2022 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a luxury sedan from a larger class. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width nearly three inches wider at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a front bumper with V-shaped curves, giving it a substantial yet sleek appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The interior, though snug, boasted impressive detailing, with upper trims offering a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe through thin LED strips and light matte wood.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX had a more subtle front end, despite being two inches wider than its predecessor. The signature hood scoop and small hexagonal grille were retained, but the profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents. The sport seats were supportive and well-upholstered, making the WRX a comfortable yet sporty option.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available for an additional $2000, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at either rear wheel. The Type S variant, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine generating 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelled on the track, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer P Zero tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The WRX came standard with AWD and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission provided a satisfying driving experience, with notchy and precise shifts and a forgiving clutch. The new WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, reduced body roll and improved ride quality on rough roads. The CVT, with eight shift points, offered faster upshifts and downshifts compared to the previous generation. However, the WRX's power improvement was minimal, and it felt sluggish compared to competitors like the Volkswagen GTI.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight for four passengers, with decent headroom but limited legroom in the back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a thigh extension on the Type S. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. Despite its size, the TLX could have offered more interior space.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, expandable with the rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth materials in the base and Premium trims and Ultrasuede in the Limited and GT trims. The WRX's standard AWD and comfortable seats made it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the typefaces were often too small to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard driver assistance features like AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system, with an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on premium trims, offered physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was not seamless. The base trim featured two 7-inch displays stacked vertically. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but offered blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform absorbed more energy in crashes, and it came with seven airbags as standard.