with their speed and agility. That’s a good thing, considering the G80 and TLX don’t just battle each other; they compete against established rivals like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus ES.
To find out how they fare against such heated competition, as well as compare when pitted directly against each other, let’s explore the highlights of the Genesis G80 and Acura TLX.
2025 Genesis G80
Starting at $58,350, including destination charge, the Genesis G80 is available with a choice of powertrains. The standard setup is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on every G80. For added thrust, there’s an optional 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.
A mid-generation refresh this year sees the exterior spruced up with minor tweaks to the headlights, grille and front air intakes. Changes in the cabin include a super-large 27-inch OLED display. Genesis has reinstated physical controls in the center console for volume, tuning, and temperature adjustment. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto becomes standard, the infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates, USB-C ports replace USB-A, the Digital Key feature is now compatible with Apple iPhones, a fingerprint reader becomes available, and the 360-degree camera system (in Sport Prestige trim) has a screen capture function — owners can access this remotely to check on their car’s surroundings. The previous Lexicon audio system is replaced by a Bang & Olufsen setup. The cabin also gains 64-color ambient lighting set into more places.
Genesis G80 Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: A welcome feature for enhanced traction on both slick roads and dry pavement.
Bang & Olufsen audio: We’ll admit it, we were big fans of the old Lexicon stuff. But we doubt that even the pickiest audiophile with bat-like hearing would complain about the new 18-speaker/1,400-watt setup available in the 2025 G80.
Highway Driving Assist 2: This partially automated highway driving assistance system is another useful feature that’s standard in every G80. It helps take some of the fatigue and stress out of extended journeys. Its natural feeling makes it one of our favorite systems of its kind.
It’s getting hot in here: Leave the sweater and mittens at home because the G80 will keep its occupants nice and toasty with heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. And yes, these are also standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the G80 models near you.
2025 Acura TLX
The 2025 Acura TLX rolls into 2025 exactly as it left the previous year. That’s fine, since standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, leather upholstery, plus a wireless phone charging pad. The entry-level TLX Technology model begins at $46,595, including the destination charge.
Acura TLX Highlights
Sporty Type S: We think most TLX shoppers will be more than happy with the base 272-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It’s smooth, revs easily, and pairs well with the slick 10-speed automatic transmission. That said, we really like the 355-hp turbocharged V6 in the TLX Type S. It provides sports-car levels of acceleration with a 4.9-second sprint from standstill to 60 mph.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive: This is Acura’s none-too-bashful name for the TLX’s all-wheel-drive hardware. We admit, it’s pretty darn super. Whether the road is slippery or bone dry, SH-AWD transfers power to individual wheels, boosting grip and providing sharp steering responses.
ELS audio system: Countering the new Bang & Olufsen unit offered in the Genesis G80, the ELS surround-sound system in the TLX has awesome audio quality. ELS stands for Elliot Scheiner, a Grammy-winning sound engineer whose expertise went into crafting this system.
Wireless device charging: Every 2025 Acura TLX trim has this as standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the TLX models near you.
Similarities
This is a close comparison, and neither the Genesis G80 nor the Acura TLX wilts under pressure. They each have strong base engines, along with zestier turbo V6 options.
Conclusion
These two are in a virtual dead heat in our ranking of Best Luxury Midsize Cars. We love the G80’s performance, yet its fuel economy is below average for its class. The same can be said about the TLX, however.
One area where the G80 holds a clear advantage is in warranty coverage. A 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty is complemented by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This could seal the deal for some car shoppers. Although so could the TLX’s significantly lower starting price. The Acura also has a slight edge in terms of resale values.
| 2025 Genesis G80 | 2025 Acura TLX | |
| Starting Price | $58,350 | $46,595 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 22 city/30 highway/25 combined | 22 city/31 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Turbo 3.0-liter V6, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 118.5 inches | 113.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.7 inches | 194.6 inches |
| Width | 75.8 inches | 75.2 inches |
| Height | 57.7 inches | 56.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 40.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 34.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.3 inches | 58.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.1 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 13.1 cubic feet | 13.5 cubic feet |