2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Acura Integra

The 2023 Acura TLX faced several challenges, including a consumer shift towards SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain issues, and fluctuating car prices, which made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals. Despite these hurdles, the TLX stood out on the road, especially the sporty Type S model, which featured a striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements. Priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada, the TLX was based on a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language, giving it a sleek, rear-wheel-drive appearance despite its front-wheel-drive platform. However, the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat space and cargo capacity, making it less practical for those prioritizing comfort and storage.

Inside, the TLX boasted a layered dashboard design that emphasized width, but the control layout required drivers to relearn basic functions, causing distractions. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX A-Spec offered a more affordable option. Despite its stylish appearance and performance capabilities, the TLX's interior design and control layout were not as user-friendly as some might have hoped.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S was a standout model, offering a widebody appearance and aggressive detailing, with performance upgrades derived from the Honda Civic Type R. The Integra Type S featured a redesigned front end, wider track widths, and aerodynamic enhancements, making it visually distinct. Priced at $60,782 in Canada, the Integra Type S came with a single specification level, offering various dealer-installed accessories. The interior retained the familiar Integra A-Spec design, with unique graphics and Ultrasuede seat inserts, but some materials fell short of expectations for a vehicle in this price range.

The Integra Type S shared many components with the Civic Type R, including a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, six-speed manual gearbox, and advanced suspension system. However, Acura tuned the Integra for a more comfortable ride, making it more suitable for everyday driving. Despite its performance focus, the Integra Type S offered practicality with its sportback body style and ample cargo space. While the interior materials and rear-seat comfort could be improved, the Integra Type S delivered an engaging driving experience for enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a range of performance options, with most models featuring a 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, this engine delivered a fuel economy of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode.

The TLX Type S, the sportiest model, came with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It featured numerous performance enhancements, including a sport automatic transmission, adaptive suspension, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. However, its fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with an average consumption of 11.8 L/100 km during testing. The TLX Type S offered an exhilarating driving experience, but its brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S shared its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with the Honda Civic Type R, producing 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev matching and a limited-slip differential. The Integra Type S offered a more compliant ride than the Civic Type R, thanks to its tuned suspension. It delivered impressive performance on winding roads, with minimal torque steer and excellent grip from its Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. However, the Integra Type S was loud on the highway, and its fuel economy averaged 10.8 L/100 km, limiting its range to around 435 kilometres per tank.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with premium Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The U.S.-spec test car had an Orchid interior with optional carbon fibre trim, which was not available in Canada. The Type S model's flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with low-contrast red markings were challenging to read. The front sport seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S came with front sport seats featuring more aggressive lower bolsters than other Integra models. The driver's seat offered 12-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked power adjustment. The rear seat provided decent legroom but lacked thigh support and storage options. The Integra Type S's sportback body style offered a 688-litre cargo area, which could be expanded by folding the rear seats. This design provided the utility of a small crossover SUV with the driving character of a sports car.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration for users. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the centre console. The system's layout was distracting, and the TTI occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the TTI proved less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 9-inch infotainment screen. The system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen, volume knob, and tuning buttons. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system. Pairing an iPhone took longer than expected, and the wireless charging pad was unreliable. The audio system struggled with sound quality due to the car's loud interior. The Integra Type S also offered a 5.3-inch head-up display, providing essential driving information.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S model added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer system, and a surround-view camera. The TLX's Advanced Engineering Compatibility (ACE) 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 crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura Integra Type S featured AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The manual transmission limited some adaptive cruise control features. The Integra Type S had ten airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and an ACE body structure. While crash-test ratings for the Type S were not available, the standard Integra received top ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, suggesting strong safety performance.