2023 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 gray 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 compact, yet the materials and design elements suggested a well-spent investment.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima aimed to continue its legacy in the family car segment with updated styling and new wheel designs. The Altima's exterior was enhanced with a revised grille and 19-inch wheels on higher trims, although the wheels were prone to damage. Inside, the Altima offered a straightforward and comfortable experience, with controls laid out logically and Zero Gravity seats providing exceptional comfort. The interior featured dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats, though some materials felt inexpensive. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped. Despite some design flaws, the Altima remained a practical choice for families.

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, showcasing its track-developed capabilities. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and balanced handling. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with ratings of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The standard AWD system distributed power to the rear wheels as needed. The Altima's performance was adequate, with torque arriving at 3,600 rpm. Fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 on the highway for the base trim. The Altima's ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. While the Altima offered commendable grip and flat cornering, its steering lacked engagement, and the brakes showed signs of overheating under certain conditions.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, the space was tight for four passengers, with decent headroom but limited legroom in the back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX featured a unique touchpad interface for the infotainment system, which required acclimation. Trunk space was limited to 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a simple and comfortable interior, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The Altima featured dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, though the design of the floor mats and seatbelt buckle anchor posed some issues.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, along with heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera. The ELS Studio premium audio system was available on higher trims, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. AcuraWatch, a suite of driver assistance features, came standard.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims, featuring navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Altima offered NissanConnect Services with a subscription, and a Bose nine-speaker audio system on higher trims. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition.

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 knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included on higher trims.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist was available on higher trims, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.