2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, designed to look like it exploded from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights gave it a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality added to its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. The driver’s position was described as a “sport sedan cockpit,” with different functions clustered together and authentic materials used throughout. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, adding to the car’s sophisticated interior.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F. It featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car was a thrill to drive, offering both emotional excitement and daily driving comfort. It commanded a premium price but delivered a satisfying experience with its powerful engine and impressive handling. The IS 500 F Sport Performance had a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine, exclusive 19-inch wheels, and minor trim modifications for a stealthy look. Inside, it was similar to the IS 350 F Sport, with a comfortable interior for four people and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, and 21/29/24 combined for AWD. The TLX was nimble and fun to drive, with distinct driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual) that adjusted the car’s parameters accordingly. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt solid and balanced, with impressive handling and a sprightly character.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% over the front wheels and 44% over the rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential were standard. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500 had an adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper for a comfortable and stable ride. It offered a thrilling driving experience with excellent handling and an intoxicating engine note.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console design. The transmission was engaged via a control panel in the center stack, freeing up space for a mini touchpad, cupholders, and storage cubby. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats were supportive and available with perforated Milano leather, 12-way power adjustability, and heating and ventilation options. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered ice-cold air conditioning, seat heaters, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were snug and comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were accommodating enough for adults of average height, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was good but could be better, with the touchpad controller taking up space in the center console. The trunk space was small at 10.8 cubic feet. The IS had an excellent control layout with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered multiple ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display, G-Meter, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving an ergonomic flaw. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling voice queries and commands accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, auto-high beam headlights, and a multi-angle rear-view camera system. The TLX also had a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. The 2021 TLX had not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received high ratings.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), a comprehensive package of safety features. The lane-departure warning system, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking technology were notable. The IS earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.