Compare the2022 Acura TLXVS 2022 Audi S5 Sportback

The TLX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the TLX and the S5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the TLX its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 76 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The S5 Sportback is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2021.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the TLX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the S5 Sportback. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the S5 Sportback ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 26th in initial quality. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Acura 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

The TLX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 6 more horsepower (355 vs. 349) than the S5 Sportback’s 3.0 turbo V6.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the TLX Type S’ fuel efficiency. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The TLX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Acura TLX higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Audi S5 Sportback (5). This means the TLX produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the S5 Sportback every 15,000 miles.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura TLX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the S5 Sportback.

For better stopping power the TLX Type S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the S5 Sportback:

The TLX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the TLX’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the S5 Sportback (113 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the TLX is 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.9 inches wider in the rear than on the S5 Sportback.

The TLX Type S handles at .97 G’s, while the S5 Sportback Prestige pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Acura TLX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 200 pounds less than the Audi S5 Sportback.

The TLX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The TLX has 2.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S5 Sportback (93.4 vs. 91).

The TLX has 1.2 inches more front legroom, 2.5 inches more front shoulder room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the S5 Sportback.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the TLX offers cargo security. The S5 Sportback’s hatchback body style defeats cargo security.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 5% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

The TLX offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The TLX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The TLX’s power window, power lock and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The S5 Sportback’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The TLX is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S5 Sportback doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Acura TLX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Acura TLX outsold the Audi A5/S5/RS 5 by 54% during the 2021 model year.