2021 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Acura TLX

A few years ago, Acura revamped the TLX midsize sedan's design, resulting in a more attractive, albeit somewhat nondescript, appearance. The 2020 TLX, especially with the A-Spec option package, featured enhancements like 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and large exhaust outlets. The limited-edition PMC Edition, painted in Valencia Red Pearl and built by the same technicians who assemble the NSX supercar, stood out with unique body-color and gloss black 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.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille, available in chrome or dark chrome, and a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The Altima's design included modern features like standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options from 16-inch steel to 19-inch alloy. Despite some old-fashioned elements, the Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with deep, lustrous paint and rich chrome details. The interior was intelligently laid out, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display and improved materials as you moved up the trim levels, making it a comfortable and practical choice for daily driving.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition came equipped with the top-performing powertrain, featuring a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. This setup provided a steady build-up of power, with 267 pound-feet of peak torque arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel, enhancing the car's handling dynamics. The TLX's automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the paddle shifters added to the driving experience. The car's sophisticated dampers and somewhat heavy steering contributed to a solid feel on the road, while maintaining comfort and quietness during daily driving. The TLX achieved 23 mpg in combined driving, matching the EPA's estimate.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered two distinct powertrains. Most models featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The FWD version achieved 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine, available only in the SR VC-Turbo trim. This 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, delivering a more engaging driving experience. The VC-Turbo achieved 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. All Altima models featured a four-wheel independent suspension, with the VC-Turbo's suspension being sport-tuned for a more dynamic feel.

The 2020 Acura TLX excelled in providing a comfortable and high-quality interior. The cabin featured supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample room for both the driver and front passenger. Rear passengers also enjoyed favorable accommodations, with air-conditioning vents and available heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact cars rather than midsize sedans.

The 2021 Nissan Altima boasted Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, which provided exceptional comfort even on long drives. Upper trim levels offered power adjustment, position memory, leather appointments, and heated seats. The front cabin included ample storage options, such as a large glovebox, center console storage bin, and door pockets. The second row was roomy enough for two adults, and the seats folded flat in a 60/40 split to expand the trunk's 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

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 layout included a mix of buttons and knobs, some of which were difficult to read. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were appreciated features. The TLX also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came well-equipped with standard tech features, including Nissan Intelligent Key with pushbutton start, remote engine start, Bluetooth, and more. Most models featured an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, while the base S model had a 7-inch display. Higher trims included additional USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bose audio system. The Altima also offered advanced features like Nissan Door to Door Navigation and NissanConnect Services, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2020 Acura TLX's aging architecture was reflected in its safety ratings. While it earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, it did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. The TLX came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, these systems lacked the refinement and sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features standard on SV and above trims. This included automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. The Altima received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.