2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over its predecessors, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet straightforward layout that balanced form and function. The dashboard's centrepiece was a touchscreen rising from the dash, complemented by easy-to-use controls and a trio of vents that added an upscale touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX stood out with its sporty and eye-catching design, particularly in the Type S variant with its Tiger Eye Pearl paint. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, giving it a long, low, and lean appearance with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required some adjustment. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, offering a performance-oriented driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. While the engine wasn't particularly outstanding, the CVT managed power effectively, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance-focused car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making the Sentra a reliable choice for commuting and road trips.

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. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada, the TLX provided a dynamic driving experience. The Type S model took performance further with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It featured numerous enhancements, including a sport automatic transmission, performance-tuned suspension, and Brembo brakes. The TLX Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h, offering an exhilarating ride despite some braking system quirks.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior provided spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. The rear seats offered decent legroom and headroom, while the front row featured large in-door cargo trays and cupholders for convenience.

In comparison, the 2023 Acura TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model. The TLX's interior featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching in the Type S model. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort, but the rear seats were less accommodating due to narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's design prioritized aesthetics over practicality, resulting in a smaller rear seating area and trunk space.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Acura TLX's technology was less intuitive, with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system causing frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, relying on a touchpad and buttons for control. While the system included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, the TTI proved distracting and occupied valuable console space. The TLX also lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was disappointing for a luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crash testing and driver-assistance effectiveness.

The 2023 Acura TLX also offered a robust set of standard safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety credentials. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, although the front passenger's seating position received a four-star rating in frontal-impact tests.