2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Acura TLX, with its refreshed design, presented a handsome yet somewhat anonymous appearance. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The limited-edition PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents, making it a standout in the lineup. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition was the top-tier model, while non-PMC versions started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades pushing the price to just under $40,000.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered significant fuel economy gains. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, priced at $54,070, featured extra-cost paint, advanced lighting, adaptive suspension, and a host of luxury features. The ES's design, especially in F Sport trim, was striking, with a dramatic grille, black accents, and a sporty interior.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition boasted the top-performing powertrain in the 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 lb-ft of torque peaking at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering and acceleration. The TLX's automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the car's handling was solid, with a firm yet comfortable ride. During testing, the TLX returned 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving. The F Sport trim added adaptive damping suspension and Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing driving enjoyment. Despite its sporty attributes, the ES 350 remained a comfortable cruiser, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance. During testing, the ES 350 averaged 22.9 mpg.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a high-quality interior with supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample room for front passengers. Rear occupants enjoyed air-conditioning vents and optional heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, more akin to a compact car than a midsize sedan.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with NuLuxe synthetic leather providing excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers benefited from generous legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, slightly larger than a Toyota Corolla's, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

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 controls were not user-friendly, though the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives. The TLX included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Lexus ES's infotainment system featured a touchpad that required constant attention, making it challenging to use while driving. However, the climate and stereo controls were separate and easy to use, and the dynamic voice command technology was excellent. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, though not a touchscreen, looked impressive. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and connected services, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

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

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.