2022 Subaru WRX 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 TLX's design 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 gray alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Despite its exterior size, the TLX's interior was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX had a more understated design, with a 5-centimetre increase in width over its predecessor. The front end maintained a subtle appearance, highlighted by a signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille. The WRX's profile was simplified, 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 overall look was smoother and more streamlined than before, though the cladding could be distracting on brightly coloured models. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fibre-pattern trim accents, distinguishing it from other Subaru models.

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), which enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque distribution. The Type S model featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with a focus on track performance. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city consumption at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres and highway at 9.8 litres.

The 2022 Subaru WRX introduced a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, generating 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to the previous model, the WRX offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was praised for its precision and ease of use, while the CVT featured eight shift points for improved performance. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on challenging roads. The WRX's all-wheel drive system was standard, enhancing its performance capabilities.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was limited despite its large exterior. The back seat offered decent headroom but lacked legroom, while the front seats provided comfort with adjustable features. The TLX's infotainment system utilized a touchpad interface, which required acclimation but became easier with practice. Trunk space was modest at 382 litres, with the double-wishbone suspension impacting available space.

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

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. A head-up display was available on the Platinum Elite trim, while heated rear seats were also limited to this trim. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on higher trims, along with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen display on Sport trims and higher, with physical controls for essential functions. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity had limitations, with Apple CarPlay displaying across most of the screen. The WRX was available with an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, though not tested in the Sport-trim vehicle.

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

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and it came standard with seven airbags.