2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The ES, with its elegant proportions and sleek roofline, featured the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille and assertive headlamp shapes. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled interior with a layered dashboard and bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, though the design choices sometimes felt disjointed.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, making it a rare sight on the road. The TLX's design, based on a concept vehicle, introduced a new design language for Acura, with a long, low, and lean profile that mimicked a rear-wheel-drive look. While the dramatic styling impacted rear-seat room and cargo space, the TLX's interior featured a layered dashboard design that emphasized width. However, the control layout required drivers to relearn basic functions, causing unnecessary distractions. The TLX Type S, with its turbocharged V6 engine and performance enhancements, offered a thrilling driving experience, though the brake-by-wire system occasionally detracted from the overall performance.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered compared to its siblings.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX Type S, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in five seconds. The Type S included performance enhancements such as a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. While the TLX Type S offered an exhilarating driving experience, the brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response. Despite this, the TLX Type S remained a delight to drive, with excellent grip and handling.

The 2022 Lexus ES provided 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 models. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES offered ample storage and convenience features, including large bottle pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, functioned well with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S offered a choice of interior colors in premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts. The front sport seats provided excellent comfort, but the rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom due to the TLX's design priorities. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to a compact car. The TLX's interior featured a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges, though the low-contrast markings were challenging to read. Overall, the TLX prioritized style over practicality, impacting rear-seat comfort and cargo space.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was an improvement over previous systems but still challenging to use. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured a 10.2-inch display with the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which proved distracting and occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink services. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system sounded excellent, but the lack of wireless smartphone integration was a drawback.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Acura TLX came standard with AcuraWatch, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added 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, though the front passenger's frontal-impact rating was four stars.