2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Dodge Charger

The 2020 Dodge Charger was a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, with a design that evolved significantly since its 2011 iteration. The 2015 facelift introduced a more aggressive front end, featuring a thin inlet grille and redesigned headlights that enhanced its menacing appearance. Inside, the Charger maintained a retro vibe with large bezels housing digital displays, and a raised transmission tunnel that contributed to a cockpit-like feel. The various trim levels, from the SXT to the SRT Hellcat, offered a range of features, including different wheel sizes, upholstery options, and performance enhancements, catering to a wide array of preferences.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX was a sporty sedan with a bold and assertive design. Its steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler gave it a dynamic stance. The front grille, with its distinctive pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its striking appearance. Inside, the TLX boasted high-quality materials and a well-organized dashboard, creating a "sport sedan cockpit" feel. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, and the interior design emphasized authenticity, with real metal, leather, and wood elements enhancing the premium feel.

The 2020 Dodge Charger offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine in the SXT and GT trims, producing 292 to 300 horsepower. The R/T trim featured a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 delivering 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Widebody, housed a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, generating an impressive 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Charger was known for its thrilling acceleration and cornering capabilities, aided by features like Brembo brakes and Bilstein adaptive suspension, which provided precise handling despite the car's weight.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, was equipped with a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which enhanced traction and stability. The TLX's performance was further refined by its Integrated Dynamics System, offering different drive modes to suit various driving conditions. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers, contributing to a balanced and nimble driving experience. The TLX's chassis improvements resulted in greater torsional stiffness and rigidity, providing a solid and composed ride.

The 2020 Dodge Charger stood out for its spacious interior, offering ample legroom for rear passengers, a feature often overlooked in performance sedans. The front seats were well-bolstered, providing comfort and support, while the large trunk, with a capacity of 467 litres, surpassed many competitors in both the performance and family sedan categories. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench further enhanced the Charger's practicality, making it a versatile choice for those needing extra storage space.

The 2021 Acura TLX, with its shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined centre console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. This setup freed up space for a mini touchpad and cupholders, enhancing convenience for the driver. The TLX's interior offered comfortable sport bucket seats with multiple power adjustability options, including heated and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The rear seat provided adequate space for two adults, and the trunk offered 382 litres of cargo capacity, with a wide opening for easy access.

The 2020 Dodge Charger featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. It included Bluetooth, USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a logical menu layout that allowed for seamless navigation between functions. The digital display in the instrument panel provided essential information, including turn-by-turn directions for the available navigation system.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced performance technologies, such as drive-by-wire and SH-AWD, enhancing its driving dynamics. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control and other systems to optimize gear shifts. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting themes and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available in the Platinum Elite grade.

The 2020 Dodge Charger came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. Advanced safety technologies like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring were standard, while lane-departure warning and rain-sensing wipers were optional. The Charger earned a Superior rating for its crash prevention technology from the IIHS.

The 2021 Acura TLX offered a robust set of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. New safety features for 2021 included a next-generation front-passenger airbag and traffic-sign recognition. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.