2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Acura TLX presented itself as a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive 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. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX boasted high-quality materials and a driver-focused "sport sedan cockpit." The dashboard was thoughtfully sectioned, with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving the interior a cohesive and premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI maintained its classic hatchback silhouette, albeit with a longer and lower profile. The GTI's styling was subtle yet distinctive, with a honeycomb-patterned air intake and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Optional features like a light bar added drama to its appearance. Aerodynamic enhancements were subtle but effective, and the GTI's wheel options varied by trim. The interior was driver-centric, with a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as options. The TLX's fuel economy was estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for FWD models. The car's performance was enhanced by features like drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems, adaptive dampers, and an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple drive modes. The TLX's handling was solid, with improved torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity, making it a joy to drive on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission. The GTI's performance was further enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Autobahn trim offered adaptive damping for even more precise handling. The GTI excelled in delivering a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding roads.

The 2021 Acura TLX's interior design benefited from its shift-by-wire transmission, allowing for a more streamlined center console. The controls were conveniently placed, and the center console housed a mini touchpad and cupholders. The rear seat offered adequate space for two adults, while the front seats provided comfort and support with available Milano leather and power adjustability. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's interior was driver-focused, with a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of various functions. Rear legroom was impressive, making it a practical choice for families. The GTI's interior design emphasized both performance and practicality.

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 advanced technologies like Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and other features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts. The infotainment system featured an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. The GTI offered Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided various connectivity options, though some features required additional subscriptions.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance 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 also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured Volkswagen's IQ.Drive system, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the 2022 GTI at the time of writing.