2023 Acura TLX 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 design 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 Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The interior, though snug, impressed with its detailing, including a narrow center console, angled air vents, and aluminum trim. Upper trims with the Advance package offered a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe with thin LED strips and light matte wood.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, making it a rarity on the road. The latest redesign, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language with a long, low, and lean profile, giving it a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required relearning. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, was the most expensive version, offering a performance wheel and tire package and premium floor mats. Despite its sporty appeal, the TLX's interior space and practicality were limited.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available for an extra $2000, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at the rear wheels. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. The Type S had an active exhaust, but it was relatively quiet. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2023 Acura TLX retained the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available with the A-Spec Package and standard on the TLX Advance and Type S models, provided mechanical torque vectoring. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was 21 mpg combined, with an average of 20 mpg during testing. The TLX's Electro Servo braking system, based on the NSX sports car, had a subtle mismatch between driver inputs and actual braking, affecting the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it was not a traditional touchscreen. Trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic, due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The front seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. However, the rear seat was small, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, comparable to a compact car. The interior design prioritized style over practicality, with a layered dashboard and a flat trunk floor.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the small typefaces were challenging to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions. 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 driver assistance features like AcuraWatch.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded terrific, but the TTI occupied valuable center console space.

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 included in the Technology Package and higher trims.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The Advanced Engineering Compatibility (ACE) body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety.