2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a strikingly sporty sedan in a competitive class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front of the TLX was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, and subtle chrome accents and tasteful badging enhanced 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 Subaru WRX had a more understated exterior design, despite being 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. The front end was subtle, with a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured flared fenders and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, and sporty accents like aluminum-alloy pedal covers. The WRX's design paid homage to its rally heritage while offering a smoother, more streamlined appearance.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring was standard in Canada, enhancing its sporty performance. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.0 on the highway. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes, adjusting the car's parameters accordingly. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's handling was nimble and responsive, with a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to the previous generation, the WRX's all-wheel drive system and choice of a six-speed manual or CVT transmission offered versatility. The manual transmission was precise and satisfying, while the CVT provided faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The WRX handled mountain roads with ease, thanks to its forgiving suspension and stable platform.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined centre console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and cupholders. The rear seat offered comfort for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front sport bucket seats were available with Ultrasuede or leather, offering power adjustability and heating. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity of 354 litres, expandable with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with various upholstery options. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable interior made it a viable commuter vehicle.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, 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. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting and an ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and a G-Metre.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen in Sport trims and higher. The system included physical controls for climate and audio functions. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity had some limitations. The WRX was available with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, offering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included 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 Subaru WRX offered the EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems on CVT-equipped models, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual transmission models did not have EyeSight. The WRX included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on Sport trims and higher. The Subaru Global Platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came with seven airbags.