2022 Subaru WRX vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while wider than its predecessor, maintained a subtle front-end design, highlighted by its signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille. The side profile was less cluttered, featuring black plastic cladding with a hexagonal pattern to enhance aerodynamics, reminiscent of its rally heritage. The rear showcased dramatic fender flares and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the cladding could be distracting on bright-coloured models like the Solar Orange. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a D-shaped steering wheel and carbon-fibre-pattern trim, setting it apart from other Subaru models.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, stood out with its sporty and eye-catching design, featuring Tiger Eye Pearl paint and a performance wheel and tire package. Based on a concept vehicle, the TLX adopted a new design language, presenting a long, low, and lean profile 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 a learning curve, causing potential distractions. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, was the most expensive version, offering numerous performance enhancements for an engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX distinguished itself from the standard Impreza with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Despite the slight horsepower increase from the previous model, some drivers found the power output lacking compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission was favoured by most buyers, praised for its precision and ease of use. The WRX's suspension, built on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a forgiving ride quality, even on rough roads, thanks to creative suspension tuning and a stabilizer bar mounted to the body.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including a Sport+ mode in the Type S model, which also boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The Type S included performance enhancements like adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts. While the TLX Type S delivered an exhilarating driving experience, its brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response, detracting from the overall performance.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered practicality with a cargo capacity increase to 354 litres, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery options, making the WRX a viable commuter vehicle. Standard all-wheel drive added to its appeal as a performance-focused sedan in its price range.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts, though the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, comparable to a compact car, but a flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges maximized usability. The front seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while the rear seat comfort was compromised by the car's design priorities.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen in Sport trims and higher, offering a visually impressive interface with physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration was less seamless, with Android Auto displaying only on the top half of the screen. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo was available in higher trims.

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 TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display proved distracting, and the system occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system, though wireless smartphone integration was not supported.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, while manual models lacked these features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform enhanced crash energy absorption, and the WRX included seven airbags as standard.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX's ACE body structure and eight airbags contributed to its safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.