2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights gave it a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality added to its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a well-organized dash, with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen neatly mounted at the top of the center stack.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a strong statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. It had a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up at the back of the passenger door, giving it a sporty look. The spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights added to its assertive appearance. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior with bold, authentic lines and high build quality, though the analog clock felt outdated.

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 Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX had an EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The car's drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering allowed for distinct driving modes, enhancing its nimble and balanced performance. During test drives, the TLX demonstrated eager handling and a solid feel over various road surfaces.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered multiple engine options. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while the IS 350 models had the same V6 tuned to 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph and 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 to 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The IS felt crisp and balanced during test drives, thanks to its double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel modeled after the NSX. The center console housed a mini touchpad, cupholders, and a storage cubby. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front seats were supportive and available with perforated Milano leather, offering 12-way power adjustability. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered design with an easily adjustable driver position and supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, featuring heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space included an open cubby, twin cupholders, door pockets, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space and included a temporary spare tire.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded 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 and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium 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, G-Meter, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package offered Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, providing superb audio quality.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including 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, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, auto-high beam headlights, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. The TLX also had 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 features included rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Other safety features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, tire pressure monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, taillamps, and running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The IS also had anti-lock braking with power-assisted disc brakes.