UPDATE: 2026/06/06 11:00 EST BY DAN CLOUGHER
Running And Maintenance Costs Need To Be Factored In
Details on the ongoing costs of both Camry and TLX Type S ownership have been added.
Choosing a Toyota Camry is a no-brainer. Its legendary reputation for reliability goes hand-in-hand with its practical size and relatively comfortable ride. The Camry isn’t a premium car, but its current generation has some nice features in the higher trim levels. However, for not much more money than a higher grade of the 2026 Camry would cost, you could opt for a used luxury sedan with over 100 more horsepower than the Camry currently offers. Enter the 2022 Acura TLX Type S.
Acura discontinued the TLX after the 2025 model year to many enthusiasts’ dismay as the brand turned its focus to a few SUVs and the Integra four-door. Buyers today can probably find a few still-new 2025 TLXs on dealer lots, but we prefer to step back a few model years. The 2021 and 2022 model years have depreciated enough to be worth about the same as a new Camry. A buyer could have a tough decision to make between the two sedans. In this article, we compare them in terms of powertrain specs, price/current values, interior dimensions and features, and more.
Setting a Baseline: 2026 Toyota Camry Specs
2026 Toyota Camry XSE front 3/4 angle in gray while parkedToyota
2026 Toyota Camry Specs Overview
Powertrain
2.5-Liter I4 Hybrid
Horsepower (combined)
184 hp
0-60 mph
~6.9 seconds
Drivetrains
FWD or AWD
Transmission
eCVT
Fuel Economy
52/49/51 mpg (FWD)
51/49/50 mpg (AWD)
*EPA estimates for the LE trim
The ninth generation of the Camry began for the 2025 model year, and it marked a major powertrain change for the model by giving every model a hybrid powertrain. Outputs vary depending on drivetrain. The 2026 Camry makes 184 horsepower in its standard hybrid configuration. One benefit of an all-hybrid lineup is great fuel economy. Some of you may disagree with Toyota’s decision, but you can’t argue with up to 51 miles per gallon combined. Even the top trim level with AWD gets 43 mpg combined.
A Luxury Sedan with 300 HP for the Same Price
2021 Acura TLX Type S front 3/4 angle in gold while drivingAcura
Now here’s the deal: the Camry is a nice car with great fuel economy and a smooth driving experience. It’s perfect for those who simply need a commuter car to get them from home to work and back without problems. That said, some of us prefer to have a little excitement in our lives. The Acura TLX is a premium midsize sedan with tons of comfort features at every level, including the Type S variant. At the top of the TLX lineup is a sports sedan with its own powertrain, making 355 horsepower.
2022 Acura TLX Type S Specs Overview
2024 Acura TLX Type S detail shot of the engine bayAcura
2022 Acura TLX Type S Specs Overview
Powertrain
3.0-Liter Turbo V6
Horsepower
355 hp
Torque
354 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.9 seconds
Drivetrain
AWD
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy
19/24/21 mpg
The 2022 TLX Type S is by no means a budget car, but it offers heaps of thrilling performance that makes the price feel like a bargain. The TLX Type S was introduced for the 2021 model year. CarBuzz felt it was a fun bargain sports sedan when new, and it’s even better now that depreciation has taken a toll. That said, examples from the 2022 model year should have dropped in value by about the same amount as the debut year, except with fewer miles on the odometer.
Related
Cheapest Lexus Hybrid Sedan Vs. Priciest Camry: How Should You Spend Your $45k?
For about $45,000, you can buy a fully loaded 2025 Toyota Camry or an entry-level 2025 Lexus ES hybrid. We discuss which is the bet bet.
Unique to the Type S variant is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both this version and the ones with the “performance wheel and tire” package come with standard all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission. While we wish it were available with a manual transmission, the 10-speed handles the sedan’s power well. Plus, its paddle shifters and rev-matching downshifts make for some exciting exhaust noise, too.
Used Acura TLX Type S Vs New Toyota Camry Pricing
2026 Toyota Camry Trims and Pricing
2026 Toyota Camry XSE rear 3/4 angle in gray while parkedToyota
2026 Toyota Camry Pricing by Trim
LE
$29,100
SE
$31,600
Nightshade
$32,600
XLE
$34,300
XSE
$35,500
The Camry’s main rivals include the Kia K5, which costs a bit less, and the Honda Accord, with higher starting prices than its competition. Part of what makes the Camry appealing is its positioning between two major rivals. Five trims are available for the 2026 Camry. The grades start with the LE base model that costs a reasonable $29,100 (before destination and options), while the XSE is reaching premium territory at $35,500. In fact, when fully optioned, we feel it’s comparable to a base Lexus model. The Nightshade is a new trim level introduced for the 2026 Camry that sits comfortably in the middle of this sedan’s lineup as a nicer alternative to the base models with more features.
