2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Acura TLX was a strikingly sporty sedan, standing out in a crowded class with its assertive stance, steeply raked windshield, and fastback-style roofline. Its bold front featured a grille pattern radiating from the prominent Acura logo, flanked by jewel eye LED headlights. The rear was equally dynamic with twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the TLX boasted a high level of craftsmanship, with authentic materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood. The driver’s area was designed as a “sport sedan cockpit,” with a well-organized dash and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that appeared to float above the centre stack.

In contrast, the 2021 Dodge Charger maintained its iconic muscle car aesthetic, appealing to a specific "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and distinctive Hellcat badging. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger remained popular, offering a variety of models like the SXT, GT, R/T, and the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. The exterior featured a range of wheel and brake options, with 13 paint colours available. Inside, the Charger’s design was functional but dated, with a fair amount of hard plastic and rubberized surfaces. The interior space was generous, with cloth seats standard on most trims, while higher trims offered Nappa leather and power-adjustable seats.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged 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, providing a dynamic driving experience. The TLX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the car’s performance to their preferences. The Platinum Elite trim added adaptive dampers for enhanced ride quality. The TLX was praised for its nimble handling and solid feel, with improved torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines. The base models featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 300 horsepower, while the R/T trim boasted a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 with 370 horsepower. The Scat Pack models were equipped with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8, delivering 485 horsepower. The top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye featured a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, producing an impressive 797 horsepower. The Charger’s performance was complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available on select models. Despite its power, the Charger’s handling was manageable, with configurable drive modes and Brembo brakes enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a more streamlined centre console, featuring a mini touchpad and ample storage space. The front seats offered 12-way or 16-way power adjustability, with options for Ultrasuede or perforated leather. The rear seat provided adequate space for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for increased cargo capacity. The trunk offered 382 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy access.

The 2021 Dodge Charger functioned well as a family car, with a spacious interior and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The steering wheel was user-friendly, with paddle shifters available on most models. However, the interior technology felt dated, with a basic instrument cluster and interchangeable switchgear. The trunk space was average for a large car, but the Charger’s overall practicality was enhanced by its generous passenger accommodations.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with advanced technology, including drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems, as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission with features like Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 17 speakers. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with standard features like push-button start, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch screen, premium audio systems, and navigation. However, the Charger lacked a head-up display, and its Uconnect infotainment system was not the latest version, making some functions less intuitive.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, a robust body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came standard with safety features like brake assist, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional safety packages included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model earning mostly "Good" ratings from the IIHS.