2023 Honda Accord 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 compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with ambient lighting and high-quality materials, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord adopted a more conservative and modern look, moving away from the chrome-heavy design of its predecessor. The EX trim featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX offered durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected Honda's attention to detail. While the Accord's interior was practical and well-outfitted for its class, it lacked some of the flair and luxury touches found in the TLX.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 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 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided excellent grip and balance, making it a joy to drive on the track. 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 EX was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided adequate performance, with programmed ratio changes to mimic a traditional automatic. The Accord's front-wheel-drive setup and MacPherson strut front suspension offered good handling and road feel. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with a combined rating of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Accord's ride quality was comfortable, and its dynamic tuning inspired confidence on winding roads, although the tires could have offered more grip.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was 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's touchpad interface required acclimation, and trunk space was limited at 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized performance features like the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX provided a more spacious interior, with a high-mounted back seat offering excellent leg support and ample legroom. The trunk was generous at 473 litres, making it easy to load full-size suitcases. While the Accord lacked some convenience features like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports, it offered practical storage solutions and easy entry and exit for passengers.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. A head-up display was available on higher trims, along with a premium audio system and advanced climate control linked to navigation. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim offered an eight-speaker audio system, but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The physical controls for the stereo were a welcome touch, though the tuning knob was misleading.

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 parking sensors.

The 2023 Honda Accord came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Accord's safety features performed with accuracy and refinement, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.