2022 Nissan Altima 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 design was bold, with a width surpassing the BMW 3 Series by over 7.5 centimetres, and a length exceeding it by more than 22 centimetres. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The interior was well-crafted, with soft surfaces and a non-touchscreen infotainment system that required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima evolved from its earlier bland designs to a sharper, sportier look in its sixth generation. Available in three trims in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and Gun Metallic paint, elevated the Altima's sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel. While lower trims lacked the premium feel, higher trims provided a more refined experience. The Altima's interior was practical, with a decent-sized trunk and accessible controls, making it a competent choice for families and commuters.

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 featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet 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. However, the subdued exhaust note and highway noise from the summer tires were minor drawbacks. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive was standard, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. While acceleration was mediocre, the Altima impressed with its smooth ride and quiet cabin, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The suspension provided a comfortable experience on various surfaces, and the Altima's road manners were commendable. However, the engine noise during acceleration and the CVT's struggle to get up to speed were noted as areas for improvement.

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

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk at 437 litres. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its competition, offering a balanced approach to passenger space and weight. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, while heated rear seats and 360-degree cameras were available on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system, with 17 speakers, provided excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered navigation, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking. The Altima's tech worked flawlessly, providing a seamless experience with voice commands and connectivity.

The 2022 Acura TLX 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. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation features were rated highly, with "Superior" and "Acceptable" ratings for various aspects.