2023 Honda Accord Hybrid 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 were notably more expansive than the BMW 3 Series, with a width increase of over 7.5 centimetres. The 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 Performance Red Pearl, enhancing its visual appeal with polished black accents and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The Type S offered faux-suede inserts and daring colour combinations, showcasing Acura's bold design choices.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, exuded a near-luxury aura, often drawing comparisons to the sleek Audi A7. It was 7 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The Accord's exterior was sleek, with a planted stance and a flowing roofline. The Touring trim offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys. Inside, the Accord Hybrid boasted a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument display. The interior was comfortable, with supportive seats and generous legroom, although headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. Trunk space was ample at 473 litres, making it practical for everyday use.

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 lb-ft of torque. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided excellent grip and balance, while the Brembo front brakes ensured strong stopping power. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, generating 204 horsepower. It utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. Its suspension absorbed road imperfections well, providing a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning. The Accord's agile handling made it easy to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking ease.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight for four passengers, with decent headroom but limited legroom in the back. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable features in the Type S. The infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, requiring acclimation. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim and dual-zone climate control. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid had a traditional gearshift and a dedicated volume control knob. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised. Trunk space was generous at 473 litres, with easy access and a low load floor.

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 limited to this trim as well. The ELS Studio premium audio system was included on higher trims, along with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. AcuraWatch provided a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. The Touring trim offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included. The physical volume knob and climate control buttons were appreciated for their ease of use.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.