2021 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Toyota Camry made a concerted effort to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, generic sedan. Designers infused the Camry with a host of styling details to make it more exciting. Some elements, like the flared wheel arches and thin headlights, successfully widened the car's appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their fake vents, which added unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner, albeit still large, grille. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior with a chaotic design, incorporating various trim elements without a cohesive theme. Despite the low-rent feel of some materials, the Camry's interior offered a mix of contrast stitching, piano black plastic, and faux carbon fibre.

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes contributing to its substantial presence. The TLX Type S added unique styling elements like a gold paint option and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The interior featured a narrow centre console, angled air vents, and soft, finely grained surfaces. Despite its compact nature, the TLX's interior was well-crafted, offering a sense of luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD, and slightly less in AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The Camry's chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality, offering a surprisingly engaging driving experience. The TRD package further enhanced performance with chassis upgrades and a V6 powertrain.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided excellent grip and balance, making it a capable performer on the track. The Type S offered a more engaging driving experience, though its exhaust note was subdued.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, and in-cabin storage was limited. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, enhancing usability despite some awkward placements.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was tight inside, especially in the rear. Front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's true touchpad interface required acclimation, but climate control was straightforward. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, partly due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The system was functional but lacked standout features.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. A head-up display was available on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included on higher trims. AcuraWatch provided a suite of driver assistance features, and wireless charging was available from the Tech grade.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and other safety features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura TLX also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included on the Tech trim and higher.