2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front end was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo and horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and high-quality materials. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving the interior a modern and cohesive feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. It was notably wider than its competitors, with a track width that enhanced stability. The design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The Type S variant added exclusive paint options and sporty elements like a rear diffuser and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX was compact but offered impressive detailing, with a narrow centre console and ambient lighting. The infotainment system was not a touchscreen, requiring some adjustment, but the overall impression was one of quality and thoughtful design.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada. The TLX offered a dynamic driving experience, with drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems enhancing its sporty character. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes, adjusting the car's parameters accordingly. The TLX was nimble and fun to drive, with adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite grade adding to its versatility.

The 2022 Acura TLX also featured a 2.0-litre engine with the same power output, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system was standard, providing excellent handling and stability. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX excelled on the track, with a double-wishbone front suspension and Pirelli P Zero summer tires ensuring consistent grip. The Sport+ mode enhanced the driving experience, while the Brembo brakes provided strong stopping power. The Type S offered a more refined ride without sacrificing comfort, although the summer tires were noisier on the highway.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a shift-by-wire transmission, allowing for a streamlined centre console design. The controls were easy to access, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manual gear changes. The interior offered comfortable seating for four adults, with supportive sport bucket seats in the front. The rear seat was suitable for two adults, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy loading.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was compact inside. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters on the Type S. The infotainment system used a touchpad interface, requiring some acclimation. The trunk space was also 382 litres, similar to the 2021 model, but the double-wishbone suspension limited additional space. The interior design was modern, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced performance technologies, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control, enhancing the driving experience. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 17 speakers. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and a G-Metre on the instrument panel.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple infotainment interface, although some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available on the Platinum Elite, while the ELS Studio audio system was included on higher trims. The TLX offered voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The climate control system was linked to navigation, adjusting air based on the sun's position. Standard features included "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX maintained the "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It included standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.