2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, had evolved over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. Inside, the ES boasted a well-assembled interior with an asymmetrical dashboard and sporty F Sport packaging, though some elements felt dated.

The 2023 Acura TLX, redesigned for the 2021 model year, faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints. This made the TLX a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements, stood out. Acura's design language gave the TLX a rear-wheel-drive look, though it used a front-wheel-drive platform. The interior featured a layered dashboard design, but the control layout required some adjustment. The TLX Type S, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), offered a thrilling driving experience, though the brake-by-wire system had its quirks.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. The ES 250 AWD provided all-wheel drive, but its performance felt underwhelming for a luxury sedan. The ES 350's V6 offered more excitement, while the ES 300h excelled in fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, produced 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in five seconds. The SH-AWD system provided excellent grip and control, while the Type S model included performance enhancements like adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes. However, the brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response. Despite this, the TLX Type S offered an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats for added versatility. Its lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The dashboard layout was functional, though not visually appealing.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium Milano leather interior with sport seats offering 16-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The front seat comfort was excellent, but the rear seat lacked legroom due to the TLX's design priorities. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, with a flat floor and enclosed hinges for practicality. The TLX's interior design emphasized style over practicality, with narrow rear doors and limited rear-seat space.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and a head-up display. The Lexus Enform suite provided connected services, including emergency alerts and remote control functions.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a 10.2-inch display with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which proved challenging to use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. The TTI's design occupied valuable console space, making it less user-friendly. The TLX lacked wireless smartphone integration, adding to the frustration.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ES also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. 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.