2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Subaru Impreza

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift towards SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain issues, and fluctuating car prices, which made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Unlike some competitors, Acura did not rely on rental fleet sales, making the TLX a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance upgrades, was priced at $59,100. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this impacted rear-seat and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width but sacrificed practicality, with a control layout that required relearning. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a four-cylinder engine started at $41,045. Various option packages were available, with different drivetrain configurations.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza, in its sixth generation, boasted a more aggressive and sporty design compared to its predecessor. It featured a larger, angular grille and narrower LED headlights, while the RS trim added side skirts for a low-slung appearance. The Impreza's rear haunches and flared fenders suggested a wider stance, making it more athletic than rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 hatchback. Inside, the Impreza had a modern look with an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen on the Sport and RS trims, while the Base model had dual 7-inch displays. The RS trim added red stitching and seat upholstery accents. The materials quality was commendable, with soft-touch materials in the front and durable hard plastics in the rear. The Impreza's styling was an evolution rather than a revolution, with the infotainment touchscreen playing a significant role in the interior design.

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 24-25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX featured software to limit unwanted transmission shifts and offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on certain trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes. The Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. The TLX Type S was fun to drive, though its brake-by-wire system had some drawbacks, and the suspension occasionally produced artificial responses.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for the Base and Sport trims, and a 2.5-liter engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque for the RS model. Both engines were paired with a CVT, with the Sport and RS trims featuring paddle shifters. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The RS model, the sportiest choice, provided responsive acceleration and a sporty handling experience, aided by AWD and a sport-tuned suspension. The Impreza RS cornered confidently and maintained a comfortable ride over rough surfaces. It offered a quieter cabin than its predecessor, reducing road noise and fatigue on long drives. The Impreza RS was comparable to the Honda Civic Si and Mazda 3 hatchback in terms of comfort and performance, with the added advantage of standard AWD for better traction.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a choice of interior colors, including Ebony, Red, and Orchid, with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The Orchid interior, paired with optional carbon fiber trim, looked impressive. The Type S model had a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges, though the low-contrast red markings were challenging to read. The TLX offered 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with heating and ventilation, but rear seat comfort was limited due to narrow doors and a lack of legroom. The TLX's trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza's front seats offered a spacious cabin with logically placed controls and good outward visibility. The RS trim included a wireless charging pad, though the hard plastic surface didn't hold phones securely. The rear seats were accommodating, with ample headroom and legroom for taller passengers. The cargo area held up to 20.4 cubic feet, comparable to the Mazda 3 but less than the Honda Civic. The Impreza's rear seatbacks folded down, providing a total cargo space of 56 cubic feet. The Impreza also accepted various roof racks for outdoor gear, though it wasn't rated for heavier overlanding tent platforms.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display that wasn't touch-sensitive. Instead, it relied on a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The system's layout was distracting, and the TTI occupied valuable center console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional upgrades like wireless charging and premium audio. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, though it was Alexa-compatible through AcuraLink Remote. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded excellent.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza's 11.6-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with large on-screen buttons and physical controls for volume, tuning, and temperature. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity on the Sport and RS trims. A native navigation system wasn't available, but phone integration sufficed for most drivers. The Starlink system, included on the Sport and RS trims, offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and smartphone app connectivity. The Impreza's infotainment system prioritized usability, with intuitive menus and easy access to features.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, which included driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety. The TLX received 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 collision.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza featured the EyeSight driver assist suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sport model added Starlink communications with collision notification and roadside assistance, while the RS trim included blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. The Impreza's safety features performed well, with no false alarms. Crash-test results were not yet available, but Subaru aimed for a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.