For drivers looking for a comfortable sedan experience while enjoying the reliability of a Japanese brand, the Acura TLX and the Toyota Camry are great choices. But which one should you choose between the mid-size sedan and the luxury compact sedan?

In this detailed comparative article, discover the 2024 Toyota Camry and the Acura TLX, their design, specs and quality-price ratio.

Powertrain and All-Wheel Drive Options

On one end, the Toyota Camry offers as an entry-level engine a 2.5 L naturally aspirated engine that makes 202 to 205 horsepower and 182 to 185 lb-ft of torque.

On the other end, the Acura offers a turbocharged engine standard that delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Camry’s powertrain is mated to an 8-speed.

Moreover, the Acura TLX sedan offers all-wheel drive standard, for a confident driving experience in all situations. As for the Camry, all-wheel drive is certainly an option with the standard powertrain, but it’s conspicuous by its absence with the other options, like the V6 and the hybrid powertrains.

Besides, both cars offer a more powerful option. With the Camry, the powertrain can reach a combined 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Once again, the numbers are higher with the luxury manufacturer. With the Acura TLX Type S, you get a V6 turbo that offers 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque!

Here’s a recap of the powertrains available with each car:

Note that the Camry also offers a hybrid version. You won’t find this option with the Acura model.

Handling, According to Experts

We all know that performance is not only a question of numbers. Well, with the specs it has, does the TLX live up to expectations? According to reviews, it compares favourably to its German rivals. The Type S, especially, offers an impressive performance:

“Its V6 ... is brisk, powerful and refined. Its firmer suspension, low-profile wheels and oversized Brembo brakes improve the TLX’s handling, but the car was already doing well in that respect.”

Michel Deslauriers, Le Guide de l’auto 2024

The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^TM system (SH-AWD®) with active torque-vectoring technology has proved its worth by enhancing stability and precision.

As for the Camry, it also deserves some good comments for its comfort, but reviews often highlight the lack of torque with the V6 and an unsatisfactory experience with the standard engine:

“Sometimes, we can’t help but wonder where they put the horsepower. The engine gets tired easily during acceleration.”

Charles Jolicoeur, L’Annuel de l’automobile 2024

Although it’s true that all-wheel drive is an interesting option with the Camry, keep in mind that it’s only an option, and it’s only available with the standard powertrain.

A Modern Design or an Ageing Concept?

To each his own, but people who want to stand out will be better served with Acura. The model was redesigned in 2021 and has a sporty look. The Acura TLX A-Spec gets, among other things:

• Diamond pentagon mesh grille

• 19-inch shark grey aluminum-allow wheels

• Black low drag decklid spoiler

• Dual-round exhaust finishers

• Inside, Ultrasuede® and Milano premium leather-trimmed sports seats

As for the Camry, the latest improvements go back to 2018, and it seems to be getting on in years as much inside as outside. For instance, consider the Camry’s 7-inch or 9-inch multimedia system, and the 4.2-inch instrument cluster, when the TLX offers:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• 12.3-inch HD centre display optional

• Alexa built-in

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Great Value for Money

Of course, the Camry is less expensive than the TLX. In fact, both cars offer great reliability, resale value and quality-price ratio. However, the Acura TLX prices are particularly advantageous for its segment, when you consider direct rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

For advanced features at a great price, come and get the Acura TLX for sale at Acura Laval, your Acura dealership close to Sainte-Thérèse and a few minutes only from Montreal. Your Acura dealership can offer you flexible financing solutions!