Options to the norm
It is truthful to say that BMW nonetheless units the bar for efficiency sedans, and that Mercedes-Benz follows swimsuit, together with Lexus and some others. Genesis and Acura appear to return in solely as alternate options, and infrequently lead the pack. I, for one, disagree with this, as each of the efficiency variations of those autos are excellent in their very own methods.
Zac Palmer
On the again roads, each autos are surprisingly rewarding, however they must compromise some trip consolation for a stiffer suspension to reinforce their efficiency. Not everybody will admire that, and there are alternate options to these alternate options which will really feel higher to some. Let’s take a look at how they stack up towards one another.
Genesis G70 3.3 Turbo: Lauded for good purpose
For those who take a look at opinions from fellow automotive journalists concerning the Genesis G70, many are constructive, and a few are glowing. The G70 has captivated many with its robust efficiency, understated luxurious, and stable pricing. There’s little to dislike, so long as you perceive that compromise remains to be wanted.
The 2025 Genesis G70 3.3 Turbo comes into this mannequin yr with only a few adjustments. Most notably, the brand new Burleigh Blue Matte exterior coloration seems to be gorgeous, however there’s little else to report. The G70 3.3 Turbo sports activities a turbocharged 3.3 V6 that makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. That is very aggressive, and its efficiency is nearly as good, if not higher than, many rivals. There may be additionally an excellent turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 300 hp, which is extra frugal and much inexpensive, whereas nonetheless offering wonderful energy. Each engines are paired with an 8-speed computerized transmission, which feeds the rear wheels or all of them with the non-compulsory all-wheel drive (AWD).
Pricing for the bottom mannequin begins at $42,500 for the 4-cylinder with rear-wheel drive. The mannequin we’re evaluating to the TLX Kind S is the three.3-liter turbo Sport Advance AWD, which begins at $53,050 and tops out at $57,450 for the three.3T Sport Status AWD. At that degree, you get class-leading luxurious blended in with an excellent efficiency automotive. The three.3T is EPA-rated at 17 mpg metropolis and 25 freeway, whereas the AWD drops to 23 mpg on the freeway.
The G70 will get a normal 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that sits pretty excessive on the dashboard, together with an 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Constructed-in navigation, together with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, additionally comes normal, and a head-up show is non-compulsory. The inside design, supplies, and total structure are among the greatest at school. Each G70 I’ve pushed has wonderful entrance seats, and the higher-end fashions may very well be the very best at school for consolation. Sadly, the again seats are very tight, making consolation for adults a compromise. The 11 cu-ft of trunk house can be on the small facet.
The Acura TLX Kind S: Drives virtually nearly as good because it seems to be
Leaning extra on its efficiency over luxurious, the Acura TLX Kind S is a remarkably rewarding drive. It’s a type of uncommon vehicles that eggs you on to drive it tougher, and its limits are huge. Certain, some could really feel like it is a bit too primitive to be thought-about a luxurious efficiency sedan, however it might probably mute some voices with its painfully handsome exterior design.
Just like the G70, a 4-cylinder turbo and a V6 can be found, together with AWD. Not like the G70, the Acura TLX begins off with a front-wheel drive structure and an honest 272-hp 4-cylinder engine. You may get AWD as an possibility, but it surely’s a tad sluggish for some. The TLX Kind S comes with a turbocharged V6 that makes 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It comes normal with a 10-speed computerized transmission and AWD.
A base front-drive 4-cylinder turbo mannequin begins at $45,400, and the turbo V6 Kind S begins at $58,050. The compromise is the A-Spec, which supplies you numerous the picture of the Kind S, with the 4-cylinder powertrain and non-compulsory AWD for simply over $50,000. The Kind S is EPA rated at 19 mpg metropolis and 25 mpg freeway.
The inside is a little bit of a blended bag. It has a big 12.3-inch heart infotainment display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, that are effectively positioned and clear, however the UX is not that intuitive for a lot of drivers. Most of the digital aids additionally take time to determine. The inside design cues scream high-tech and sporty, however have some luxurious touches right here and there. The entrance seats are very snug, with good bolstering for sporty driving. Sadly, the again seats, just like the G70, are cramped for adults; thankfully, the trunk has a way more usable 14 cu-ft. of house.
Which is best to drive?
It is a humorous factor, however at 4,212 lbs for the Acura TLX and 4,017 lbs for the Genesis G70 3.3T, the heavier automotive feels lightest on its toes. That is partly because of the SH-AWD system being remarkably succesful when pushed. It’s a mixture of digital and mechanical parts that shifts energy aft, then side-to-side, permitting the wheel that wants it to get energy and giving the driving force the efficiency to claw round a nook with severe athleticism.
On paper, the G70 3.3T is a hair quicker. The AWD model can go from 0 to 60 mph within the mid-4-second vary, whereas the TLX Kind S is a fraction of a second slower. Actually, on a again highway, the distinction between these autos is all all the way down to how they grip and talk with the driving force. To me, it is a easy reply. The Acura TLX Kind S is barely extra partaking to drive and barely extra attentive to high-performance driving. On the identical time, the G70 is extra composed whereas nonetheless being a hoot to drive round.
The Kind S has larger brakes, 20-inch wheels with sticky rubber, and a really agency suspension setup. Though the G70 is not fairly as agency, it is no Bentley on the subject of trip, and it might probably gitter and buck on rougher patches. Each have nice steering, however I really feel just like the Acura tells me somewhat extra about what my entrance wheels are doing.
Genesis G70 James Lipman
Last ideas
I am a giant fan of alternate options, particularly enjoyable ones. I like driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia, and suppose it could be a positive various too, however each these autos are smarter buys. There’s additionally a nasty rumor going round that Genesis could part out or change the G70 primarily based on gradual gross sales. I hope that does not occur any time quickly, because it’s such an amazing driver.
I like the way in which the Acura TLX Kind S seems to be, and it’s a candy automotive to drive aggressively. On the identical time, I’m at all times impressed with the supremely well-appointed G70 3.3T and its total driving character. All of it comes all the way down to logic vs enjoyable, and which one is a greater worth, and I truthfully cannot resolve which one I might choose. How about you?
