2020 Honda Accord vs 2021 Acura TLX

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Honda Accord a solid 9 out of 10 for its look and feel, highlighting its position as one of the most stylish Accords in history. Despite some mixed feelings about its front styling and rounded roofline, the Accord shines, especially with the 19-inch wheels equipped on the Sport and Touring trim levels. These larger wheels enhance the sedan's sleek appearance, though the 17-inch options present a more cost-effective choice without sacrificing too much style. The Accord's interior is a cut above, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a surprisingly luxurious feel for a family sedan. Prices range from $24,270 to $36,400 MSRP, with the Touring trim test car coming in at $37,355 MSRP. In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX scores an 8 out of 10, offering a distinct, sporty look that stands out in its class. Its design features a bold grille, "jewel eye" LED headlights, and a sleek, fastback-style roofline. The interior matches the exterior's quality, with premium materials and a well-thought-out layout, including a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The TLX exudes quality and sophistication, making a strong statement as a premium sedan.

Performance ratings see the 2020 Honda Accord at an 8 out of 10, with a variety of powertrains that cater to different driver needs. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine provides a balance of power and efficiency, while the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers a more exhilarating drive. The Accord shines with its adaptive dampers and a driving experience that's both fun and refined, achieving up to 42.6 mpg in hybrid form. The 2021 Acura TLX receives a 7 out of 10, featuring a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. With its 10-speed automatic transmission and available SH-AWD, the TLX promises an engaging drive, complemented by its Integrated Dynamics System. Despite its sporty ambitions, the TLX manages reasonable fuel efficiency and provides a driving experience that combines comfort with the thrill of performance.

When it comes to form and function, the 2020 Honda Accord stands out with its ample space and thoughtful design. It not only offers more rear-seat legroom compared to many of its competitors but also leads in terms of cargo space. The Accord boasts a generous 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, ensuring that passengers have plenty of room for luggage, shopping bags, and more. The sedan is designed to provide a comfortable ride for all occupants, incorporating features like heated rear seats and quick-charge USB ports. However, it's worth noting that the Accord lacks a seat height adjuster for the front passenger, a minor drawback in an otherwise thoughtfully designed interior. On the other hand, the 2021 Acura TLX demonstrates how its design influences functionality, offering a premium experience with a focus on comfort and practicality. Thanks to its shift-by-wire transmission, the interior layout maximizes space efficiency, providing comfortable seating for passengers. The TLX offers a respectable luggage capacity of 13.5 cubic feet in the trunk, accommodating the needs of most users for daily activities and travel. While slightly less than the Accord, this capacity is ample for a sedan in the premium segment, ensuring that passengers can carry their essentials with ease. Both vehicles are designed with a keen eye on passenger comfort and practicality, highlighting the importance of space and functionality in their respective categories.

Technology ratings put the 2020 Honda Accord ahead at 9 out of 10, thanks to its intuitive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, comprehensive connectivity options, and a premium sound system. While it could benefit from better voice recognition, the Accord's tech suite is user-friendly and feature-rich. The 2021 Acura TLX scores a 7 out of 10, loaded with advanced performance and comfort technologies. Its ELS Studio 3D audio system and an array of driver-assistance features make it a tech-savvy choice, though the Accord edges it out with its more intuitive interface and connectivity options.

In terms of safety, the 2020 Honda Accord scores an 8 out of 10, boasting impressive ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, along with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features standard across all trim levels. The 2021 Acura TLX, also rated 7 out of 10, offers a robust set of safety technologies, though it had not been tested by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of this comparison. Both sedans prioritize safety, offering peace of mind with advanced features and solid engineering.

Both the 2020 Honda Accord and the 2021 Acura TLX score a 7 out of 10 in cost-effectiveness. The Accord is praised for its value retention and overall quality, which suggest long-term satisfaction. The TLX, on the other hand, offers a competitive price in the premium sports sedan segment, backed by a strong warranty and the allure of a luxury brand without the prestige price tag.