Both the 2019 Acura TLX and 2018 Honda Accord Touring were recently redesigned for the 2018 model year and both are looking to crush the competition in their respective segments. But for buyers looking to get into a new sedan this year, how do you choose between these two options? Do you go with the affordable 2018 Accord, or do you go with the luxurious and stylish 2019 TLX?
In this comparison, we’re going to go over what separates these two titans and help you make the best car buying decision for you!
As you would expect from two sedans built for performance, both the 2019 Acura TLX and the 2018 Honda Accord have plenty of pep in their step and offer great handling. But the new TLX does offer a little more punch than the Accord.
The TLX’s top-of-the-line engine is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower. It is paired with a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission that makes accelerating and decelerating as smooth as butta. Instead of shifting through each gear on the way up or down, the powertrain module is designed to choose the gear you need in the moment, helping you to make the switch faster. But if you prefer, you can also take control of shifting with the steering wheel paddles.
The Accord offers great performance as well, and even includes a new engine option for the top-of-the-line Touring trim. The all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder impresses with 252 horsepower, but doesn’t match the TLX’s raw performance from its V6 engine.
The TLX also comes with a number of features that are designed to improve handling. For example, you can get the Super Handling all-wheel drive, which allows you to take corners with power and precision. It has dampers with revised valve tuning, higher spring rates, and reworked bushings, resulting in improved responsiveness and handling. The wheels are plumped up to 19 inches and are fatter, giving you more control on the road. It even has a chunkier steering wheel wrapped in leather for better gripping. Everything about the car is designed for those who love to drive, and performance enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.
There’s no denying that car interiors have made huge leaps in quality and style over the past decade, and both the 2019 Acura TLX and 2018 Honda Accord Touring are examples of just how far we’ve come.
The interior on the Honda Accord Touring is adequate but more functional than fabulous. You won’t have reason for complaint, but you won’t have reason to celebrate either. Inside the Acura TLX, on the other hand, you’ll see stylish seats made of high-quality materials. The seats come in a sophisticated red-and-black contrast, and they have bolstering for torso support. Suede inserts provide a little more grip so that you don’t slide around while you are taking sharp corners.
Being a luxury vehicle, the TLX is also designed for comfort. The front seats and both heated and ventilated, and the rear seats are heated. You’ll feel like you sink into the seats – they’re so plush and comfy.
The interior on the 2019 TLX has plenty of style also, with plenty of brushed aluminum trim and red ambient lighting. The dash features a dual-screen infotainment system found on many Acura models. Advanced options like navigation, wireless phone charger, HD radio, and smartphone projection technology (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) are all standard.
You’ll find some great features in the Accord Touring, as well. Some great examples include dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering-wheel-mounted controls. The Touring also comes with a navigation system and smartphone connectivity.
At the end of the day, you won’t find a lack of available options in either the 2019 Acura TLX or the 2018 Honda Accord Touring. Ultimately, you’ll just need to decide which offers the more stylish interior or the more comfortable ride, which is subjective. However, most buyers will find that the TLX has more to offer in that department.
Despite all that the TLX and Accord have to offer, you can still get more. There are a range of other features that either come with these sedans or that are available as options.
For performance options, you can choose the Super Handling all-wheel drive, which improves the way the car handles. Fine tuning in the suspension and dampers reduces the number of tweaks you have to make on the road, and it creates a smoother ride. There is also active noise reduction that keeps things quiet in the cabin, even when you are traveling at high speeds.
The Accord has extra available features like carbon fiber trim on the exterior, a rear spoiler, and a double-screen infotainment system. Some drawbacks, though, are that the two screens often just mirror each other instead of showing different information, and that the volume is controlled by touch rather than a knob, which can make it difficult to maneuver. It also comes with navigation and smartphone connectivity, which allows you to use different apps on the touch screen.
How much you end up paying for either the 2019 Acura TLX or 2018 Honda Accord Touring depends on what options you choose.
Overall, you’ll find the 2019 Acura TLX a better value because you’ll be getting so much more at a value that can’t be matched by other luxury car brands. Thanks to this, you’ll always feel like you’re driving a much, much more expensive car!
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