2023 Nissan Altima vs 2022 Acura TLX

For the 2022 Acura TLX, the exterior design embodied the wide and long stance of a luxury sedan, appearing almost a size class larger. It was described as positively big, with a width extending more than three inches wider compared to the class-leading BMW 3 Series. The Acura TLX offered visual elements such as thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and V-shaped curves on the front bumper, along with large tailpipes at each side. These features contributed to a bold, muscular design.

The Type S trim introduced exclusive aesthetics including a unique Tiger Eye Pearl paint color and additional performance-oriented accents like polished black rear diffusers, chin spoiler extensions, and Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The interior, although compact, was noted for its snug but luxurious feel with detailed design elements, soft and finely grained surfaces, and an electronically advanced interface. The Type S models boasted faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and creamy white leather options that were daring compared to other brands.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima featured updated front styling with a revised grille design, new wheel designs, and two new paint colors aiming to enhance its visual presence, especially in higher trim levels with 19-inch wheels. The Altima SL trim, used for a detailed analysis, came with vulnerable wheel designs prone to curb damage. The departure of the Platinum trim made SL one of the most upscale, aligning with the SR VC-Turbo variant for powerful performance.

The Altima's interior had inexpensive fittings, with an easy-to-understand layout and comfortable Nissan Zero Gravity seats designed for optimal support. However, materials like simulated wood fell short of luxury expectations. The Altima's interior was practical but highlighted by hard plastic, with some refinement in features like dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery in higher trims. Another practical aspect was its practical and straightforward interior design, although not as daring or upscale as the TLX.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered robust performance across its lineup. The base model was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was available, enhancing stability and handling by varying torque between rear wheels as needed. The Type S variant went even further with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, available from just 1,400 rpm.

Track-tested performance showed the TLX was developed with sporting intentions, aided by its complex double-wishbone front suspension and Pirelli P Zero summer tires. The adaptive dampers, sharp SH-AWD, and high torque from the Type S engine made it a balanced and fun vehicle to drive. Despite its sporty edge, TLX offered a comfortable ride without sacrificing daily driving comfort. Fuel economy was so-so, with city/highway/combined figures at 19/24/21 mpg for the Type S and up to 21/31/25 mpg in FWD models.

For the 2023 Nissan Altima, most models featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque in FWD models (182 hp and 178 lb-ft in AWD). AWD options were available with SV, SR, and SL trims, offering up to half of the engine’s output to the rear wheels as needed. The SR VC-Turbo variant included a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with variable compression, producing 236 horsepower (248 hp with premium fuel) and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The sporty SR and SR VC-Turbo models had sport-tuned suspensions, although firm rides and poor visibility due to the design were drawbacks. Fuel economy in combined driving ranged from 30 to 32 mpg with the standard engine and 29 mpg with the turbocharged option. Despite adequate performance, the Altima delivered a lackluster driving experience with a firm ride and noticeable noise on rough roads.

Despite its large exterior, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight inside, especially for rear passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom due to the car’s relatively short wheelbase. Upfront, seats were all-day comfortable, offering adjustable elements like thigh extensions and side bolsters in the Type S variant. However, the Acura touchpad interface required acclimation, being different from traditional touchscreens. Trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet, smaller than expected for its size, but allowed more space for suspension components.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, while featuring inexpensive interior fittings, was practical and straightforward with logical control layouts. Rear seat comfort was good, characterized by a tall cushion and plenty of legroom and headroom. However, the cabin suffered from hard plastics and some ergonomic issues like the challenging floor mat snaps. The Altima's trunk measured a more generous 15.4 cubic feet, offering usefully shaped space but still trailing behind competitors in some aspects.

The 2022 Acura TLX came equipped with a sharp infotainment interface that lacked ease of use initially. Its small typeface for certain settings was a challenge but was coupled with a well-equipped head-up display, exclusive in the Advance Package along with features like 360-degree cameras and heated elements. The ELS Studio audio system provided high-quality sound, and Acura’s innovative climate-linked navigation system was a highlight. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance technologies under the AcuraWatch banner.

In the 2023 Nissan Altima, technology varied widely by trim. The base S trim offered minimal tech with a basic 5-inch display radio. Higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone integrations and the new 12.3-inch touchscreen system available on SV and SR trims, standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo, featuring improved graphics, wireless CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, Nissan offered a Bose nine-speaker audio system, performing variably across different music genres. Overall, the new infotainment system marked a significant improvement in user experience and interface quality.

The 2022 Acura TLX boasted top safety accolades, being rated a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It featured knee airbags, advanced airbag design, and comprehensive driver assistance systems like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available in higher trims.

Similarly, the 2023 Nissan Altima was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trims, including features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available from SV trim up, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist but lacked smooth operation. The Altima also earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for 2022, although it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.