2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Honda Civic

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 central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. The rear was equally impressive with twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with high-quality materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood, ensuring a premium feel. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, enhancing the car's sophisticated interior design.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic had a history of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. The 10th-generation Civic, available in sedan, hatchback, and Type R formats, was known for its polarizing design. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, was visually appealing, though opinions varied based on angles and lighting. Inside, the Civic's adventurous design and quality materials were evident, though the 7-inch infotainment screen seemed dated. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter with its spacious interior, comparable to a decade-old midsize car.

The 2021 Acura TLX 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), ensuring excellent handling and performance. The TLX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The car's adaptive dampers and increased torsional stiffness contributed to its nimble and balanced ride, making it a joy to drive on diverse road surfaces.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension system. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing estimates. The Civic's front-wheel-drive setup was standard, unlike some competitors offering all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined centre console with a mini touchpad and ample storage. The interior featured comfortable sport bucket seats with various adjustability options, including heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat offered adequate space for two adults, and the trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space with a wide opening.

The 2021 Honda Civic, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior akin to a midsize car. The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were comfortable, with excellent thigh support, though rear air vents were absent. The centre console was highly practical, offering significant storage space. The Civic's trunk was generous, with 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Acura TLX was rich in technology, featuring drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission included advanced features like Grade Logic Control and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available in the Platinum Elite grade.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. The premium sound system was a highlight, though the eight-speaker setup was adequate for most needs.

The 2021 Acura TLX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including 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. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Civic included Honda Sensing, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic offered LaneWatch for blind-spot monitoring, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.