2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in familiar trims like LX, EX, Sport, and Touring, with prices in Canada starting at an MSRP of $24,465 for the LX and reaching up to $30,265 for the Touring, excluding destination charges. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, offered a refined interior with minimalistic controls and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a sophisticated cabin ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a luxury sedan from a larger class. Its design was bold, with thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The TLX was more than 22 centimetres longer than the BMW 3 Series, with a low-slung hood adding to its imposing look. The Type S variant added exclusive features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with upper trims featuring ambient lighting and premium materials, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The base engine, a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder, produced 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine in the Touring trim delivered a more satisfying 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, offering a blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, making it a fun and predictable compact sedan.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft 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 offered a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling, while the Brembo brakes ensured strong stopping power. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but the rear seat offered ample legroom. The interior featured a new centre console with accessible cupholders and a smaller trunk in the Touring trim due to premium sound system components. Despite this, the Civic's trunk remained generous, with a split-folding backseat adding utility.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, felt tight inside, particularly in the rear seat, which suffered from limited legroom. The front seats, especially in the Type S, offered excellent comfort with adjustable side bolsters and thigh extensions. The TLX's infotainment system featured a unique touchpad interface, requiring acclimation, while the trunk space was mediocre at 382 litres. The TLX's interior was well-appointed, with premium materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in upper trims, but the trunk and cabin space could have been more generous given the car's size.

The 2022 Honda Civic impressed with its digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering customization and driving environment data. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, ensuring drivers were aware of their headlight and taillight status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim offered a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system performed well, with excellent voice recognition technology.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, though 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 premium audio system with 17 speakers was available on higher trims, providing a rich audio experience. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features, while the climate control system linked to navigation for automatic adjustments based on the sun's position.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Level 2 adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors improved the system's performance. The Civic also replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and added rear cross-traffic alert on the Touring trim. The car's architecture was stronger, with new airbag designs and a standard rear-seat reminder system.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included on higher trims, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage.