2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX boasted high-quality materials and a driver-focused "sport sedan cockpit." The dashboard was thoughtfully sectioned, with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving the interior a cohesive and premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza adopted a more conservative design approach. While it lacked distinctive Subaru identifiers, it remained a handsome vehicle. Both sedan and hatchback versions featured sleek headlights and taillights, a tapered front end, and subtle body scalloping. The Impreza Sport models added unique styling elements, such as 18-inch alloy wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Impreza offered a refined ride. Inside, the design was straightforward, with a dashboard split by the infotainment touchscreen. The Sport trim added contrast stitching and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2021 Acura TLX was engineered for the premium sport sedan segment, featuring a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a drive-by-wire throttle and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. Fuel economy was estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for FWD models. The TLX's performance was enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, offering Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's handling was nimble, with a solid and balanced feel, thanks to increased torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while a five-speed manual was available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While not as engaging as some competitors, the Impreza provided a comfortable and refined ride. The Sport trim's suspension struck a balance between ride quality and handling, but the steering and engine power limited its appeal as a driver's car.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. This design freed up space for a mini touchpad, cupholders, and storage cubby. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Front seats were supportive, with available Milano leather and 12-way power adjustability. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback provided reasonable legroom, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited to 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Roof rails were standard on all hatch trims except the base model. Higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated seats and mirrors. The Sport trim added keyless entry, while the Limited offered a power driver's seat and automatic climate control.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced technology, including drive-by-wire and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. Interior technology included ambient lighting themes and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system offered navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base and Premium trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. The Limited trim offered optional navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed redundant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and easy access to functions.

The 2021 Acura TLX included the AcuraWatch suite with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features comprised a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award and a five-star NHTSA rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety tech was standard on CVT models, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.