2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2019 Kia Optima, while not as groundbreaking as its 2011–2015 predecessor, still managed to capture attention with its appealing design. The car featured a trademark tiger-nose grille, sassy fender-vent trim, and an available black panoramic glass roof. With a variety of trim levels, buyers had plenty of options to find the right look at the right price. However, the availability of interior colors was limited, making it challenging to find the perfect combination. Prices ranged from $22,900 for the base LX to $35,790 for the SX Turbo with the luxurious Limited Package. The plug-in hybrid model was the most expensive, topping $42,000 with all options included. The SX Turbo trim, with its blacked-out exterior, machined-face 18-inch aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and extra-cost white pearl paint, looked like a stealthy sports sedan. Inside, black leather with red inserts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded instrumentation added to its racy appearance.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura TLX underwent a significant design improvement with a new nose, making it a handsome, albeit somewhat anonymous, car. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with 19-inch wheels, revised bumper designs, side sill skirts, and oversized round exhaust outlets. The limited-edition PMC Edition, hand-built in Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique body-color and gloss black exterior accents. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition was at the top of the TLX lineup. Non-PMC cars started at $33,995, with the Technology Package and A-Spec Package adding comfort, convenience, safety, and a racy appearance for less than $40,000. However, this price point did not include the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD.

The 2019 Kia Optima offered five different engines, including hybrid powertrains. The base LX and sporty S trims had a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the mid-grade EX Turbo featured a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 178 hp. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models were also available, with the former returning 41 mpg in combined driving and the latter offering up to 28 miles of pure electric range. The SX Turbo trim, tested with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, developed 245 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with four driving programs: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. The car averaged 23.5 mpg on the testing loop, just short of the EPA’s estimate of 24 mpg. The SX Turbo trim had a unique rack-mounted electrically assisted steering system, providing better feel at the wheel. However, it lacked crispness on mountain roads, reducing driver trust and enjoyment. The sport-tuned suspension provided a firm and communicative ride, but excess body motion on whoops and dips reduced confidence.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain, with a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. The 267 pound-feet of peak torque arrived at 4,500 rpm, providing a steady build-up of power. Switching to Sport or Sport+ mode turned the TLX into a thrill ride. The SH-AWD system could put up to 70% of total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The automatic transmission remained well-behaved, and the paddle shifters were pleasing to use. The TLX felt comfortable and quiet for daily driving, with a firm but not too stiff ride quality. On the testing loop, the TLX returned 23 mpg, matching the EPA’s estimate for combined driving.

The 2019 Kia Optima excelled as a daily driver, offering comfort, simplicity, and ample storage. Controls were logically laid out, clearly marked, and easy to use. The car featured a roomy 15.9-cubic-foot trunk and plenty of storage cubbies. The front seats offered various power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The standard leather looked good but felt stiff, while the Limited Package upgraded to buttery Nappa leather and added heated backseat cushions and rear side-window shades. Backseat legroom was impressive, with good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air-conditioning vents and quick-charging USB ports were also provided. The Smart Trunk feature automatically popped the trunk lid when standing behind the car with the key fob, which was helpful when carrying items on icy pavement.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed for comfort and quality, featured supple leather, perfect positioning, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear occupants enjoyed favorable accommodations with air-conditioning vents and available heated rear cushions. However, storage space was limited, with the trunk measuring just 14.3 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars rather than midsize.

The 2019 Kia Optima came with a generous standard infotainment system, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, voice recognition, a USB port, and a reversing camera. The Optima S and EX Turbo added satellite radio and UVO eServices, which ran on the smartphone’s data plan. The SX Turbo trim included a navigation system, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The UVO eServices smartphone app provided remote access to certain vehicle functions and allowed remote start and climate control settings. The infotainment system was easy to use, despite the unique font choice, and the voice-recognition technology offered some flexibility with commands.

The 2020 Acura TLX struggled with its dual-screen infotainment system. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was. Climate control buttons and switches were located under the bottom screen, with some functions included on the touchscreen. The layout caused distraction and frustration, with glossy-coated buttons that were difficult to read. The voice-recognition system was subpar, and the navigation map graphics were outdated. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system sounded good, and the car had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The smartphone charger in the bin forward of the shifter and cup holders was a convenient feature.

The 2019 Kia Optima was a standout in terms of safety, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert systems. Rear parking-assist sensors and a driver-monitoring system were also standard. The Optima received top-notch crash-test ratings, with the IIHS giving it top ratings across the board except for child safety seat LATCH anchor accessibility. The federal government awarded the Optima 5-star ratings in every test assessment, including rollover resistance. The advanced safety features operated with remarkable refinement, and drivers could adjust notification types and sensitivity levels.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed and engineered in the early teens, showed its age in its IIHS crash-test ratings. It did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test on the driver’s side. However, it earned 5-star ratings in every test conducted by the NHTSA, including the rollover test. The TLX came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation systems. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was included on all but the base TLX. While effective, these technologies lacked the smoothness and refinement of more modern vehicles. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure-warning systems were particularly noticeable and could be irritating.