2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving a floating appearance that was intentional and stylish.

The 2022 Audi A4, in contrast, was simple, clean, and conservative in appearance, serving as a perfect canvas for its Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels were a testament to automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained aesthetic restraint with black everything, complemented by aluminum trim and metallic accents. The air vents were seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and controls were clearly labeled. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel and ambient lighting added to the high-quality feel. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed out of place, appearing more as an afterthought than an integrated design element.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a shift-by-wire connection to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, and slightly lower for AWD. The TLX offered distinct driving personalities through its Integrated Dynamics System, with modes like Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Advance package added adaptive dampers, enhancing ride behavior. The TLX was nimble and fun to drive, with a solid feel over various road surfaces, and its weight was well distributed.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved an EPA rating of 29 mpg combined. The A4 45 TFSI, with 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, featured a lowered sport suspension and accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined. Both engines required premium gas and offered Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual driving modes. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system primarily powered the front wheels, transferring power to the rear when needed. The A4 excelled in driving dynamics, with outstanding tire grip and a refined engine, though the steering could be more engaging.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The low-profile controls were easy to access, complemented by paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two cupholders. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front sport bucket seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with perforated Milano leather. The second row folded in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, was challenging to enter and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, featuring soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The A4 had a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen. The rear seat, with a 40/20/40-split folding design, was comfortable for shorter trips but limited in space. Interior storage was minimal, with the center console bin occupied by a wireless charging pad. The 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2021 Acura TLX was rich in technology, with features like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission included Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control, enhancing performance without driver intervention. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and a premium ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 Audi Multi-Media Interface with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The screen supported smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. The A4 included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and a knob for stereo adjustments. The voice recognition was accurate but slow, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, airbags, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. New for 2021 were a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, and traffic-sign recognition. Available features included rear cross-traffic alert and a surround-view camera. The TLX had not been tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received high ratings.

The 2022 Audi A4's safety features varied by trim, with the Prestige model offering comprehensive coverage. It included Audi Pre Sense, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The A4's driver assistance tech was effective, though the adaptive cruise control had a delayed reaction in some situations. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.