2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Subaru WRX

A few years ago, Acura revamped the nose of its TLX midsize sedan, addressing a design issue that had affected the entire lineup. This facelift resulted in the 2020 TLX being a handsome, albeit somewhat anonymous, car. The A-Spec option package enhanced the styling with 19-inch wheels, revised bumper designs, side sill skirts, and oversized round exhaust outlets. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition, limited to 360 units, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique body-color and gloss black exterior accents. Hand-built in Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, the PMC Edition was priced at $50,945, including a $1,995 destination fee. Non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology Package ($3,700) and A-Spec Package ($2,700) bringing the total to under $40,000. However, this price did not include the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD.

The WRX, introduced in the early 2000s as a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, became its own model in 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and large functional air intake. The STI version added a large rear wing and aerodynamic components. Despite its racy appearance, the non-STI WRX could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered pedestrian for a new car in 2021. Trim levels included Base, Premium, and Limited, with the Base offering 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited included leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI, available in STI and Limited trims, featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, Brembo brakes, and a stiffer suspension.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition came with the top-performing powertrain, featuring a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. Unlike the standard 206-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the V6 provided a steady build-up of power, with 267 lb-ft of peak torque arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing the car's handling dynamics. The TLX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with sophisticated amplitude reactive dampers and a somewhat heavy steering feel. During testing, the TLX returned 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The manual transmission was praised for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal, making it ideal for performance driving. The WRX's power delivery was impressive, with minimal turbo lag and excellent cornering capabilities. The WRX STI, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, produced 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, featuring Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering. However, the stiff suspension resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable front seats. The cabin featured supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ample room for front passengers. Rear occupants also enjoyed favorable accommodations, with air-conditioning vents and available heated rear seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, comparable to a compact car rather than a midsize sedan.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and function-first design. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. The WRX offered ample head- and legroom in the front seats, and adequate rear-seat space for full-size adults on short trips. The cargo space was limited to 12 cubic feet, which was low compared to other compact sedans but similar to sports cars with comparable performance.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to confusion and frustration. The climate control buttons and switches were poorly designed, and the navigation map's graphics were outdated. The voice-recognition system was also subpar. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were appreciated, and the car featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch touchscreen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations. While not the latest technology, the system was functional and met most tech needs without being overly complicated.

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. However, it earned 5-star ratings in all NHTSA tests. The TLX came with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on all but the base model. While effective, these systems lacked the refinement of more modern vehicles.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking were also available. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and was a 2020 Top Safety Pick, as well as a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.