2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its modern redesign, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling "malevolent aliens suffering hunger pangs." However, the SE or XSE trims with Celestite paint color improved its appearance significantly. The interior quality of the Corolla saw a notable upgrade, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap, hard plastics of previous models. Yet, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with the top XSE trim costing around $28,800.

The 2020 Acura TLX, after a design overhaul, emerged as a handsome but somewhat anonymous car. The A-Spec option package added sporty visual upgrades, while the limited-edition PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents. The PMC Edition was priced at $50,945, while non-PMC models started at $33,995. The Technology and A-Spec packages enhanced the TLX's comfort, convenience, and appearance, but the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD were only available at higher price points.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT and 16-inch wheels. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride thanks to its independent rear suspension. However, the XSE struggled with acceleration, lacking the power needed for dynamic driving. The Corolla XSE was EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with a test loop average of 29.8 mpg.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition boasted a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and SH-AWD, unlike the standard 206-hp, 2.4-liter engine with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The V6 provided a steady build-up of power, transforming the TLX into a thrill ride in Sport or Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system enhanced the TLX's driving dynamics, allowing for confident cornering and acceleration. The TLX's automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the car's handling capabilities did not compromise ride quality. The TLX returned 23 mpg on the test loop, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being smaller than a Camry, offered a roomy interior officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted rear glass made it uncomfortable for rear passengers during a heatwave. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. The Corolla's interior had limited storage space, with small cupholders and few bins. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several suitcases and bags but lacking a handle for easy closing.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample space for front passengers. Rear occupants benefited from air-conditioning vents and available heated seats. Storage space was adequate but not generous, with a trunk measuring 14.3 cubic feet, comparable to compact cars rather than midsize.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. The voice-recognition system worked well with Apple CarPlay, and wireless device charging was available for higher trims. The Corolla's infotainment system included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and various trial services for navigation, safety, and connectivity.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was criticized for its confusing layout and lack of user-friendliness. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to frustration and distraction. The system lacked a tuning knob, and the navigation graphics were outdated. The voice-recognition system was subpar, and the setup required drivers to remember which screen conveyed what information. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were appreciated, and the car supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with impressive refinement and accuracy, though the lane-departure warning alert was irritating. The Corolla also had a blind-spot monitoring system, standard on higher trims and optional on others. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, showed its age in safety ratings. It received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test but earned 5-star ratings in all NHTSA tests. The TLX included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was available on all but the base model. While effective, these systems lacked the smoothness and sophistication of more modern vehicles.