2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Toyota Crown

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 exceeding it by over 7.5 centimetres. 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 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 Toyota Crown stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles. Its design was more universally appealing, with a massive grille and angular headlights. The Crown's side profile was complemented by large wheels and a black trim piece, while the rear featured a bold taillight strip. The Platinum trim offered a two-tone colour option, adding a touch of audacity to its appearance. Inside, the Crown was modern, with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The cabin mixed sturdy plastics with cushioned touchpoints, aiming for a luxury feel. Despite some hard plastics, the Crown's interior was comfortable and spacious, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 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 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX's performance was characterized by minimal turbo lag and a fun driving experience, though the exhaust note was subdued. 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 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 236 horsepower and a Hybrid Max with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a CVT, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic transmission. The Crown's performance was adequate, with the Hybrid Max accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The ride quality was comfortable, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. Despite some engine drone, the cabin remained quiet, and the Crown's driving experience was enjoyable, though some electronic aids were intrusive.

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 TLX's infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, requiring acclimation. Trunk space was limited to 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, due to the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Toyota Crown provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear legroom. The centre console offered convenient storage, though the lid was wobbly. The Crown's trunk had a capacity of 360 litres, smaller than expected for its size, but still practical. The panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel, despite the tapering roofline limiting headroom.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple 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 standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported over-the-air updates and voice recognition. A digital key feature was available on the Platinum trim, allowing smartphone access. The Crown's technology suite included a Wi-Fi hotspot and streaming services, enhancing connectivity.

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 like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety ratings were not yet available, but it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. Some driver aids were intrusive, but many could be disabled.