2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Acura TLX, with its updated grille and nose, presented a more appealing design compared to its predecessors. Despite its somewhat anonymous appearance, the TLX became a handsome choice, especially with the A-Spec option package that added sporty visual enhancements like 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. The special edition test car, not available in Canada, showcased the potential of the TLX when equipped with the SH-AWD powertrain and Technology Package, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for a price under $50,000.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord was recognized as one of the most stylish iterations in the model's history, despite some mixed opinions on its front styling and roofline. The Accord, a mainstream family sedan, exuded an upscale appearance, particularly when equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels available on higher trims like the Touring and Sport 2.0. The Accord's design was complemented by its spacious interior, making it a practical yet stylish choice for families. With prices ranging from $28,705 to $40,405, the Accord offered a range of trims and options to suit different preferences and budgets.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options: a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a more powerful 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with the SH-AWD system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a smooth build-up of power, transforming the TLX into a thrilling ride, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system enhanced the car's driving dynamics by distributing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, making it agile and responsive. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX maintained a comfortable and quiet ride, with fuel consumption recorded at 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2020 Honda Accord offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's hybrid powertrain, with 212 horsepower, impressed with its fuel efficiency, averaging 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Accord 2.0T was quick and fun to drive, with adaptive dampers and sticky tires enhancing its handling. Fuel consumption during testing was 8.6 L/100 km, better than the estimated 9.1 L/100 km.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious and comfortable interior, with high-quality materials and outstanding front seats. The cabin featured supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ample room for both front and rear passengers. Keyless entry was standard, while a heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers were optional. However, the TLX's trunk space was limited to 405 litres, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans.

The 2020 Honda Accord, on the other hand, offered a spacious interior that rivaled full-size cars. It provided significantly more rear-seat legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry. The Accord's 12-way power driver's seat was comfortable, with standard heating and ventilation available on higher trims. The back seat was exceptionally comfortable, with wide doors for easy access and ample thigh support. The trunk offered an impressive 473 litres of space, ideal for long family trips. The Accord's interior was well-designed, with clear instrumentation and ergonomic controls.

The 2020 Acura TLX's infotainment system was a point of contention, with its dual-screen layout causing frustration. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom one was, leading to confusion and distraction. The system lacked a tuning knob, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system was praised, and the car offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with an optional navigation system.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was highly regarded, featuring volume and tuning knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and clear graphics. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a ten-speaker premium audio system on higher trims. The Touring trim added HondaLink subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless device charging. While the system lacked natural voice recognition, it was user-friendly and effective. A head-up display was standard on the Touring trim, enhancing visibility and convenience.

The 2020 Acura TLX, while equipped with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, showed its age in crash-test ratings. It received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick. However, it achieved 5-star ratings in all NHTSA tests. The TLX's safety systems, though effective, lacked the refinement and sophistication of more modern vehicles.

The 2020 Honda Accord, on the other hand, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars in all NHTSA assessments. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a feature highly valued by consumers. While Honda Sensing could benefit from added refinement, the Accord's safety features were comprehensive and effective.