When considering luxury vehicles, brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus often come to mind. However, for discerning buyers seeking a premium experience without the top-tier price tag, brands like Acura and Infiniti present compelling alternatives. These Japanese luxury divisions, from Honda and Nissan respectively, offer a unique blend of luxury and value. In the competitive realm of compact luxury sedans, the 2022 Acura Tlx and 2022 Infiniti Q50 stand out as strong contenders. This in-depth comparison will analyze these two models across key categories to determine which emerges as the smarter luxury sedan choice for you.
Pricing and Feature Comparison: 2022 Acura TLX vs. 2022 Infiniti Q50
Initially, the 2022 Acura TLX appears to be the more budget-friendly option with a starting MSRP of $38,500 compared to the Infiniti Q50’s $42,100. However, a closer look reveals that this price difference is largely due to the Infiniti Q50’s more generous standard features in its base Luxe trim. The Q50 Luxe is equipped similarly to the Acura TLX Technology trim, which is priced higher at $42,500. Furthermore, the base Q50 boasts a standard V6 engine, a higher-end audio system, and a power-adjustable steering column, though it forgoes the Acura’s built-in GPS navigation.
The 2022 Acura TLX lineup expands with sportier trims like the A-Spec ($45,250), the feature-rich Advance ($49,500), and the V6-powered A-Spec ($53,300). Infiniti counters with the fully-equipped Q50 Sensory ($47,800) and the performance-oriented Red Sport 400 ($55,950), which elevates the V6 engine to a potent 400 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available for approximately $2,000 extra on all Q50 trims and select TLX trims (standard on TLX Advance and A-Spec).
When comparably equipped, the 2022 Acura TLX and Infiniti Q50 are similarly priced. However, the TLX offers a wider range of models, starting with a more accessible base price and providing more optional high-end features like rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and wireless smartphone charging.
Exterior Design: Sporty 2022 Acura TLX vs. Timeless Infiniti Q50
The 2022 Acura TLX underwent a significant redesign for the 2021 model year, resulting in a sedan that is both sportier and more sophisticated. Acura successfully transformed the TLX from a somewhat generic sedan with an aggressive front fascia into a lower, wider, and more dynamically styled vehicle. The current TLX design is cohesive and well-proportioned, achieving a commanding presence without resorting to excessive design elements.
In contrast, the Infiniti Q50 has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2014. This longevity can be viewed in two ways: some appreciate its timeless elegance, while others perceive it as becoming dated. The Q50 is taller and narrower than the 2022 Acura TLX, with a higher beltline and larger windows, giving it a more upright stance compared to the sleek Acura. It features softer lines and more chrome accents. Despite this, the Q50 maintains its sports sedan identity with slim headlights flanking a prominent mesh grille that extends low to the ground, projecting an assertive road presence. Ultimately, the choice between the flashier 2022 Acura TLX and the more understated Infiniti Q50 in terms of exterior styling is subjective and depends on personal preference.
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Interior Design and Technology: Modern Acura TLX vs. Dated Infiniti Q50
Stepping inside, the Infiniti Q50’s age becomes even more apparent. Its interior design is simple and functional but lacks the modern aesthetic found in newer competitors. The vertically oriented instrument panel reflects design trends from a decade ago. Infiniti utilizes a dual-screen setup with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touchscreen. While offering ample screen space, it lacks visual flair. The Q50’s infotainment system is user-friendly, with straightforward buttons and knobs, and material quality is generally good, although some elements feel less premium. While the Q50’s interior is not subpar, it simply doesn’t convey the sense of modern luxury expected in current models.
The 2022 Acura TLX presents a significantly more modern and arguably more upscale interior experience. The cabin is dominated by a prominent driving-mode selector and a push-button gear shifter on a high-tech instrument panel. A standard 10.2-inch infotainment display is positioned atop the dashboard. Acura enhances the cabin ambiance with rich wood and leather trim options, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A notable drawback is the TLX’s infotainment system, which relies on a touchpad controller without touchscreen functionality. This system can be distracting to operate while driving. Despite this infotainment quirk, the 2022 Acura TLX clearly outshines the Q50 in interior design and overall modernity.
Passenger Space and Comfort: Front-Focused Acura TLX vs. Rear-Friendly Infiniti Q50
The 2022 Acura TLX boasts larger exterior dimensions than the Infiniti Q50, being both longer and wider. This translates to a more spacious front seating area, where driver and passenger are comfortably separated by a wide, high center console. The Acura’s front seats were also found to be more supportive than the Infiniti’s, even in the Q50’s “sport seats.”
