2023 Honda Accord Hybrid 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 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 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid showcased an elegant exterior that could easily be mistaken for a luxury sedan. It featured a redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting, and a sleek roofline that tapered to the trunk. The Accord Hybrid Touring trim, priced at approximately $38,435, came with 19-inch alloy wheels and optional gloss-black HPD alloys. The interior was updated with a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument display. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its upscale feel, with generous legroom and shoulder room in the rear, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline.

The 2022 Acura TLX was powered by 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 extra $2000, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque at either rear wheel. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. 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 Honda Accord Hybrid, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Despite lacking AWD, the Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a balanced ride. The regenerative braking system, with six levels of regen, allowed for fine-tuning the driving experience. The Accord Hybrid was agile and easy to park, making it a relaxing drive in various environments.

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, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The climate control was straightforward, and the pushbutton gear selector required developing new muscle memory.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim hiding the dash-mounted air vents. The infotainment screen was complemented by buttons and dials for climate control, with heated and ventilated seats standard on the Touring trim. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, providing a convenient spot to rest the hand. The front seats offered excellent support, while the rear seats provided generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised. The trunk space was generous at 16.7 cubic feet, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to decipher. 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 "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, “Hey Google” virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The Touring trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports. The intuitive menus and physical volume knob and climate control buttons made the system user-friendly.

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 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.