2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design, which served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and metallic details. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting contributed to a refined cabin experience, although the tablet-style touchscreen seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its bold design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a substantial presence. The Type S model added exclusive elements like Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX offered a snug cabin with impressive detailing, including a narrow centre console and Scandinavian-inspired ambient lighting. The seats, especially in the Type S, provided comfort with faux-suede inserts and adjustable bolsters, while the infotainment system's touchpad interface required some acclimation.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres and accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a sport suspension and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. Despite its power, the A4 felt less swift than expected, possibly due to a recent comparison with a more powerful electric vehicle. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, responsive paddle shifters, and excellent braking. The Quattro Ultra AWD system provided stability, though not as visceral as traditional Quattro systems.

The 2022 Acura TLX, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, especially in corners. The Type S model, with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, excelled on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. While the Type S offered a sporty experience, the regular TLX was more softly sprung. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Audi A4's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, it offered exceptional front-seat comfort. The driver's seat featured power adjustments, a thigh-support cushion, and a sliding centre armrest. The A4's three-zone climate control system was user-friendly, and the interior layout was intuitive. Rear-seat space was limited, with restricted legroom and hard plastic seatbacks. Interior storage was also limited, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, felt tight inside, especially in the rear seats. While headroom was decent, legroom was limited. The front seats, particularly in the Type S, offered comfort with adjustable bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's infotainment system featured a touchpad interface that required acclimation, and the pushbutton gear selector took some getting used to. Trunk space was modest at 382 litres, and the double-wishbone suspension consumed additional space.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. Features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and a user-friendly interface. The Bang & Olufsen stereo delivered satisfying sound quality, though it could degrade at high volumes.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but some typefaces were too small to read. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, along with heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera system. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was available on higher trims, providing good sound quality. Standard features included voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Wireless charging was available from the Tech grade. Acura's climate control system linked to navigation for automatic adjustments based on the sun's position.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a range of safety features, with more available on higher trims. The A4 Technik included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.