2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Acura TLX

A few years ago, Acura dramatically updated the design of its TLX midsize sedan by revamping its front-end, addressing an earlier design flaw that negatively affected the entire lineup. As a result of this "rhinoplasty," the 2020 Acura TLX emerged as a sleek and charming—albeit somewhat understated—car. To add a bit more flair and elegance, prospective buyers could opt for the A-Spec package. This package rejuvenated the TLX's styling with enhancements like 19-inch wheels, reimagined bumpers, side sill skirts, and large round exhaust outlets.

In an exclusive and limited release, Acura introduced the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. A lucky 360 owners had the opportunity to cruise in a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl TLX that featured unique body-color and glossy black exterior accents. Handcrafted in Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, the same place where NSX supercars are assembled, this edition stood out in both appearance and exclusivity.

Priced at $50,945 (including a $1,995 destination fee), the PMC Edition positioned itself at the top of the TLX lineup. By contrast, non-PMC cars had a destination fee of $995, making it possible to own a 2020 TLX starting from $33,995. Enhancing the value proposition, CarGurus suggested adding the Technology Package at $3,700 for its array of comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment features. The A-Spec Package at $2,700 further improved the car’s aesthetics, resulting in a sophisticated and visually appealing TLX for just under $40,000. However, at this price, the model still lacked the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD.

Conversely, the 2020 Toyota Camry had undergone a transformation to remedy a decline in perception, tackling a recent history of seeming cheap and outdated compared to its rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Delving back into its renowned dedication to quality and attention to detail, Toyota successfully elevated the Camry’s appeal and quality.

The styling of the current Camry generation was remarkably expressive, with unequivocally aggressive front fascia and taut, well-defined lines. While not every Camry was outfitted with the TRD model's massive wing and aerodynamic body kit, its demeanor proclaimed that this was the sportiest Camry yet. Bearing design cues seemingly inspired by BMW, the Camry showcased character lines that extended across the doors and the distinctive upturned kink of the C-pillar.

Furthermore, with 14 exterior color options and an available black roof, this edition of the Camry aimed for ultimate fashionability. Inside, Toyota applied universally high-quality materials that enhanced its cabin's design. Even the more basic trim levels felt substantial and well-crafted.

The driver-focused interior featured sweeping dashboard designs, with the TRD model adding red trim accents and vibrant red seatbelts, evoking an almost sporty ambiance. Despite its sporty focus, the highest trim levels wrapped drivers in luxury with leather and wood appointments, making a Camry just one step below an entry-level Lexus.

The high-caliber 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition powertrain package included a combination of the A-Spec and Advance option packages, ensuring top-tier performance features unavailable in other versions. Instead of the standard 206-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine partnered with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the TLX PMC Edition boasted a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower. This was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, complemented by a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. Despite its power, the peak torque of 267 pound-feet took a while to arrive, hitting full stride at 4,500 rpm.

Unlike turbocharged engines, which provide a broad range of torque early on, the V6 in the TLX offered a smooth and gradual power build-up. Switching to Sport or Sport+ mode turned the TLX into an exhilarating driving experience. The standout feature, however, was the SH-AWD, capable of diverting up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel, making the car pivot and surge forward in tight corners.

Despite the transmission's nine speeds, it remained well-mannered, and the paddle shifters added to the driving pleasure. The sophisticated amplitude reactive dampers contributed to the TLX's stability on the road, matched by its heavy steering and a front-wheel weight distribution of 61%. The TLX combined an engaging driving demeanor with everyday comfort and quietness, maintaining a firm yet not overly stiff ride quality.

During testing, the TLX achieved an EPA-rated 23 mpg in combined driving.

Conversely, the 2020 Toyota Camry offered versatility with four powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder in both FWD and AWD setups, a 3.5-liter V6 in FWD, and a hybrid powertrain. The 3.5-liter V6 produced a robust 301 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth, powerful, and quick revving capabilities, enhancing the Camry's luxury appeal.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder generated 203 horsepower (206 hp in XSE trim) and used an eight-speed automatic transmission to maximize those horses. Weighing 150-175 pounds less than the V6 models, the four-cylinder Camry felt notably more agile in the XSE trim. The sportier TRD variant, however, despite its dual exhaust system, found the V6 somewhat lacking in excitement when compared to its tires and suspension setup.

Additionally, owing to the new AWD system similar to the RAV4, the Camry adeptly redistributed up to 50% of the engine's 184 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels in slippery conditions. The AWD system, effective in maintaining fuel economy, barely impacted the combined EPA ratings, with the FWD 2.5-liter achieving 31 mpg, while the AWD version rated 28 mpg. Front-drive V6 models managed 26 mpg, and the TRD was rated at 25 mpg.

The 2020 Acura TLX interior was designed to exude comfort and quality. With premium materials adorning the cabin and excellent seats offering perfect positioning, the front accommodations were top-notch. Heated and ventilated seats were available, providing an enjoyable driving environment. Rear passengers benefited from air-conditioning vents and optionally heated seats, ensuring comfort across different seasons.

However, storage options in the TLX were modest in size. The trunk space was particularly limited, offering only 14.3 cubic feet—comparable to a compact car, not a midsize sedan.

The 2020 Toyota Camry, on the other hand, provided an ergonomic experience that was immediately user-friendly. Familiar to long-time Camry drivers, the controls and layout did not impose any ergonomic challenges. The center console integrated the shifter, a pair of cupholders, a phone tray, and a reasonably sized storage bin. Despite its styling changes, front legroom and hip room saw slight improvements over past models.

The rear seat experienced a slight reduction in legroom, overall passenger volume, and cargo space. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, identical to the Honda Civic, a smaller sibling to the Accord. Notably, the AWD availability did not further compromise trunk or passenger space, although structural and component modifications were necessary.

The 2020 Acura TLX faced criticism for its dual-screen infotainment system which flunked user-friendly ergonomic standards. The top display was not a touchscreen, but the lower display was. Climate control buttons interspersed with touch functions complicated usability, further exacerbated by glossy-coated, unreadable buttons.

Navigating this setup while driving was challenging, as functions were split across two screens that were easy to trigger accidentally. Although the Acura/ELS premium audio system was commendable and the wireless smartphone charger practical, the convoluted infotainment detracted significantly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included but were not able to offset the overall user frustration.

The 2020 Toyota Camry integrated both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing phone connectivity. The standard infotainment graphics were dated and the navigation software was inferior to popular smartphone maps. However, the touchscreen's responsiveness and physical buttons for primary functions improved usability.

The basic 7-inch screen in lower trims expanded to 8 inches in higher trims. USB-A ports and optional Qi wireless charging offered connectivity options, though USB-C ports were missing. A complimentary three-month trial of WiFi Connect provided initial mobile hotspot functionality, supplemented by a trial for Remote Connect services to control the vehicle remotely.

Higher trims incorporated a 7-inch multi-information display and an optional 10-inch HUD enhanced driving information accessibility.

Despite its aging architecture, the 2020 Acura TLX maintained good safety ratings. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in all crash tests, including the rollover test. However, its performance in the IIHS's small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in an Acceptable rating, disqualifying it from a Top Safety Pick.

Standard safety features in the TLX included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The systems, although valuable, were less refined and sophisticated, with abrupt adaptive cruise control and exaggerated lane-departure alerts.

Optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and advanced features like the Bird's Eye View camera system for enhanced parking safety were available on higher trims. NHTSA awarded the Camry a five-star rating, and IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. A recall for leaking engine coolant affecting some models showed the importance of routine recall updates.