2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front of the TLX was bold, featuring a grille pattern that seemed to radiate from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. The rear was completed with twin trapezoidal tailpipes. The paint quality was exceptional, and the tasteful use of badging and chrome added to the premium feel of the vehicle. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and authentic materials. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving the interior a cohesive and intentional design.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a more luxurious and expansive lineup, including the new ES 250 with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid variant provided improved fuel efficiency. The ES 350 Black Line Edition featured unique styling elements and a limited production run of 1,500 units. The ES was a visually appealing sedan with a dramatic grille and artful detailing. The interior of the Black Line Edition was striking, with a black and white theme that complemented the dramatic cabin design. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES maintained its Lexus identity through high-quality materials and design.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The TLX offered a dynamic driving experience with its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX boasted improved torsional stiffness and rigidity, contributing to its solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces. During testing, the TLX demonstrated an eager and sprightly character, with Sport mode enhancing the driving experience by reducing turbo lag and enriching the exhaust note.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The ES 350 Black Line Edition felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system like the TLX's SH-AWD. The ES 350 provided a competent and enjoyable driving experience, with firm ride quality and flat cornering stance, though it was more of a sporty sedan than an outright sports sedan.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined centre console layout. The transmission controls were conveniently located in the centre stack, freeing up space for a mini touchpad and cupholders. The TLX offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with sport bucket seats featuring power adjustability and heating. The rear seat folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 382-litre trunk with a wide opening and ample depth.

The 2021 Lexus ES provided a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport and Black Line Edition featured sport-bolstered front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat offered good legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk measured 394 litres, slightly larger than the TLX's, and included an optional hands-free power trunk. The ES's storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with numerous nooks and crannies.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for enhanced performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and a G-Metre and Turbo Boost Indicator on the instrument panel.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look away from the road. However, the ES offered dynamic voice command technology and a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The ES also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson high-end sound system. The larger display added dynamic navigation and connected services with a three-year subscription.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included 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 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.