2022 Acura TLX Type S Current Values
2025 Acura TLX Type S close-up of front fender and wheel in grayAcura
The chart above shows what the average 2022 TLX Type S costs these days, but does not necessarily represent what you’d actually pay for one. Used car prices vary depending on factors like the number of previous owners, how many miles are on the odometer, the vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition, and more. Since this car isn’t that old yet, we would be surprised to see any in particularly rough shape, though.
Related
Best Midsize Luxury Sedans Of 2026
This competitive segment is packed with classy sedans.
You’ll have to stretch your budget a bit if you plan to choose fun over efficiency. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2022 model year is currently worth about $35,200 to a private party, and its reasonable selling price (fair purchase price) is around $37,200. If you already planned to get the Camry XSE and load it up with options, this Acura might be more enticing.
Running And Maintenance Costs Need To Be Factored In
2024 Acura TLX Type S rear 3/4 angle in gold while drivingAcura
Of course, it’s to be expected that a performance-orientated model with a luxury edge is going to cost more to service, fuel-up, maintain, insure, and repair than something like a Camry, but by how much exactly? It’s not as if we’re suggesting buyers head out and buy a W12-powered Phaeton or anything; the Acura is actually quite sensible.
Ownership Costs
- CarEdge predicts a TLX to consume $7,896 in maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years on the road, whereas a Camry is expected to only require $4,850
- It’s also estimated that the TLX will set buyers back $2,425 more in insurance over five years than a Camry would
- Estimated fuel bills practically double, when comparing the TLX to a Camry
It’s worth noting that those costs aren’t even specific to the Type S, so it’s likely they would be even higher in the real world. So, clearly there is a price to pay for being at the helm of an Acura, rather than a Toyota. Still, if those extra costs are tolerable, and the buyer appreciates the difference in power and quality on a daily basis, then the Type S continues to look like a solid alternative. It’s also worth mentioning that a new Camry will depreciate steeper than a used TLX, typically, which again makes the sporty choice all that more attractive.
2022 Acura TLX Type S vs New Camry Dimensions
2025 Acura TLX Type S interior view of the dashAcura
TLX Type S vs Camry Interior
2022 TLX Type S
2026 Camry
Seating Capacity
5 Occupants
5 Occupants
Headroom (1st/2nd) (inches)
37.2 | 36.3
37.5 | 37.6 (with moonroof)
Legroom (1st/2nd) (inches)
42.5 | 34.9
42.1 | 38.0
Cargo Capacity
13.5 cubic feet
15.1 cubic feet
Both models fall into their respective midsize segments, with the TLX being coined a premium midsize sedan against more expensive rivals. Nevertheless, they can be compared in terms of interior space. The Camry is slightly larger, with more rear-seat legroom and a more spacious trunk. While the TLX can also seat up to five people, its nearly 35 inches of rear legroom might make it difficult for an adult to sit comfortably for extended drives.
Is a Used TLX Type S Really that Luxurious?
2022 TLX Type S Features
2024 Acura TLX Type S interior view of the front cabinAcura
Despite its higher price tag, the TLX Type S would offer a sportier driving experience than the Toyota Camry. Now let’s talk features. The Camry’s XSE trim would be a worthwhile purchase, but the 2022 TLX Type S offers an even more premium ride. In addition to a host of safety equipment, some of the standard features include:
- Heated power side mirrors
- 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Remote start with the key fob
- ELS Studio 17-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone A/C
- Perforated Milano leather seats with contrast stitching
- Heated and ventilated front seats
2026 Camry Features
2026 Toyota Camry XSE interior view of the front cabinToyota
When discussing Camry features, we are sticking to the XSE trim to give it a fighting chance. Being at the top of the lineup means this version is already well-equipped, but options make it even better. Standard features include a 6-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone A/C, and more. The available upgrades include a 9-speaker JBL audio system, ventilated front seats, and a heated leather steering wheel.
Related
Driven: 2024 Acura TLX Type S Is A True Performance Bargain
It isn’t as quick as its rivals – but it is excellent value.
How Can You Pass up a Sedan This Nice?
2025 Acura TLX Type S, Rear 3/4 angle, GreyAcura
We love the current Toyota Camry with its ultra-efficient hybrid powertrain, optional all-wheel drive, and handsome styling. When you reach the XSE trim level, it even starts to feel as nice as a basic Lexus sedan. However, it doesn’t take much more cash to afford a used Acura TLX Type S. According to Kelley Blue Book, buyers can expect to pay a couple thousand more than the new Camry XSE for a TLX with 355 horsepower. The Type S also comes with Brembo brakes, upgraded suspension, and more features that make it a thrilling canyon carver.
Sources: Toyota, Acura, Kelley Blue Book
