Acura TLX vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This engine produced 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500, plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 offered a thrilling driving experience, balancing emotional excitement with everyday comfort and reliability. Despite its higher cost compared to the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500's subtle design changes and performance-oriented features made it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of power and sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, stood out with its striking design and performance enhancements. The TLX's redesign, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language that emphasized a sleek, rear-wheel-drive appearance despite its front-wheel-drive platform. The TLX Type S, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), offered a dynamic driving experience. However, its dramatic styling compromised rear-seat space and cargo capacity, making it less practical for those prioritizing interior room. The TLX's interior, while stylish, required drivers to adapt to its unconventional control layout, which could be distracting.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan, equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offered a thrilling driving experience. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper. Despite its impressive performance, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a sport automatic transmission and SH-AWD, allowed the TLX Type S to reach 60 mph in five seconds. The TLX's performance enhancements, including adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and structural bracing, contributed to its engaging driving dynamics. However, the brake-by-wire system, while innovative, occasionally led to inconsistent braking performance, detracting from the overall driving experience. The TLX Type S averaged 20 mpg during evaluation, slightly below its EPA rating of 21 mpg combined.

Inside the 2022 Lexus IS 500, comfort was a priority, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats offered excellent support and a driver-focused position, while the rear seats provided adequate space for average-height adults. However, the IS 500's trunk space was limited to 10.8 cubic feet, and the center console's touchpad controller occupied valuable storage space. The control layout was intuitive, with clearly marked buttons and knobs, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front sport seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom due to the TLX's design priorities. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car. The TLX's interior design emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required adaptation and could be distracting.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 boasted a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, reducing the need for interaction with the touchpad controller. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was a standout feature, accurately handling voice queries and commands.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) was a source of frustration for users. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring interaction through the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. While the TLX offered standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of wireless connectivity for these systems was a drawback. The ELS Studio 3D audio system, however, provided excellent sound quality in higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus IS came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating, such as the low-speed automatic braking in city traffic. The IS earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a "Top Safety Pick+" designation and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trims. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety credentials. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a minor downgrade for the front passenger's frontal-impact protection.