2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, having entered its eighth generation, showcased a more athletic exterior compared to its predecessors. It featured crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille, complemented by expressive headlights that gave it a serious look. The Sentra offered a variety of paint colours, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue. The SR trim allowed for two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the Sentra boasted a spacious dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastics, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The second row was roomy, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its design included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The TLX Type S added unique features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian vibe in upper trims. The infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, which required some acclimation. Despite its size, the TLX's trunk space was limited to 382 litres, and the interior felt compact.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering adequate performance for city commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its efficiency, with fuel consumption rates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it almost fun to drive.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada. The TLX excelled in handling, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 355 hp, offering a thrilling track experience. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was 12.3 L/100 km city and 9.8 highway, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 11.2 city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, traditional gear selector, and ample storage options. It included USB ports and a 12-volt port for connectivity. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long rides, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium grade offered additional features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, felt tight inside. The back seat had decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats in the Type S were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters. The infotainment system used a touchpad interface, which required practice. Trunk space was limited, and the double-wishbone suspension took up additional space.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a standard audio system with four speakers, upgraded to six in SV and SR trims. The SR Premium offered a Bose system with eight speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV and SR trims had an 8-inch touchscreen.

The 2022 Acura TLX had a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Wireless charging was available from the Tech grade.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive array of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.