2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. 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 lounge vibe through thin LED strips and light matte wood.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru WRX moved away from its Impreza roots, featuring distinct front and rear styling, wide-body sides, and functional hood scoop. The WRX's design linked it visually to the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback, with a tuner aesthetic. The interior was basic but durable, with GT models offering Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery. The WRX's cabin was practical, with good outward visibility and a comfortable driving position, though it lacked a convenient spot for modern smartphones.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, thanks to its 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 the rear wheels. The Type S variant, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, excelled on the track with 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.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, with its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, produced 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) CVT. The SPT/CVT provided quick responses, mimicking a conventional automatic transmission, though it lacked the tactile feedback of a manual gearbox. GT models featured electronically controlled dampers and a drive mode select system, enhancing the driving experience. The WRX's AWD system and standard summer tires provided excellent grip, but the overall driving experience felt muted, with a quiet exhaust and laid-back steering.

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 low driving position. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. Despite its large exterior, the TLX could have offered more interior space.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, provided practicality with slightly more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic offered more rear-seat space. The WRX's trunk space was 12.5 cubic feet, less than its competitors. The cabin had good outward visibility, but lacked a convenient spot for modern smartphones, with small storage areas and poorly placed USB ports.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small 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, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard driver assistance features.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text clearly, but physical buttons and knobs were missed. The interface was mostly user-friendly, though SiriusXM took a long time to load.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and other driver assistance features. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

The 2023 Subaru WRX came with Subaru's EyeSight safety system, offering adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, and other driver aids. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The WRX received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.