2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of a legacy that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, was a standout in the hot hatch category. It shared its basic structure with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements that elevated its performance. The GTI featured small red badges, a red horizontal strip connecting the headlights, and painted brake calipers visible through 18-inch alloy wheels. The exterior was further enhanced with LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear spoiler. Inside, the GTI boasted red ambient lighting, a black headliner, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching. The quality of materials and the overall fit and finish were top-notch, making the GTI a well-rounded and appealing vehicle.

The 2022 Acura TLX, with its wide and long stance, was a substantial luxury sedan. It was notably larger than the BMW 3 Series, with a wider track and a longer body. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a bold and aggressive look. The Type S variant added exclusive features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-detailed, with a narrow center console, angled air vents, and aluminum trim. The upper trims featured LED strips embedded in light matte wood, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The Type S models included faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with real metal shift paddles.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a highlight, with four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering providing crisp turn-in and great feel. The Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its performance on the right roads. However, the GTI's performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission, with the latter providing a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was respectable, with the GTI achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and slightly better figures with the dual-clutch automatic.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available for an additional $2000, significantly improved stability and handling precision. The Type S variant, with its 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, excelled on the track, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and SH-AWD system. The TLX's steering provided decent road feel, and the Brembo front brakes offered strong stopping power. However, the Type S's exhaust note was subdued, and the summer P Zero tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its compact hatchback design offering practicality and versatility. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase, the GTI measured 168.0 inches in length, 70.8 inches in width, and 57.8 inches in height. It provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI's compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its great outward visibility and standard rearview camera further aided parking. Inside, the GTI offered clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. However, the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with the driver's reach to the cupholders.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior dimensions, was tight for four passengers inside. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while 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, as it was not a traditional touchscreen. The climate control was straightforward, but trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic. The TLX's double-wishbone suspension contributed to its tight interior space but provided excellent handling.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen between the speedometer and tachometer. The GTI's infotainment system, VW MIB, was standard across all trim levels, with the S model using a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn models featuring an 8-inch screen with navigation. The MIB system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio standard. The SE model included a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional features like Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals, with Alexa integration available. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights on higher trims.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but the small typefaces on the screen and instrument panel were difficult to read. The TLX featured a head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, which also included 360-degree cameras, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was standard on the Type S, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked the climate control to the navigation system, adjusting the air based on the sun's position. Standard features included "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, chicane running lights, a garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features was also standard.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash-test categories. The GTI's LED headlights were rated "Acceptable," while the base Halogen headlights received a "Poor" rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitoring, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top "Good" ratings in all crash tests and high marks for headlight visibility and forward automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the TLX a five-star overall score, with four stars in the frontal passenger-side test. Standard safety features included knee airbags for driver and passenger, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. The Technology Package and higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.