2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Kia Forte

The 2020 Kia Forte GT, new for that year, featured a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission (DCT), sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels. Its styling modifications, including revised bumpers, black lip spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets, gave it a subtle yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Forte GT boasted red seat piping, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, and gloss black trim with polished metallic accents, creating a modern and substantial look. The transmission shifter felt solid, enhancing the sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX stood out with its assertive stance, steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The grille pattern, jewel eye LED headlights, and twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its bold look. Inside, the TLX featured a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, and the overall design showcased tight gaps, matching fonts, and good visual flow, emphasizing quality and attention to detail.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. This was a significant upgrade from the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine in other Forte models. The 7-speed DCT delivered power to the front wheels, offering a well-behaved and responsive driving experience. The Forte GT also featured a sport-tuned suspension, active exhaust system, larger front brakes, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Driving modes included Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter adjusting based on driving behavior. The car's firm ride quality, immediate brake response, and telepathic gear selection made it a joy to drive, especially on curvy roads.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It used a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System offered Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, adjusting parameters accordingly. The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's nimble handling, solid feel, and balanced weight distribution made it a pleasure to drive, especially in Sport mode, which minimized turbo lag and enhanced the exhaust note.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT featured front sport seats with cloth inserts and Sofino simulated leather bolsters, with full Sofino leatherette available in the GT2 Package or with the manual transmission. The 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats provided excellent comfort. The backseat offered good support and air conditioning vents. The Smart Trunk technology allowed hands-free access to the 15.3 cubic-foot cargo area, and interior storage was generous, with a wireless smartphone charging pad, door panel storage, and a large glovebox.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel modeled after the NSX, paddle shifters, and a mini touchpad for infotainment control. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front sport bucket seats, available with perforated Milano leather, offered 12-way power adjustability and four-way power lumbar support. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic-foot trunk. The center console housed cupholders, bottle holders, and a storage cubby under the armrest.

The 2020 Kia Forte came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera. The EX and GT trims included SiriusXM satellite radio and connected services through Kia's Your Voice (UVO) technology. The GT2 Package added an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though it struggled with ambient noise.

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 themes and the impressive 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 and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator on the instrument panel.

The 2020 Kia Forte was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, featuring numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). The GT with the GT2 Package included all available safety features, though the automatic emergency braking system worked only at lower speeds, and the adaptive cruise control did not bring the car to a full stop. The lane-keeping and lane-centering assist systems worked well but required hands on the steering wheel. The Forte GT also included 911 Connect and programmable alerts for speed, curfew, and geographical boundaries.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, 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, a full complement of airbags, and a multi-angle rear-view camera system. New for 2021 were a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing and autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.