2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Subaru WRX had a reputation for straightforward, no-nonsense design. The car had grown two inches wider than its predecessor but adhered to a conservative front-end aesthetic dominated by its signature hood scoop. The front fascia featured a humble hexagonal grille bisected by a decorative bar, flanked by sharp LED headlights. It was a subtle evolution rather than a dramatic overhaul.

From the side, the new WRX profile had been simplified, eliminating character lines from the doors. Black plastic cladding encircled the vehicle, serving not just an aesthetic function but also an aerodynamic one. This cladding was textured with a hexagonal pattern, helping to reduce turbulence. The rear fenders of the WRX flared significantly, leading to a large plastic bumper stretching almost halfway up the rear of the car. The taillights sported a multifaceted design intended to emulate glowing magma, and quad tailpipes added a touch of sportiness.

The new WRX was smoother and more streamlined compared to its predecessor, though its body cladding could be slightly distracting, especially in bright colors like Solar Orange. The Premium trim test car featured additional highlights such as LED fog lights, 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and a subtle trunk-mounted lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX saw notable improvements. Borrowing some elements from other Subaru models, the fit and finish were vastly improved. With a D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, and black cloth seats with red contrast stitching, the WRX distinctly separated itself from more pedestrian Subaru vehicles.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with baggage, notably an uninspired release period during a global pandemic and significant supply chain issues. These challenges made the TLX somewhat of a rarity on the road. Our test vehicle, a type-S model dressed in Tiger Eye Pearl paint with a performance wheel and tire package, had an MSRP of $59,100, including destination charges.

The TLX design was derived from a concept vehicle, introducing a new design language for Acura. Though built on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, it possessed a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) appearance. This aggressive design sacrificed some rear-seat room and cargo space but achieved a visually striking look.

Internally, the TLX utilized a layered dashboard design emphasizing width. However, this emphasis on style compromised usability. The control layout required a learning curve to adjust to its shifter, infotainment system, and driving modes, making it occasionally distracting for the driver.

Equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), our high-end TLX Type S felt worth its hefty price tag. Yet, even the base model, priced at $41,045, came loaded with features. Option packages included the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, Advance Package, and Type S, with varying drivetrain options.

The 2022 Subaru WRX upped its game by replacing its predecessor’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, also found in models like the Outback and Legacy XT. This engine produced 271 horsepower, a slight bump from the previous 268, and maintained its torque output at 258 pound-feet. Using the recommended 91-octane fuel, this engine aimed to please, but some enthusiasts might have desired more power.

Driving the new WRX from Healdsburg, CA to the Pacific coastline was generally enjoyable, though a bit more engine grunt would have been welcome. The new GTI, which weighed less and delivered more torque at 273 lb-ft, made the WRX feel somewhat sluggish from a stop in comparison. An all-wheel drive (AWD) system came standard, and buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the latter of which was dubbed the Subaru Performance Transmission.

We test drove the six-speed manual variant, which handled admirably on Northern California’s mountain roads. Thanks to supply chain issues, CVT models weren’t available, but Subaru boasted that their automatic transmission featured eight shift points, offering significantly faster shift changes compared to previous models.

A significant addition to the WRX lineup was the new GT trim, available exclusively with CVT. This trim featured Recaro seats, electronically controlled dampers, and a sophisticated Drive Mode Select system.

For enthusiasts who preferred manual transmissions, the WRX delivered a delightful driving experience. The notchy and precise manual transmission made gear changes easy, and the clutch pedal offered a satisfying feel. The WRX’s newly tuned suspension also improved ride quality on uneven terrain while maintaining rigidity where it counted.

The 2023 Acura TLX leaned heavily into the performance segment, particularly with the Type S model. Most TLX versions housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a paddle-shifted 10-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency for this engine ranged between 24 to 25 mpg in combined driving, depending on the specif trim and drivetrain.

Acura’s SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, channeling up to 70% of the power to a single rear wheel when needed. For the Type S, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine bumped the specs up to 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This setup was complemented by a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts, adaptive dampers, thicker stabilizer bars, front brake rotors with Brembo calipers, and 20-inch wheels.

