2022 Audi A4 vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Audi A4 lineup included the A4 sedan, the A4 Allroad, and the S4 performance model. The A4 sedan came in 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI model series with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. Prices ranged from under $40,000 to over $50,000. The test car was a Prestige 45 TFSI with Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats, totaling $55,890. The A4's simple, clean, and conservative appearance was enhanced by the Tango Red paint and Black Optic package, making it look sensational. Inside, the A4 featured high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient interior lighting, though the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed out of place.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, making it a rarity on the road. The test car was a TLX Type S with Tiger Eye Pearl paint, a performance wheel and tire package, and premium floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $59,100. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, featuring a long, low, and lean look with a rear-wheel-drive appearance. However, the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design, but the control layout required relearning how to use the infotainment system and adjust driving modes, causing unnecessary distraction.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving. Audi claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI test car had 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a lowered sport suspension, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The A4's driving modes included Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual. The test car averaged 24.8 mpg and provided a joyful driving experience with refined engine performance, outstanding tire grip, and a quiet cabin.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, achieving 24-25 mpg in combined driving. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) included Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in five seconds and achieving 21 mpg in combined driving. The Type S also included performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. However, the brake-by-wire system caused a mismatch between driver inputs and braking response, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Audi A4's low ground clearance made it harder to enter and exit, with small door openings and a snug cabin. However, the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power adjustment, thigh-support cushion, and a sliding center armrest. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, separate from the infotainment screen, and a simple, intuitive layout. The rear seats were less spacious, with limited legroom and hard plastic seatbacks. Interior storage was limited, with a small center console bin and generous glove compartment and door panel bins. The A4's 13 cubic-foot trunk was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered premium Milano leather interiors with contrast stitching and piping. The test car's Orchid interior looked terrific with optional carbon fiber trim. The Type S featured 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats with heating and ventilation, but the rear seats lacked legroom and comfort due to the TLX's design. The TLX's trunk held 13.5 cubic feet of cargo, with a flat floor and enclosed hinges, but was more compact than expected for a midsize model.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported common smartphone functions and provided acoustic feedback. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect services, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a separate climate control system and useful voice controls. The Bang & Olufsen stereo was satisfying, though sound quality degraded at high volumes. The test car also had a head-up display, though it was hard to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of the TTI touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The TTI occupied valuable center console space, making wireless smartphone charging difficult. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and AcuraLink connected services. The TLX did not support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was not conversational. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded terrific.

The 2022 Audi A4's safety features were stair-stepped based on trim level. The Prestige model included front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, surround-view camera, and Park Assist. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.