2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors 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.

Acura's latest TLX design was based on a concept vehicle, introducing a new design language. Despite its front-wheel-drive platform, the TLX had a rear-wheel-drive look, tapering into a tidy tail. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required relearning how to operate the car, causing unnecessary distraction. The Type S model, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD started at $41,045.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, a familiar name since 1993, remained largely unchanged since its sixth-generation debut in 2019. The 2023 model year introduced a new grille, but the Altima's overall design remained consistent. Nissan offered the Altima in four trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL, with most models featuring front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for the SV, SR, and SL trims. The SR trim could be equipped with the more powerful VC-Turbo engine.

The Altima SL with AWD, tested in Garnet Pearl Metallic paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, had a conservative yet appealing design. The SL trim included chrome door handles and trim, with gunmetal gray badging. LED projector headlights and dual exhaust pipes added a touch of style. Inside, the Altima's interior felt outdated, but the seats were comfortable and supportive. The test vehicle featured a wireless phone charger, traditional PRNDL shifter, and well-placed cupholders and cubbies. However, the front-passenger seat offered limited adjustment, and the leather upholstery in the SL trim felt underwhelming.

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, this engine 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 the A-Spec Package and standard on the TLX Advance and Type S models, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control.

The TLX Type S, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It featured performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the brake-by-wire system, based on the discontinued NSX sports car, proved less satisfying during spirited driving. Despite this, the TLX Type S was enjoyable to drive, with excellent grip and handling.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The Altima SR VC-Turbo offered a more powerful 2.0-liter VC-turbo engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, though it was not available with AWD. The Altima's AWD system, tested in winter conditions, provided power to the rear wheels when needed, achieving an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 36 highway, and 30 combined. The VC-Turbo engine with FWD returned 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined.

The Altima's driving dynamics included light steering and minimal body roll, with predictable brake pedal travel. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed the engine's power output well, but heavy acceleration resulted in a droning noise. While Nissan's noise insulation was generally good, the Altima required gentle driving to keep engine noise at bay.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered interior color options in Ebony, Red, and Orchid, with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel featured analog gauges with challenging low-contrast red markings. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, comparable to a compact car, but the flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2024 Nissan Altima provided impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The rear seat, with 35.2 inches of legroom, matched the Kia K5 but fell short of the Accord, Legacy, and Camry. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, outclassing the Legacy and Camry but falling short of the Accord and Korean rivals. The wide trunk-lid opening and 60/40-split folding rear seat enhanced cargo versatility. The Altima's interior featured comfortable seats, smartly placed cupholders, and cubbies, making it easy to live with.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's one-to-one relationship between the display and touchpad proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded excellent.

The 2024 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch display available on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and excellent resolution, with static icons for easy navigation. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless versions available only on the largest screen. The nine-speaker Bose stereo was underwhelming, and the SiriusXM interface felt cluttered. NissanConnect telematics, standard on the SL and SR VC-Turbo trims, allowed remote locking, unlocking, and starting via the MyNissan app.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 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 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for the front passenger in a frontal-impact collision.

The 2024 Nissan Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with excellent side-impact and rollover crash test results. However, it scored four stars in the frontal crash test and driver-side barrier crash test. The Altima's IIHS rating dropped due to poor performance in the updated side-impact test. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. The SL and SR VC-Turbo trims added a 360-degree surround-view monitor and traffic-sign recognition. ProPilot Assist, available on the SV trim and standard on the SL and SR VC-Turbo, provided semi-autonomous driving assistance.