2023 Acura TLX vs 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs, supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices. These factors made it difficult for Acura to offer attractive lease deals, and the brand's decision not to sell to rental fleets added to its rarity on the road. The TLX Type S, with its striking Tiger Eye Pearl paint and performance enhancements, was priced at approximately $67,500 in Canada. The TLX's design, inspired by a concept vehicle, featured a sleek, low profile with a rear-wheel-drive appearance, though this impacted rear-seat space and cargo capacity. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized style over practicality, with a control layout that required adjustment from drivers.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in Sport and Touring trims, ranged from $43,462 to $46,962 in Canada. The Accord's redesign introduced a clean, technical look, complemented by machined-finish 19-inch wheels. Our test car, a Touring model in Canyon River Blue metallic paint, featured a black leather interior and a price of $47,262. The interior, though criticized for shiny plastics, impressed with its 'Acura Lite' feel. The Accord's cabin offered a grey headliner, contrast stitching, and artful mesh trim, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The Accord Hybrid's design and interior features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and comfort.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km in the city, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h, with a fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.0 combined. Despite its performance prowess, the TLX Type S's brake-by-wire system posed challenges during spirited driving.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system operated seamlessly, with simulated gear changes for a traditional feel. The Accord Hybrid's FWD setup provided zippy acceleration, especially in city driving, and it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.3 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the Touring model returned 5.5 L/100 km. The Accord Hybrid impressed with its blend of ride and handling, offering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured an Ebony interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The U.S.-spec test car's Orchid interior, unavailable in Canada, looked appealing with optional carbon fibre trim. The Type S's sport steering wheel and analog gauges, though stylish, were challenging to read. The front sport seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, 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.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, though taller drivers might find the seat adjustment limited. All Canadian models featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, with the Touring trim adding ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and headroom, with supportive seating and convenient features like air vents and USB ports. The Accord's trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing its rivals.

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 system's layout proved distracting, and the TTI occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX lacked wireless smartphone integration.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid boasted a 10.2-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a wireless charger, and Google Built-in. Despite some issues with voice recognition, the Accord's infotainment system offered a practical and user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a surround-view camera. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a minor downgrade for the front passenger's frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features. These included automatic high beams, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking. While some features faced challenges in bright sunlight, the Accord's safety systems generally performed well.