2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued to evolve from its earlier generations, showcasing a sportier and sharper design that had become a hallmark of its sixth generation. Available in three trims in Canada—SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum—the Altima featured Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a distinctive "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, stood out with its gloss black accents, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a single-panel moonroof, enhancing the Altima's sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, though the quality of materials varied across trims.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly in the Type S variant, presented a striking and sporty appearance with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements. Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX boasted a long, low, and lean design, reminiscent of a rear-wheel-drive sedan. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat headroom and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design, but its control layout required some adjustment. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most performance-oriented version, offering a thrilling driving experience despite some ergonomic challenges.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. While the Altima's acceleration was modest, its suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The cabin remained quiet, offering a refined driving experience despite the engine's limitations.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX offered a more powerful performance with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The TLX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The Type S variant took performance to another level with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided excellent grip and control, while the Type S model included performance enhancements like adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes. However, the TLX's brake-by-wire system occasionally lacked the precision expected in a sports sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a practical and comfortable interior, accommodating four passengers comfortably and five for short distances. Its trunk provided 437 litres of cargo space, larger than the Camry but smaller than the Accord and Sonata. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, while the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front sport seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, but the rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom due to the TLX's design priorities. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car. Despite its stylish design, the TLX's interior layout posed some challenges in terms of practicality and ease of use.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims included features like navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which provided driver assistance for acceleration, steering, and braking.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a 10.2-inch display with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which proved to be a source of frustration for users. The system required interaction through a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition, lacking the convenience of a touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TTI's design occupied valuable console space, complicating access to the wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura TLX also offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S model included additional features like rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though it had a four-star rating for the front passenger's seating position in a frontal-impact collision.