2023 Acura Integra vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2023 Acura Integra was designed with a cohesive aesthetic that aligned with Acura's broader design language, featuring a pentagonal grille, JewelEye headlights, and sharply creased character lines. This modern Integra seamlessly fit into the Acura family, alongside the larger TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX crossovers. With the introduction of the Integra, Acura phased out the ILX compact sedan, a decision driven by the declining popularity of sedans and the need to streamline their compact offerings. The Integra distinguished itself with a five-door liftback design, a nod to the third-generation Integra, and a wide track that gave it a solid, planted appearance. In Canada, the Integra was available in three trims: base, A-Spec, and Elite A-Spec, each offering distinct features like alloy wheels and performance tires. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its unique identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch colour touchscreen in the Elite A-Spec trim. The interior offered a mix of comfort and practicality, though it lacked some of the bespoke refinement found in German competitors.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift towards SUVs and supply chain constraints. Despite these hurdles, the TLX stood out on the road, especially the sporty TLX Type S with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring 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 had a layered dashboard design that emphasized width, but the control layout required some adjustment. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, offering a thrilling driving experience. The TLX's performance was enhanced by features like adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission. However, the brake-by-wire system, while innovative, sometimes led to a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response. Despite these quirks, the TLX Type S delivered an engaging driving experience, with its fast acceleration, impressive handling, and agreeable daily driving characteristics.

The 2023 Acura Integra marked a first for the model with its turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, delivering 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. This lively engine paired beautifully with Acura's six-speed manual transmission, featuring automatic rev-matching technology for smooth downshifts. The Integra's handling was impressive, with a firm suspension providing a sporty ride and a wide track and long wheelbase contributing to its planted feel. The variable-ratio electric power-steering system offered a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra also featured three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX offered a more powerful performance with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 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 to another level with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The Type S also featured performance enhancements like adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts. However, the brake-by-wire system sometimes led to a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response. Despite this, the TLX Type S offered a thrilling driving experience, with fast acceleration, impressive handling, and a satisfying exhaust note.

The 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design highlighted its practicality, offering 688 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height could be a challenge for shorter individuals or those with heavy luggage. The interior provided a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers, with a logical dashboard layout and smartly placed storage solutions. While rear legroom was decent, headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline, making it less ideal for taller passengers.

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

The 2023 Acura Integra came equipped with a range of technology features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Elite A-Spec trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a wireless charging pad. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system with 16 speakers provided an exceptional listening experience, making the Integra a technological standout in its segment.

The 2023 Acura TLX, however, faced criticism for its True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which proved distracting and less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen. The 10.2-inch display required the use of a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition, which could be cumbersome. Despite this, the TLX offered a comprehensive suite of standard infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless smartphone integration was a notable omission.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety equipment, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) across all trim levels. Features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Elite A-Spec trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. The Integra received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Similarly, the 2023 Acura TLX came equipped with a robust set of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S model added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer system, and a surround-view camera. The TLX also featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility (ACE) body structure and eight airbags. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.