The Type S version was capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. However, with great power came middling fuel efficiency; the Type S was estimated to return only 21 mpg in combined driving and averaged 20 mpg during our tests.

Despite its substantial weight and sophisticated brake-based system, the TLX Type S offered a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience. The severance between the brake pedal and master cylinder was noticeable, though inconspicuous during regular driving conditions. On twisty roads, the brake-by-wire design occasionally felt less intuitive, leading to a brief disconnect between driver intent and vehicle response.

Nevertheless, the TLX Type S excelled in overall performance, proving to be a quick, exciting drive that also offered comfort for daily commutes. Minor issues, like the occasional scraping of speed humps and some road noise, were the only downsides in what was an otherwise impressive driving experience.

When it came to practicality, the 2022 Subaru WRX stood out at its price point. While it no longer offered a hatchback option, the sedan compensated with an increase in trunk space, going from 12 cubic feet to 12.5 cubic feet. This space was expandable thanks to the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, adding to its versatility.

The sport seats in the WRX were more comfortable than many competitors'. Covered in premium cloth for base and Premium trims, and Ultrasuede for Limited and GT trims, the seats provided ample bolstering without feeling too restrictive. Coupled with a forgiving clutch, the WRX appealed as a practical commuter vehicle.

One of the most significant selling points was the standard AWD, making the WRX a unique value proposition for performance-focused buyers in the $30,000 range.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly in the Type S variant, offered luxurious interior options such as premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. Our test car featured a stunning Orchid interior with optional carbon fiber trim, adding a layer of sophistication. The Type S model boasted a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and a set of 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats. Heating and ventilation were standard for the seats, and a heated steering wheel came as an option.

While front seat comfort was exceptional, the rear seats were less accommodating. Narrow rear doors and limited legroom made the back seat an afterthought. This design choice stemmed from Acura’s commitment to a visually arresting exterior, prioritizing a long hood and short deck style over rear-seat space.

The TLX’s trunk housed 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the WRX. Though modest for a mid-size car, the flat trunk floor and enclosed trunk hinges made the most of the available space.

The 2022 Subaru WRX had previously struggled to impress with its technology offerings, but a significant upgrade was evident in the 2022 model. Particularly in Premium trims and above, the WRX came equipped with an 11.6-inch, tablet-style touchscreen display. This system, also found in newer Outback and Legacy models, featured physical controls for common functions, easing the use of the touchscreen interface.

However, the system fell short in its implementation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Apple CarPlay used most of the screen but appeared as an afterthought, while Android Auto only took up the top half of the display, offering limited usability.

Base trims of the WRX had a more unusual setup with two 7-inch displays stacked on top of each other, though this configuration wasn’t tested.

For audiophiles, there was an available 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system, though our test vehicle did not include this feature.

Conversely, the 2023 Acura TLX struggled with consumer satisfaction in terms of technology. The primary culprit was the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, relying on a touchpad and specific buttons for control. This setup was unintuitive and less useful compared to conventional touchscreens. Moreover, the system occupied valuable center console space, complicating access to the wireless smartphone charging pad.

Infotainment features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. However, Alexa Built-In was notably absent, replaced by a more rudimentary Alexa compatibility through AcuraLink Remote.

Pairing a smartphone was straightforward, and the 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality.

Safety featured prominently in the 2022 Subaru WRX, particularly with the CVT models equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This camera-based system provided automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. EyeSight also included an electronic brake booster and automatic steering assist for speeds under 50 mph.

Unfortunately, models with a six-speed manual transmission did not support EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during automatic emergency braking situations. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Constructed on the Subaru Global Platform, the new WRX was designed to absorb more crash energy, contributing to improved safety. Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, were standard.

Every 2023 Acura TLX model featured AcuraWatch, a suite of driver aids including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

The Type S trim included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system but missed the head-up display and surround-view camera from the TLX Advance.

The TLX performed well in crash tests. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though it earned a four-star rating for the front passenger seat in frontal impacts.