2023 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with a width exceeding that of the BMW 3 Series by over 7.5 centimetres, and a length more than 22 centimetres longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a substantial yet fuss-free appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with ambient lighting and high-quality materials, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Prius underwent a complete makeover, emerging with a sleek and futuristic design. The new Prius was longer, lower, and wider, with wheels pushed to the corners for better handling and a more athletic look. The exterior was a blend of curves and edges, appealing to both modern and conservative tastes. Inside, the Prius prioritized function over form, with a solid build and top-notch materials. The cabin featured a pair of screens for the driver, a departure from the previous centre-mounted display, and offered a comfortable environment despite its minimalist design.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, excelling on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX offered a balanced and predictable driving experience, though the exhaust note was subdued. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2023 Toyota Prius featured a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, combined with a more powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering 196 horsepower in all-wheel drive models. This was a significant improvement over the previous model's 121 horsepower. The Prius achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.7 on the highway. The new Prius felt more athletic and eager, with improved acceleration and handling. The revised suspension and longer wheelbase contributed to a comfortable and engaging driving experience, though engine noise was noticeable during hard acceleration.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, offered a tight interior space for four passengers. The back seat provided decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable features. The infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, requiring acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2023 Toyota Prius, although larger on the outside, had a slightly smaller interior compared to its predecessor. Headroom was reduced due to the sloping roofline, but legroom improved, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Limited trim featured a fixed glass roof, enhancing the cabin's openness. Cargo space decreased to 575 litres, with some underfloor storage. The cabin included practical features like cupholders, USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pocket, though rear visibility was somewhat compromised.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. A head-up display was available on the Platinum Elite trim, and the ELS Studio premium audio system was included on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features. The TLX also featured climate control linked to navigation for automatic adjustments.

The 2023 Toyota Prius came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on XLE models, while the Limited trim offered a larger 12.3-inch screen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though navigation required a subscription. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, and the Limited trim included wireless charging and an 8-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota offered subscription-based connectivity bundles for additional features.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.

The 2023 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure alerts, and more. The system's functionality was impressive, and all features were standard across trims. The Prius also included stability control, traction control, and eight airbags. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+, though NHTSA ratings were pending.