However, Acura doesn’t fully utilize its increased size to maximize rear passenger space. The rear seats of the 2022 Acura TLX feel cramped, particularly for taller adults who may find legroom limited. The Infiniti Q50, while not offering a cavernous backseat, provides more adult-friendly rear passenger accommodations. Both sedans offer a comparable 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space. Therefore, the winner in this category depends on your priorities: the TLX prioritizes front passenger comfort, while the Q50 offers a more accommodating backseat.
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Ride and Handling Dynamics: Agile Acura TLX vs. Composed Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50, with its rear-wheel-drive platform (and optional all-wheel drive), holds a traditional sports sedan advantage over the front-wheel-drive-based 2022 Acura TLX (which also offers AWD). However, in real-world driving, the Acura TLX delivers a more engaging and refined driving experience.
The 2022 Acura TLX features selectable driving modes that adjust steering weight across three levels. Impressively, all settings provide a natural and communicative connection to the road. This contributes to a greater sense of precision compared to the Q50. Acura’s “super handling all-wheel drive” system is a standout feature, effectively distributing torque to individual wheels to enhance cornering agility. While the higher-performance TLX Type S offers further handling enhancements, the Q50 Red Sport 400 prioritizes straight-line speed. The Infiniti Q50 handles competently and with composure, but the 2022 Acura TLX offers a more dynamic and enjoyable driving experience overall.
Acceleration and Performance: Faster Infiniti Q50 vs. Lively Acura TLX
The standard engine in the 2022 Acura TLX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides brisk acceleration and a pleasing engine note for a four-cylinder. However, the Infiniti Q50 is undeniably quicker.
The Infiniti Q50 comes standard with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This V6 propels the Q50 to 60 mph significantly faster than the base TLX, achieving it in approximately 5 seconds. This performance is comparable to the 2022 Acura TLX Type S, which boasts a 3.0-liter V6 turbo with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, accompanied by a more aggressive engine sound. The Q50 Red Sport 400 takes performance even further, boosting the V6 to 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. The rich sound of the Q50’s standard V6 engine is also a highlight. While the 2022 Acura TLX is by no means slow, the Infiniti Q50 offers superior acceleration across its range.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency: More Economical Acura TLX vs. Thirstier Infiniti Q50
Increased performance often comes at the cost of fuel efficiency, and the Infiniti Q50, while not excessively thirsty, is less fuel-efficient than the 2022 Acura TLX. The 300-hp Q50 with rear-wheel drive achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower. Real-world testing of an AWD Q50 averaged 25 mpg, exceeding EPA estimates.
The most fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive four-cylinder 2022 Acura TLX boasts EPA estimates of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD versions see a slight reduction. Real-world testing of a four-cylinder AWD TLX matched the EPA combined estimate at 24 mpg. The V6-powered TLX Type S, only available with AWD, achieves 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined in EPA testing, trailing the Q50 Red Sport 400’s ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Despite the Q50 Red Sport 400 surprisingly close highway MPG, the 2022 Acura TLX wins this category due to its superior EPA fuel economy ratings in its more common configurations.
Safety Ratings and Features: Top-Rated Acura TLX vs. Well-Equipped Infiniti Q50
The 2022 Acura TLX has achieved top safety accolades, earning the highest possible Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) across all tests. It also comes generously equipped with standard safety and driver-assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping steering assist. Optional safety upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking camera.
The Infiniti Q50 has also performed well in crash tests but falls short of the TLX’s top-tier ratings. While the Q50 received “Good” ratings for frontal and side impacts and its automatic emergency braking system from the IIHS, its headlights were rated “Marginal.” The 2022 Q50 has not been rated by NHTSA, but previous model years, including the 2014 Q50, earned 5-star overall ratings. The Q50 includes a comprehensive suite of standard safety features even in its base model, such as blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and rear automatic braking. However, it lacks available features like a head-up display and pedestrian detection. While the Q50 offers strong safety features, the 2022 Acura TLX achieves superior safety ratings and offers a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies.
Final Verdict: 2022 Acura TLX – The More Compelling Luxury Sedan
The Infiniti Q50, despite its age, remains a gracefully styled sedan, particularly appealing to those who appreciate understated design. It offers a powerful standard engine, a generous array of standard features at a competitive price point, and more rear passenger room than the 2022 Acura TLX. The Q50 is a strong contender if you prioritize a potent engine, a feature-rich base model, or need to regularly transport adults in the backseat.
However, the 2022 Acura TLX emerges as the more compelling and well-rounded luxury sedan in this comparison. It boasts a more attractive starting price (for the base model), a significantly more modern and refined interior, sharper handling dynamics, and superior fuel economy in its more common configurations. While rear passenger space and outright acceleration might be areas where the TLX slightly compromises, it excels in design, interior quality, driving engagement, and safety. Unless you are specifically drawn to the Q50’s V6 power or require more rear seat room, the 2022 Acura TLX is the smarter and more satisfying choice in the compact luxury sedan segment.
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