2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra marked a significant departure from its predecessors, which were often seen as plain and cost-conscious. This model, especially in Electric Blue paint, presented a more appealing aesthetic. The Sentra's design was likened to a scaled-down Altima, offering a sense of poise and elegance with its lower and wider stance compared to previous versions. The detailed stampings and V-shaped grille added a touch of sophistication, making it a car that many would be proud to be seen in. Inside, the Sentra's interior was elevated with features like a flat-bottom leather steering wheel and leatherette dash, offering a feel akin to more expensive vehicles. The SV Premium Package further enhanced the interior with quilted tan leather, making it a strong contender in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX stood out in the crowded premium sport sedan segment with its assertive stance and sporty design. The TLX featured a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and a distinctive grille pattern. Its "jewel eye" LED headlights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its bold appearance. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials and a well-organized dash. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, contributing to the car's modern and luxurious feel. The attention to detail in the TLX's design was evident, making it a visually appealing choice for those seeking a sporty yet refined sedan.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked turbocharged engines and manual transmissions, the Sentra offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. The independent suspension improved handling, and the steering was quick with a good on-center feel. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, making it an economical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The TLX's performance was enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The TLX boasted improved torsional stiffness and rigidity, providing a solid and balanced ride. Fuel economy was slightly lower than the Sentra, with an EPA estimate of 22 mpg city, 31 highway, and 25 combined for FWD models.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offered a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, providing comfort on long drives. The trunk space measured 14.3 cubic feet, offering ample storage for a compact sedan. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, although rear visibility was somewhat limited due to the raked rear window.

The 2021 Acura TLX provided a comfortable interior with sport bucket seats available in perforated Milano leather. The rear seat was suitable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, housing a mini touchpad and cupholders. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy access.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. While it lacked navigation and wireless charging, it offered dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a suite of driver-assist features. The SV Premium Package added LED headlights and other enhancements.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured advanced controls for optimal performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting, a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system, and a comprehensive infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The Advance Package included a head-up display and additional safety features.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including rear side airbags, knee airbags, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. While it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, expectations were high for top ratings.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. New safety technologies included a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, and traffic-sign recognition. The TLX aimed for top safety ratings, although it had not yet been tested.