2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design that served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. The Prestige 45 TFSI model, with its 19-inch wheels and S-line Interior package, exuded a sense of understated elegance. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, featuring high-quality materials and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel. The interior was predominantly black, accented with aluminum trim and metallic details, which prevented it from feeling too dark. However, the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed somewhat out of place, appearing more as an afterthought than an integrated design element.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, giving it the appearance of a larger luxury sedan. Its design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial presence. The Type S model added exclusive elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing even in lower trims. The interior featured a narrow center console, angled air vents, and a Scandinavian-inspired design with LED lighting. The Type S model offered faux-suede inserts and red stitching, adding a touch of luxury. However, the infotainment system's touchpad interface required some acclimation, and the trunk space was limited compared to its exterior size.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive. It achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg combined and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a lowered sport suspension. It reached 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and had a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, outstanding tire grip, and a quiet cabin. The Quattro Ultra AWD system provided stability, though it lacked the visceral sensation of traditional Quattro systems.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured 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 the option for Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for improved stability and handling. The Type S model, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, delivered 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The TLX excelled on the track, with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers providing consistent grip and balance. The engine's broad torque and Sport+ driving mode enhanced the driving experience, though the exhaust note was subdued. The Type S maintained comfort without sacrificing performance, but the summer P Zero tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, posed challenges for entry and exit due to its small door openings and snug cabin. However, once inside, the front seats offered exceptional comfort with soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, ensuring ease of use. The rear seats, though supportive, were limited in space, making them suitable for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad, leaving only the glove compartment and door panel bins for storage. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets for added convenience.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was tight for four passengers inside. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats, especially in the Type S model, provided all-day comfort with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. The climate control was straightforward, and trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the next-generation MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and offered acoustic feedback for menu selections. The A4 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. Voice recognition was accurate but slow to respond. The Bang & Olufsen stereo provided satisfying sound quality, though it could degrade at high volumes. The head-up display was large but difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, though some typefaces were too small to read. The TLX featured a head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowing interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, offering good sound quality. The TLX came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation, adjusting air based on the sun's position. Standard features included LED headlights, a garage door opener, and a full suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a range of safety features, with more available on higher trims. The Prestige model included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist were also included. Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system were part of the package. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX, starting with the 2021 model year, 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, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were available on higher trims.