2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a width more than 7.5 centimetres greater, and a track width that was nearly 7.5 centimetres wider at the rear and almost 5 centimetres at the front. The design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. Despite its size, the TLX maintained a compact interior, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks, with a design that was both functional and appealing. Built in Indiana, it shared its front design with the Civic sedan but differed from the front doors to the rear. The hatchback managed to balance its visual weight, although it still exhibited a "stubby butt" profile. Inside, the Civic hatch mirrored the sedan's layout, with Sport Touring trim offering advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The interior featured metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly awkward.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 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, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and a balanced driving experience. However, the exhaust note was considered too subdued for some enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 180 horsepower. The latter was available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, providing accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The Civic hatch was front-wheel drive, with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the manual transmission offered a delightful driving experience. The Civic's suspension was firm yet comfortable, though the brakes were not suited for repeated hard use. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The infotainment system used a touchpad interface, which required acclimation, and the trunk space was limited to 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a trunk measuring 693 litres and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. Seating was comfortable, with some complaints about the front passenger seat's lack of height adjustment and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim included heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on higher trims, along with features like wireless charging and a full suite of driver assistance features. The TLX offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-way heated front seat.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on LX and Sport trims, and a 9-inch display on Sport Touring. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment addressed previous criticisms with physical knobs and a steadying shelf. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a more comprehensive display on the Sport Touring trim.

The 2022 Acura TLX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist. The Civic hatchback also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard features included automatic high-beam headlights and advanced airbags.