2023 Honda Accord vs 2022 Acura TLX

In terms of look and feel, the 2022 Acura TLX exuded a substantial and luxurious presence. Its wide and long stance made a bold visual statement, reminiscent of larger luxury sedans. Comparatively, the Acura TLX appeared positively big, a trait further emphasized when stacked against the sales leader in its class, the BMW 3 Series. The TLX was more than three inches wider, with a near three-inch broader track width at the rear and almost two inches up front. The design featured thin headlights that pressed against a five-sided grille, a front bumper with fit and sharp curves, and large side tailpipes, which all contributed to its big-body sedan aesthetics. At nine inches longer than a 3 Series, with the extra length mostly on the hood, the TLX possessed an imposing and sophisticated look.

The Type S variant of the TLX had added exclusivity with a unique Tiger Eye Pearl gold paint color and our test model positively glowed in Performance Red Pearl. This striking red was complemented by performance-oriented design elements like a rear diffuser, chin spoiler extensions, and a polished black grille and trunk spoiler. The 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, modeled after the Acura NSX, were essential and showcased fiery red brake calipers. The Type S also featured four exhaust pipes and fully open outer front air intakes for cooling the additional radiator and brakes.

Inside, the TLX was consistent with its luxury sedan status but offered compact packaging. Notably snug inside, it compensated with impressive detailing such as angled air vents, inward curves on the aluminum trim, and distinct Scandinavian lounge vibes with thin LED lighting paired with light matte wood on the upper trims. Despite some quirks in the controls, like the touchpad infotainment system, the interior surfaces were soft, finely grained, and had a solid fit. Additionally, the seats on the TLX Type S featured faux-suede inserts and red stitching, showcasing daring choices not usually seen in competitors like Audi, Lexus, and Infiniti.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord went through a significant redesign that stripped away much of its previous exuberant character for a more modern, albeit conservative, look. Its exterior updates included notable changes such as a more technical appearance, a striking Canyon River Blue paint job, and pewter-finished wheels for the EX variant that provided a balance between the sparkly silver of the LX and the character-lacking black wheels that were popular.

Inside the Accord EX, the design provided appealing and durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. This design deftly integrated the air conditioning vents, which paired effectively with the digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system to offer refined switchgear. While it might lack some of the visual flair of its predecessor, the Accord maintained a solid and sophisticated appearance that catered to modern tastes.

In terms of performance, the 2022 Acura TLX stood out with its able engines and advanced drivetrain technologies. All TLX models sported a smooth and robust turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain ensured the TLX responded admirably in any driving mode.

The standard platform for the TLX was front-wheel drive, but for an extra $2,000, buyers could opt for the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. This precise system, capable of varying torque at each rear wheel instantaneously, greatly enhanced stability and handling. Specifically, in the Type S variant, the SH-AWD system shone, supporting the potent 3.0-liter turbo V6 that offered 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque starting at just 1,400 rpm. The track-engineered double-wishbone front suspension, adaptable dampers, and the SH-AWD system worked together to provide consistent grip and predictable handling.

On the track, the TLX delivered minimal turbo lag, direct steering feel, and aggressive braking performance thanks to Brembo front brakes. The main drawback noted was a subdued exhaust note, even on the Type S, which might appeal more to the broader market. The regular TLX, with its softer suspension, provided a comfortable ride, though it lacked the sporty feel of the Type S variant. Fuel economy for the Type S was modest, at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, with the regular TLX achieving slightly better figures.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Accord EX came equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine was carried over from the previous generation but refined for better performance. Remote engine starting and automatic engine start/stop were standard features, but the Accord lacked the punchy acceleration of its discontinued 2.0T variant.

The CVT in the Accord, while adequate for most driving scenarios, couldn't quite replicate the feel of a traditional automatic transmission despite its programmed ratio changes. The Accord maintained a front-wheel-drive setup, coupled with Michelin Energy tires. The suspension, comprising a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, managed the car's nose-heavy weight distribution admirably, with responsive steering and solid braking from its ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes.

The Accord's fuel economy, according to the EPA, was estimated at 32 mpg combined. However, in real-world testing under intense heat, the test car managed 28.7 mpg. The Accord performed well in general driving conditions, with excellent outward visibility and nimble handling. On twisty roads, the Accord's ride and handling displayed confidence—though the CVT's Sport mode revealed limitations, and the Michelin tires frequently squealed under pressure.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its larger exterior dimensions, felt tight for four passengers inside. The back seat offered decent headroom but fell short in legroom, highlighting the compact cabin dimensions. Up front, the Type S seats provided all-day comfort with adjustable thigh extensions and side bolsters. The low driving position and well-marked controls enhanced the driving experience, although the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation. Trunk space was modest at 13.5 cubic feet, trailing behind smaller vehicles like the Honda Civic, due to the space-consuming double-wishbone suspension.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord EX made practical improvements as one moved up in trim levels. With features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a split-folding rear seat, the Accord focused on everyday functionality. However, it omitted key conveniences such as a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and additional USB charging ports. The driver might struggle with limited seat-track travel, especially those with a longer inseam, while the hard plastic on the center console sides remained a potential discomfort source.

Rear passengers in the Accord benefited from a high-mounted back seat providing excellent leg support and ample legroom, easing ingress and egress. The Accord also boasted a significantly larger cargo space with a 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, offering more practical storage solutions than the TLX’s 13.5 cubic feet. The trunk's design facilitated easy loading, even accommodating full-size suitcases placed on their sides.

Technology-wise, the 2022 Acura TLX featured an infotainment system controlled by a touchpad interface. Despite the innovative design, the typefaces were small and hard to read, complicating the use of trip info and other menus. The TLX, notably with the Advance Package, included a head-up display, 360-degree cameras, and an ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers. The voice recognition system was quick and precise, complemented by standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and heated 12-way front seats. Additionally, the Technology Package allowed the climate control to dynamically respond to the sun’s position.

For the 2023 Honda Accord EX, technology offerings were more straightforward. It included a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The system featured throwback physical controls for ease of use, despite a misleading tuning knob arrangement. Though lacking SiriusXM and other premium tech features, the Accord's infotainment worked reliably, presenting a blend of basic functionality and simplicity.

The 2022 Acura TLX earned high marks in safety, securing a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims enhanced safety further with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

The 2023 Honda Accord came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. In addition, the EX trim could be equipped with affordably priced blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord's ADAS suite performed admirably, with accurate, refined, and sophisticated operation. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Accord a Top Safety Pick+ rating, underscoring its comprehensive safety credentials.