2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier "boring" label. By 2020, it featured a more aggressive design, highlighted by a large spindle grille that integrated well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the ES was more subdued, with thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, giving it a sleek, elongated look. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen that blended seamlessly into the dash. The interior was second only to Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution.

The 2021 Acura TLX stood out in a crowded field of sporty sedans with its assertive stance, steeply raked windshield, and fastback-style roofline. The front grille, featuring a pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the "jewel eye" LED headlights added to its bold look. The twin trapezoidal tailpipes and high-quality paint further enhanced its premium feel. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials and a well-organized dash. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was prominently placed, giving the interior a modern, high-tech vibe.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+. This setup allowed for more spirited driving, although the ES was not a high-performance machine.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available on all models. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt nimble and balanced, with impressive handling and a solid, substantial feel on various road surfaces.

The 2020 Lexus ES offered a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. Despite its sleek exterior, the ES provided good rear-seat headroom. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Acura TLX benefited from performance-oriented design decisions that enhanced its form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a streamlined center console with a mini touchpad and hard buttons for infotainment control. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustability and available perforated Milano leather. The rear seat was suitable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which featured a wide opening and good depth.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the touchpad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which took up the entire screen for easy navigation. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting themes and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator on the instrument panel.

Every 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. Additional safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Acura TLX included the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, and a full complement of airbags. New for 2021 were a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.