2024 Acura TLX vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Nissan Altima continued Nissan's long-standing tradition in the family car segment, building on over 50 years of experience. With the Maxima's impending discontinuation, the Altima aimed to fill the gap with its updated front styling, featuring a revised grille and new wheel designs. The higher trim levels, equipped with 19-inch wheels, enhanced the Altima's visual appeal, although the wheels' flush design made them susceptible to damage. In Canada, the Altima was available in four trims, with standard all-wheel drive setting it apart in the mid-size sedan market. However, the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. The interior, while visually appealing, was marred by hard plastics, though the new double-stitched seams added a touch of sophistication.

The 2024 Acura TLX, redesigned in 2021, received subtle updates that enhanced its elegance. The most noticeable change was the frameless grille, which, along with the removal of the radar emitter, gave the TLX a more refined look. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and air intakes added to its striking front fascia. The TLX's character lines were tastefully restrained, and the A-Spec trim featured 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Type S boasted 20-inch Berlina black split-spoke rims. Inside, the TLX exuded luxury with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The new 12.3-inch infotainment screen was a highlight, though the busy centre stack and unique controls required some acclimation. The Type S model, with its red leather upholstery and performance-focused features, delivered a true performance car experience.

The 2023 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The standard all-wheel-drive system could send up to half of the engine's output to the rear wheels. While the power was adequate, the CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and paddle shifters in the SR Premium trim added driver engagement. Fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 6.5 on the highway, and 7.9 combined for the base trim. The Altima's performance was adequate, but the ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Rear visibility was poor, and the brakes showed signs of heating up during testing.

The 2024 Acura TLX A-Spec featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Type S model, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, produced 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering blistering acceleration. The TLX Type S could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds. The transmission handled shifts smoothly, and the car's multiple driving modes provided noticeable differences in performance. The TLX's adaptive dampers, robust stabilizers, and Brembo brake calipers contributed to its nimble handling, despite its weight.

The 2023 Nissan Altima's interior was straightforward and comfortable, with controls laid out logically. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the sticky leather upholstery detracted slightly from the experience. The Altima featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, but the trunk offered only 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors.

The 2024 Acura TLX's dimensions placed it between compact and midsize sedans. The front seats offered ample space, but the rear seats fell short of midsize sedan standards, with only 886 mm of legroom. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, comparable to a compact sedan. The TLX's long hood contributed to its visual presence but affected maneuverability in tight spaces. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with convenient cupholders and a well-designed steering wheel.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on SR Premium and Platinum trims, included a navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker premium audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance varied. The 12.3-inch infotainment system represented a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition technology.

The 2024 Acura TLX featured a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The TLX also included Amazon Alexa built-in. The dual 12.3-inch displays offered crisp graphics and fast response times, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) required some adjustment. The TTI's one-to-one positioning was clever but over-engineered, and phone projection systems were challenging to use with the TTI.

The 2023 Nissan Altima included the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system. ProPilot Assist, available on SR Premium and Platinum trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Acura TLX came with an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" score in all IIHS tests, though it had not yet been announced as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2024.