2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with a width surpassing the BMW 3 Series by over three inches, and a length nine inches longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with LED strips and soft surfaces, offering a sense of well-spent money. The Type S models included faux-suede inserts and daring color options, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Crown, a full-size sedan, stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles. Its styling was more universally appealing, with a massive grille and angular wraparound headlights. The Crown's side profile featured large wheels and a black trim piece, while the rear was rounded with a bold taillight strip. The Platinum trim offered a two-tone color option, adding a touch of audacity. Inside, the Crown was modern, with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The cabin mixed sturdy plastics with cushioned touchpoints, and while it could have been mistaken for a luxury vehicle with improved materials, it maintained a fancier Toyota feel.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with 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 TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for enhanced stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The TLX excelled on the track, with a double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers providing consistent grip and balance. The Type S offered a sporty driving experience without sacrificing comfort, though its summer tires were noisier on highways. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains across its trims. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, producing 236 horsepower. The Platinum trim featured the Hybrid Max powertrain, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, generating 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. The base hybrid achieved 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the Hybrid Max did it in 5.7 seconds. The Crown's cabin was quiet, though some electronic driver aids were intrusive.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was tight inside, especially in the back seat, which had decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters in the Type S. The driving position was low, with well-marked controls. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it was not a traditional touchscreen. Trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet, which was less than expected for a vehicle of its size.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered fabric seat upholstery in the base XLE trim, with full leather in the Limited and Platinum trims. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The driver's view was mostly unobstructed, with a slightly elevated ride height. The rear seats provided ample space, with a panoramic sunroof in higher trims enhancing the sense of space. The trunk had a capacity of 15.2 cubic feet, which was small for a large sedan, but the opening was wide and low for easy loading.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read easily. The head-up display was available only with the Advance Package, which also included features like 360-degree cameras and heated rear seats. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was standard on the Type S. The TLX came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. The base audio system was adequate, with an 11-speaker JBL system available in higher trims. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and featured a voice-recognition system. A digital key feature was standard on the Platinum trim.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included in the Technology Package and higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's crash test results were not yet available. It came with standard safety features like collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parallel parking system. Some new features were intrusive, but many could be disabled.