2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Acura TLX, following a design refresh, emerged as a handsome yet somewhat anonymous midsize sedan. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The limited-edition TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents, priced at $50,945. Non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology Package and A-Spec Package bringing the price to under $40,000, though without the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, showcased a clean and contemporary design. The Platinum trim, equipped with a turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, and various extras, was priced at $37,825. The redesign improved the car's styling, though some details like the door handles' placement and rear diffuser panel were questionable. The interior was ergonomic and user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, clear climate controls, and traditional transmission shifter. Materials quality was on par with the segment, available in black or gray with matte chrome and simulated wood trim.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain, combining the A-Spec and Advance packages. It boasted a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and SH-AWD system. The V6 provided a steady build-up of power, with 267 lb-ft of torque arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The TLX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with sophisticated dampers and heavy steering contributing to its solid road feel. It returned 23 mpg in combined driving, matching EPA estimates.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, primarily equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 188 hp, offered AWD as an option. The test car featured the optional VC-Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Paired with a CVT and FWD, it averaged 26.2 mpg in combined driving. The Altima's suspension, steering, and brakes provided a balanced ride and handling, with Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control enhancing comfort and agility. The VC-Turbo engine offered satisfying performance, though the CVT's power delivery could be abrupt.

The 2020 Acura TLX excelled in interior quality and comfort, with supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample space for front occupants. Rear passengers benefited from air-conditioning vents and optional heated seats. However, the trunk was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, more akin to a compact car.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured NASA-inspired seats for superior comfort, though it lacked a front passenger height adjuster and ventilated seats. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter were available, but not heated rear seats. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage and a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom one was, leading to confusion and distraction. The system lacked a tuning knob, and the navigation graphics were outdated. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and intuitive buttons. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with available satellite radio, navigation, Bose audio, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services offered various plans, including collision notification and remote access. The door-to-door navigation was particularly useful, though the voice recognition system needed improvement.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, showed its age in safety ratings. It received 5-star ratings from NHTSA but only an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, these systems lacked refinement and smoothness.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and more. Additional systems included driver monitoring, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids but was hard to trust. The Altima earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS with specific headlights.