2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

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

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its design, influencing other Nissan models. It featured a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The Maxima's styling was daring, with a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille that had been adopted by other Nissan sedans. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, showcased elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was both bold and distinctive, setting it apart from competitors like the Toyota Avalon.

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. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring, standard in Canada. The TLX offered a dynamic driving experience with its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX boasted 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts compared to its predecessor, providing a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine sounded impressive. The CVT was responsive, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima was agile for a large sedan and offered a comfortable ride on highways, thanks to its quiet cabin and active noise cancellation.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined centre console, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed a mini touchpad for infotainment, cupholders, and a storage cubby. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening and ample depth. The front seats were supportive, with options for Ultrasuede or perforated leather, and offered extensive power adjustability.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom, but at the expense of rear-seat passengers. The rear headroom and legroom were limited, and the centre console felt cramped for the driver. The Maxima featured Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” front seats, designed for optimal support, with power adjustments and bolstering. The trunk provided 405 litres of cargo space, but the sedan's design limited the aperture for loading compared to hatchback competitors.

The 2021 Acura TLX was rich in technology, with features like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission included Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for enhanced performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker 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.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were standard. However, the infotainment system's graphics and notification sounds were dated and distracting. The Maxima included analog controls for convenience, but the overall system lacked the refinement of newer competitors.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. The TLX received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included Nissan Safety Shield 360 features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Maxima offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims.