2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Honda Civic

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. Inside, the TLX boasted high-quality materials and a driver-focused "sport sedan cockpit." The dashboard was thoughtfully sectioned, with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving a floating appearance that was both intentional and stylish.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature design, reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. The 11th-generation Civic was less flashy than its predecessor, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored look. Inside, Honda returned to simplicity with a minimalistic layout. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents. The Touring trim offered improved materials, reflecting a newfound maturity. Despite its low stance, the Civic provided ample rear legroom, though the backrest angle might have felt too reclined for some.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX offered an engaging driving experience, with adaptive dampers and an Integrated Dynamics System that adjusted driving modes. It boasted 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts, providing a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing responsiveness. With improved structural rigidity and revised suspension tuning, the Civic delivered a fun and predictable driving experience. However, the Civic Touring's fuel economy fell short of the EPA estimate during testing, returning 30.4 mpg instead of the expected 34 mpg.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed a mini touchpad for infotainment control, along with cupholders and storage cubbies. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy loading.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured a power-adjustable driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but rear legroom was generous. The redesigned center console offered less storage but more accessible cupholders. The trunk provided 14.8 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to audio system components.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available in the Advance Package.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with a 10-inch display in the Touring trim. The Vehicle Activity display provided crucial information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim offered a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's voice recognition technology was notably improved.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system in the EX and Touring trims. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard across all trims.