Acura TLX vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This engine delivered an impressive 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car's design was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood to accommodate the V8 and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and quality-built space for four, with a user-friendly infotainment system. Despite its high price, the IS 500 was a blend of thrilling performance and everyday comfort, appealing to those who appreciated a refined yet powerful ride.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, was a rarity on the road due to supply chain constraints and a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs. The TLX Type S was visually striking, with a design inspired by a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean profile. However, this design compromised rear-seat headroom and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard and a control layout that required some acclimatization. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most performance-oriented version, offering a thrilling driving experience. Despite its performance credentials, the TLX's interior space and technology interface left room for improvement.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500's weight distribution was slightly front-heavy, but it still delivered a thrilling driving experience, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and excellent stability. However, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a sport automatic transmission with rev-matching downshifts and SH-AWD, providing excellent grip and control. The TLX Type S accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX's fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, averaging 11.8 L/100 km during testing. The TLX's Electro Servo braking system, while innovative, lacked the satisfying feel of traditional brakes, and the car's weight distribution was front-heavy, though the Agile Handling Assist technology helped mitigate understeer.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control, including seat heaters and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a good driving position. However, rear-seat space was limited, and the trunk offered just 305 litres of cargo space. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs clearly marked, making it easy to use the touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured a premium interior with Milano leather and artificial suede inserts. The front seats were 16-way power-adjustable, offering excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped, with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk held 382 litres of cargo, more in line with a compact car. The control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface, was less intuitive, requiring some adjustment from drivers.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 featured a touchscreen infotainment system with an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, and the controls were logical and easy to use.

The 2023 Acura TLX's infotainment system relied on the True Touchpad Interface, which proved distracting and less intuitive than a traditional touchscreen. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, and the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura TLX included a range of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX also featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.