2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic was available in familiar LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trim levels, with prices starting at $21,700 for the Civic LX and reaching up to $28,300 for the Civic Touring, excluding a $995 destination charge. A new five-door hatchback was set to return to the lineup, while the two-door coupe was phased out. The Civic Touring model, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue paint, had a sticker price of $29,690, including destination charges. The Civic Sport, with extra-charge Platinum White Pearl paint and the Honda Performance Development appearance package, was estimated at just under $25,880. The redesigned 2022 Civic resembled the larger Accord sedan, adopting a more conservative and plain appearance compared to its predecessor. The interior featured a minimalistic design with improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a more mature look.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a consumer shift to SUVs, supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. Despite these hurdles, the TLX remained a rarity on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Tiger Eye Pearl paint with performance upgrades, had an MSRP of $59,100, including a $1,195 destination charge. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean look with a rear-wheel-drive appearance. However, the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design, but the control layout required relearning, causing unnecessary distraction. The Type S model, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine started at $41,045.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Step Shift programming. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing the car's responsiveness. The Civic's improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel contributed to its enjoyable ride and handling. However, the Civic Touring's fuel economy fell short of the EPA's estimate, returning 30.4 mpg on a 95-mile loop.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The Type S model came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the TLX's brake-by-wire system was less satisfying, causing a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2022 Honda Civic's redesigned front seats offered improved support, with the Touring trim featuring leather upholstery and power adjustments. The Civic's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but the back seat provided ample legroom. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, and the Touring trim lost heated rear cushions. The redesigned center console offered less storage space but more accessible cupholders. The Civic's trunk volume was 14.8 cubic feet, or 14.4 cubic feet with the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a split-folding backseat.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered interior color options in premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with low-contrast red markings were less user-friendly. The Type S featured 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more akin to a compact car, but a flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel with greater customization and a Vehicle Activity display. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system performed well, with improved voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons. The system's design was distracting and occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with upgrades available for wireless charging and premium audio. However, the TLX lacked wireless smartphone integration and Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2022 Honda Civic's Honda Sensing suite included advanced driver assistance systems like Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system on the EX and Touring trims. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with AcuraWatch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.