2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2020 Acura TLX underwent a significant design update, resulting in a more appealing, albeit somewhat understated, appearance. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with sporty visual elements such as 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. The exclusive 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition, limited to 360 units, featured a striking Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents, hand-built by the same technicians who crafted the NSX supercar. The PMC Edition was priced at $50,945, while non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology and A-Spec Packages for added comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped design, a hallmark since its second generation. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius maintained its distinctive look, which some found unappealing, even in the 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim. The interior featured a unique layout with a central dashboard display and unconventional transmission controls. The Prius offered various trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with optional AWD-e for select models. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, with the 2020 Edition test vehicle priced at $31,295.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition boasted the top-performing powertrain in the TLX lineup, featuring a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. This setup provided a smooth power delivery, with peak torque of 267 pound-feet arriving at 4,500 rpm. The TLX offered a thrilling driving experience, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, with its SH-AWD system enhancing cornering dynamics. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX maintained a comfortable and quiet ride, achieving 23 mpg in combined driving, as per EPA estimates.

The 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving 56 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Other FWD models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. It combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing 121 horsepower. The Prius excelled in urban driving, offering electric-only capability at low speeds and various driving modes to optimize efficiency. Its TNGA platform provided a stable and predictable handling experience, though acceleration was accompanied by powertrain noise.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. The front seats were heated and ventilated, providing ample space and support. Rear passengers enjoyed decent accommodations with air-conditioning vents and optional heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, more akin to a compact car than a midsize sedan.

The 2021 Toyota Prius surprised with its spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery was comfortable, it tended to trap sweat. Rear seats provided adequate space, though lacking air-conditioning vents. Cargo capacity varied by trim, offering between 24.6 and 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-touch top display and a touch-sensitive bottom screen. The layout was confusing, with climate controls split between physical buttons and the touchscreen. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system delivered good sound quality, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with straightforward controls, including volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system and an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation was dated, with basic graphics.

The 2020 Acura TLX, while equipped with a range of ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, showed its age in safety 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 from the NHTSA in all tests, including rollover.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the NHTSA did not rate the 2021 model, the IIHS provided favorable marks, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick due to headlight and front-passenger protection issues.