2023 Acura TLX vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The 2023 Toyota Crown was a full-size sedan that comfortably seated five passengers. It shared a similar footprint with the discontinued Toyota Avalon but stood out with its elevated ride height, reminiscent of crossover vehicles like the old Honda Accord Crosstour. The Crown's design was more widely accepted, featuring a massive grille that was mostly aesthetic, with actual air inlets above it. Angular wraparound headlights added a touch of sporty aggression to the front end. From the side, large wheels and a black trim piece along the doors broke up the expanse of sheet metal, while the rear boasted a bold taillight strip. Inside, the Crown offered a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, though it was let down by some hard plastic elements.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, was a rarity on the road due to supply chain constraints and Acura's strategy of not flooding rental fleets. The TLX was based on a concept vehicle that introduced a new design language, featuring a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look. While the dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space, it was visually striking. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design that emphasized width, but the control layout required some relearning. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, offering a thrilling driving experience with performance enhancements like adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes.

The 2023 Toyota Crown offered two hybrid powertrains across its trims. The base powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid electric motor, delivering 236 horsepower and on-demand all-wheel drive. The top Platinum trim featured the Hybrid Max powertrain, which included a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more powerful rear electric motor, producing 340 horsepower. The base hybrid used a continuously variable transmission, while the Hybrid Max had a six-speed automatic. The Crown's ride was tuned for comfort, with the Platinum trim adding an adaptive suspension. Despite some engine drone, the cabin remained quiet, and the Crown was enjoyable to drive, though some electronic aids were intrusive.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and numerous performance enhancements, including adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing grip and control. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds, though its fuel efficiency was not its strong suit. The TLX's brake-by-wire system, while innovative, was less satisfying on twisty roads. Despite this, the TLX Type S was a delight to drive, offering a fast and engaging experience.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's interior varied by trim, with fabric upholstery in the base XLE and full leather in the Limited and Platinum trims. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though firm cushioning could cause discomfort over time. The cabin offered adequate storage, with large cupholders and a convenient center console. The rear seats provided ample space, though the tapering roofline limited headroom. The Crown's trunk, while traditional, had a limited capacity of 15.2 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors but still useful.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather interiors with contrast stitching and piping. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, more akin to a compact car. Despite this, the flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges made the most of the space.

The 2023 Toyota Crown came standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Crown's infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and voice recognition, activated by saying "Hey Toyota." A digital key feature was available, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

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 design proved distracting, and the TTI occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink services. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium audio system. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility.

The 2023 Toyota Crown's safety features included collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The Platinum trim added a semi-automated parking system. While crash test results were pending, the Crown's safety systems were well-tuned, though some features were intrusive.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the front passenger's frontal-impact rating was four stars.