2022 Acura TLX vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated fan. The new model was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase of 103.6 inches, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness characteristic of earlier models. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and the signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, with Pomelo Yellow Metallic available exclusively for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn, along with a classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Acura TLX presented a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width nearly three inches wider at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX's design included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a front bumper with V-shaped curves, complemented by large tailpipes and a low-slung hood. 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. The Type S also featured faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with real metal shift paddles. The interior of the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe in upper trims. The seats offered thigh extensions and adjustable side bolsters, and the driving position was low with well-marked controls. However, the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was limited at 13.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983 as a hotted-up VW Rabbit, evolved significantly over the years. By 2022, it featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, peaking at a low 1,750 rpm. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, included integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) with paddle shifters, both sending power to the front wheels. The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic. The Mk8 GTI featured a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, enhancing its handling. Various drive modes and a standard electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential contributed to its agile performance. The top-tier Autobahn trim included the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, further refining the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivered 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option to upgrade to Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) for $2000. This system could vary torque at either rear wheel, enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque at just 1,400 rpm. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and SH-AWD system provided consistent grip and balanced handling, especially on the track. The Type S also included Brembo front brakes and a Sport+ driving mode, although its exhaust note was considered subdued. The regular TLX offered a more comfortable ride, with electronically actuated brakes derived from the NSX. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined, while the regular TLX with SH-AWD achieved 21/29/24 and up to 21/31/25 in FWD.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its blend of performance and practicality, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's interior was driver-centric, with the center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for a family of four.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, felt tight inside, especially in the rear seats, which suffered from limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with thigh extensions and adjustable side bolsters on the Type S. The driving position was low, and controls were well-marked. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet, less than a Honda Civic. The TLX's double-wishbone suspension took up more space, impacting interior and trunk dimensions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and color options linked to the car's ambient lighting profiles. The display spanned 10.25 inches and was standard on all trims. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on higher trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but some typefaces were too small to read easily. The TLX featured a head-up display on the Advance Package, along with a 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included on the Type S, along with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. The Technology Package linked climate control to the navigation system, and standard features included "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, a garage door opener, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. The AcuraWatch suite of driver assistance features provided semi-automated control on marked highways.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. 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. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall score from NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, a unique passenger airbag, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included on the Technology Package and higher trims.