2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and rising interest rates, which made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Unlike some competitors, Acura did not rely on rental fleets to move its vehicles, making the TLX a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Southern California, featured eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl paint and a performance wheel and tire package, bringing its MSRP to $59,100. The TLX's design, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language to the brand, with a long, low, and lean profile that mimicked a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard design emphasized width but sacrificed practicality, with a control layout that required relearning how to use the infotainment system and driving modes.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, tested in New York's scenic Hudson Valley, showcased an elegant exterior that drew positive responses from onlookers. The Accord's design, reminiscent of luxury sedans like the Audi A7, featured a sleek exterior with a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The new model was slightly longer and had a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and LED taillights spanning the rear. The Accord Touring, priced at approximately $38,435, offered seven exterior colors and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Accord's updated dashboard design included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its upscale feel, with generous rear legroom and a spacious 16.7 cubic feet trunk.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, it achieved between 24 and 25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and reached a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the brake-by-wire system in the TLX Type S proved less satisfying, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain switched seamlessly between electric and gas power, providing smooth and efficient performance. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a balanced ride. The regenerative braking system, with six levels of regen, allowed for fine-tuning and improved driver comfort. The Accord's agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking ease.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered interior color options like Ebony, Red, and Orchid, with premium Milano leather and contrast stitching. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel featured analog gauges with low-contrast red markings, making them challenging to read. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, with a honeycomb mesh trim hiding the air vents. The infotainment screen, climate control buttons, and heated and ventilated seat controls were conveniently placed. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, providing a more intuitive experience. The front seats offered excellent support, while the rear seats provided generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was limited by the tapering roofline. The Accord's trunk boasted 16.7 cubic feet of capacity, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, with a 10.2-inch display, proved frustrating to use. The touchpad and buttons on the center console, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system were not as intuitive as a touchscreen. The TTI occupied valuable center console space, making wireless smartphone charging more difficult. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. However, the TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment system was easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and commands. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, "Hey Google" virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also standard.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included 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 Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, which offered automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and safety features.