2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Toyota Prius maintained its iconic aerodynamic shape, reminiscent of a jellybean, which was designed to optimize its drag coefficient. Over the years, Toyota subtly evolved the Prius's styling to give it a more sedan-like appearance while retaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius's futuristic design remained contemporary, with its most distinctive feature being the centrally located instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its inception. The interior was defined by its unorthodox layout, which included a central instrument panel that provided a unique driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX was a sporty sedan with a bold and assertive stance. Its design featured a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler, giving it a dynamic appearance. The front grille, with its exploding pattern from the central Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its aggressive look. Inside, the TLX boasted a "sport sedan cockpit" with high-quality materials and a well-organized dash. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, enhancing the interior's modern and sophisticated feel.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive variant, the Prius AWD-e, which utilized a second electric motor for the rear wheels. The Prius featured three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving preferences. Its unique shifter design and engine braking mode provided a distinctive driving experience, especially beneficial in mountainous regions. The Prius was known for its smooth acceleration and seamless transition between electric and conventional power, making it an efficient choice for daily commutes.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available on all models. The TLX's performance was enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, which allowed drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The TLX's adaptive dampers and increased torsional stiffness contributed to its nimble handling and solid road presence, making it a fun and engaging drive.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made efficient use of its interior space, with deep door pockets and a large tray area between the front seats for storage. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered sufficient space for passengers. The Prius excelled in cargo capacity, offering 50.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and up to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, depending on the model. Its hatchback design facilitated easy loading of large items, making it a practical choice for those needing versatility.

The 2021 Acura TLX's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a shift-by-wire transmission that allowed for a streamlined center console. The controls were inspired by the NSX and included paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The TLX featured comfortable sport bucket seats with available Milano leather and 12-way power adjustability. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The TLX offered 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space, with a wide opening for easy loading, making it a functional choice for a sporty sedan.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The Prius also offered a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system and a head-up display, enhancing its tech-savvy appeal.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems. Its 10-speed automatic transmission featured advanced controls for optimized performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and smartphone integration. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter, highlighting the TLX's sporty nature.

The 2020 Toyota Prius was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and lane-tracing assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to certain test scores.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured the AcuraWatch suite, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, a robust body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. New safety features for 2021 included a next-generation front-passenger airbag and traffic-sign recognition. While not yet tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.