2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

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, while non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology Package and A-Spec Package bringing the total to under $40,000. However, this price did not include the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy, often overlooked in the midsize-sedan market, competed with popular models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Available in six trim levels—Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT—the Legacy carried over much of the body and mechanics of the Subaru Outback wagon. For 2021, Subaru added standard low-beam and high-beam steering-responsive LED headlights and high-beam assist. The Legacy's design was not particularly stylish but stayed true to Subaru's branding, offering a safe and reassuring vehicle. The car featured 17-inch steel wheels as standard, with options for 17-inch alloy or 18-inch black or machine-finished wheels. Power-folding outside mirrors, a power moonroof, and an All-Weather Package were available, along with roof mounting points for Subaru genuine-accessory crossbars. The interior was subdued, with high-quality materials and piano black plastic, and the tester, a Legacy Limited XT, had some fit-and-finish issues.

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. This setup was a significant upgrade from the standard 206-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The V6 engine 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 total engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing the car's driving dynamics. The TLX felt comfortable and quiet for daily driving, with a firm but not too stiff ride quality. During testing, the TLX returned 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque for the Limited XT and Touring XT trims. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Legacy's AWD system was standard, providing stability over rough terrain. The 2.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the turbo engine earned 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Legacy's steering was well-balanced at low speeds but required lane-centering technology for better highway performance.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a high-quality interior with supple leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample room for the driver and front passenger. Rear occupants had 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 than midsize sedans.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy improved comfort with a sound-insulation windshield and better seat positioning. The Base model had manually adjustable front seats, while higher trims offered power-adjustable options. The Legacy provided ample back seat room for adults, with additional legroom from the 2020 redesign. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were available. The Legacy's trunk space was 15.1 cubic feet, slightly more than the TLX but still limited compared to other midsize sedans.

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, causing confusion and frustration. The system's layout and controls were poorly designed, with some buttons difficult to read and use. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy featured dual 7-inch infotainment and control displays on the base model, with an 11.6-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12-volt power outlet, USB ports, and automatic climate control. Higher trims added more power outlets, USB ports, Subaru Starlink Connected Services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The 11.6-inch screen's appearance was unsophisticated, but menus were easy to navigate, and the button for automatic start/stop was conveniently placed.

The 2020 Acura TLX had aging vehicle architecture and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It received 5-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not qualify for a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, these systems lacked refinement and sophistication compared to more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy earned top scores in every category from the IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA also gave it a five-star overall rating. The Legacy came standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a head-up display. Additional safety features like reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available. The seat-belt monitoring system was very sensitive, and the EyeSight system could be annoying with its beeps and alerts, but these could be adjusted through the infotainment system.