Acura TLX vs. Honda Accord

While they’re both midsize sedans, you may find it a bit easier to get around in the Acura. That’s because the TLX is 75.2 inches wide and has a wheelbase of 113 inches.

The Accord, meanwhile, is 73.3 inches wide with a wheelbase of just 111.4 inches. So, while not huge differences, the TLX does offer a bit more room and stands out more than the slighter-framed Accord.

The bigger differences come from the vehicles’ exterior designs. The TLX is a luxury model, which is evident in its varying design elements. Up front, you’ll find Jewel Eye® LED headlights with wide beams of light that mimic natural sunlight. Not only will they help you view colors more vividly, but they’re also stylish and offer that unique TLX look—even during the day.

While the Accord also has LED headlights, they’re not quite as advanced as the ones found in the Acura.

Since you’re bound to spend a lot of time in your car, you’ll want one that’s comfortable and nice to look at.

The Acura TLX has a sophisticated-looking interior, with standard leatherette-trimmed sport seats and available perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed sport seats for the perfect blend of sophistication and excitement.

Meanwhile, the Honda Accord comes standard with cloth seats and has available leather-trimmed seating. So, while it’s still a nice-looking car, the standard cabin isn’t as refined as the interior of the TLX.

You can adjust the appearance of your cabin as often as you need when you drive the Acura TLX since this model comes optionally with Iconic Drive™ Ambient LED Cabin Lighting. Choose from 27 different pre-set color options. Kanjo Loop, a vibrant purple, is perfect when you’re headed out for a night on the town while the cooling aqua of Pacific Coast will help you unwind after a long day at the office.

For Honda Accord drivers, you won’t have access to these luminescent features.

Regardless of the exterior temperature, you and your passengers will always be comfortable inside the Acura TLX and the Honda Accord thanks to their various comfort amenities. Some of the climate-controlled features you’ll find include:

While these amenities come standard with the TLX, you’ll have to upgrade to higher trim levels to get them with the Accord. For even more climate control, consider adding optional ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated seats can also be added optionally to the Accord; however, no heated steering wheel is offered.

There’s more to comfort than temperature. Having ample space to spread out and relax is crucial with your next sedan. Will the TLX or the Accord provide the dimensions you and your passengers need? It’s time to see!

Each sedan proves to be spacious, but passengers may have an overall more comfortable commute with the TLX since it offers more shoulder room and hip room.

Under the hood of the Accord is a 1.5L turbo engine that will provide adequate power: 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. The TLX features a similar, but slightly larger, 2.0L turbocharged engine that arms you with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

Partly responsible for the higher horsepower and torque in the TLX is the vehicle’s 10-speed automatic transmission. This will help optimize your gears and shifting abilities, creating premium engine performance.

The Accord only comes with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport mode, which won’t provide the traditional shifting experience. The transmission of the TLX also comes with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters that can afford you more control behind the wheel.

Handling capabilities is another important performance factor to consider when shopping for a new sedan.

The Acura TLX also offers an available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system. It not only distributes power from front to rear—it will also allocate rear power from side to side to help the vehicle conquer even the tightest curves and slipperiest of surfaces. This system will make it easier to handle all types of road conditions.

Unfortunately, the Honda Accord doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive system in any of its trim levels.