2022 Audi A4 vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design, serving as an ideal canvas 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 aesthetic restraint with a predominantly black interior accented by aluminum trim and metallic details, avoiding a cave-like feel. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting contributed to a sophisticated atmosphere, though the tablet-style touchscreen seemed like an afterthought.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, stood out with its sporty and eye-catching design, highlighted by Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements. The TLX's dramatic styling, inspired by a concept vehicle, gave it a rear-wheel-drive look despite its front-wheel-drive platform. However, this design choice compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard emphasizing width, but the control layout required a learning curve, potentially causing distraction. The Type S model's interior, with its premium Milano leather and sporty accents, offered a visually appealing yet less practical experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving 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 lowered sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, responsive paddle shifters, and a solid suspension.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. It achieved a combined fuel economy of 9.8 L/100 km. The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, produced 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It featured performance enhancements like adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission. The Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its weight, the Type S offered an engaging driving experience, though the brake-by-wire system occasionally felt disconnected.

The 2022 Audi A4, sitting low to the ground, posed challenges for entry and exit due to small door openings and a snug cabin. However, once inside, the front seats provided exceptional comfort with power adjustments and thigh support. The A4's interior layout was intuitive, with a separate climate control system and straightforward switchgear. The rear seats, though supportive, offered limited legroom and were best suited for shorter trips. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and sporty accents. The front seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, but the rear seats were cramped, lacking legroom due to the TLX's design priorities. The TLX's trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car, but with a flat floor and enclosed hinges for practicality.

The 2022 Audi A4 introduced the MIB3 version of Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. While the screen's placement seemed inelegant, the technology was user-friendly, supporting common smartphone functions and offering acoustic feedback. Features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI's intuitive interface and separate climate controls made the lack of physical buttons a non-issue.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, relying on a touchpad and buttons for control. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the screen proved distracting, and the system occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless smartphone integration and the TTI's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trims. The Technik model included Audi Pre Sense with 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. The A4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety credentials. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.