2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

A few years ago, Acura revamped the TLX midsize sedan's design, resulting in a more attractive, albeit somewhat anonymous, appearance. The 2020 TLX, especially with the A-Spec option package, featured enhancements like 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The limited-edition TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, stood out with its Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition was the pinnacle of the TLX lineup, while non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades pushing the price to just under $40,000.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Maxima shared a design language with other Nissan models, featuring the signature V-Motion grille, LED headlights, and a floating-roof design. The Maxima SR added a sporty rear spoiler, while the Platinum trim, our test model, included 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Maxima's interior, especially in the Platinum trim, offered premium materials and a spacious cabin, though the thick center console created a segmented front row. The Maxima's design, while not the most modern, provided a comfortable and functional environment for passengers.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition came equipped with the top-performing powertrain in the TLX lineup, featuring a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and the SH-AWD system. This setup provided a steady build-up of power, with 267 pound-feet of torque peaking at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, significantly enhanced the TLX's handling dynamics. The TLX's automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the car's ride quality remained comfortable and quiet, even on city streets and highways. During testing, the TLX achieved 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a CVT, generated 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima excelled as a comfortable cruiser, with Sport mode and paddle shifters (available on the SR trim) adding some driving engagement. The Maxima's front-wheel-drive setup and 18-gallon fuel tank were standard, and the car managed to feel planted in most driving situations. The EPA estimated the Maxima's fuel economy at 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, comparable to other vehicles in its class.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a high-quality interior with comfortable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and ample room for both front and rear passengers. Rear occupants benefited from air-conditioning vents and available heated seats. However, the TLX's trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima provided spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, though the thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness. The Maxima's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, less than competitors like the Sonata, Avalon, and Accord. Despite this, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing. The car's front in-door bottle holders could accommodate 20-ounce bottles, a handy feature for families.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback, with a non-touchscreen top display and a touchscreen bottom display causing confusion and frustration. The system's layout and functionality were outdated, though the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives. The TLX also included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display, though their appearance was not particularly modern. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum trim. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system, Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry, enhancing its technology offerings.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, showed its age in safety ratings. It did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test but earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA. The TLX included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation systems, though these technologies lacked the refinement of more modern systems.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard safety and driver-assist technologies across all trim levels. This included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, with top ratings in front crash prevention.