Nissan Maxima vs Acura TLX

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold precedent for other Nissan models with its distinctive styling elements like the “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille. These features were later adopted by smaller models such as the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille, resembling an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition further enhanced its visual appeal with a two-tone exterior, black trim, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery, giving it a unique and stylish interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX had a wide and long stance, making it appear larger than its competitors. It was more than three inches wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a nearly three-inch wider track at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial and modern look. The Type S variant added exclusive paint colors, polished black trim, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX, enhancing its sporty appearance. Despite its size, the TLX maintained a sleek and sophisticated design.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima felt quick and the V6 engine sounded great. The CVT was responsive, and the car handled well in corners, although the steering lacked precision and the front end struggled with grip. Torque steer was noticeable under heavy throttle, but the Maxima excelled in highway cruising with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX could be upgraded to Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for improved stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, making it a formidable performer on the track. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and SH-AWD system provided excellent grip and handling precision. The Type S also had Brembo front brakes and a Sport+ driving mode, enhancing its sporty character.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offered generous front headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers had limited space. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a cramped feeling despite the ample front space. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats were comfortable, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. However, the Maxima had the least cargo space in its class, with only 14.3 cubic feet.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat had decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's double-wishbone suspension took up more space, limiting interior and trunk room.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. However, the system's graphics were dated, and small icons made navigation difficult. The Maxima also had plenty of analog controls, but the notification sounds were jarring and confusing.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a head-up display, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio audio system. The touchpad interface was challenging to use initially, and the central display had small typefaces. The TLX's Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included standard driver assistance features like AcuraWatch.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Acura TLX also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.