2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2020 Acura TLX underwent a significant design update a few years back, resulting in a more appealing, albeit somewhat understated, appearance. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with sporty visual elements such as 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and large round exhaust outlets. This special edition, not available in Canada, offered a good-looking TLX for under $50,000 when equipped with the SH-AWD powertrain and Technology Package, which added comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment features.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more dramatic design compared to its predecessor. It was slightly longer and wider, with a wheelbase that contributed to a more upscale presence. The wide, angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon, added to its bold look. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a spacious and functional cabin. The base Comfortline trim was well-equipped, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, heated seats, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the Highline and Execline added more luxury features, including leatherette seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital instrument cluster.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options. The front-wheel-drive models came with a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SH-AWD versions featured a 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided a smooth power delivery, with peak torque of 267 pound-feet arriving at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system enhanced driving dynamics by distributing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, making the TLX agile and responsive. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX maintained a comfortable and quiet ride, with fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered responsive acceleration and efficient power delivery. A six-speed manual transmission was available on the Comfortline and Highline trims. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, providing a smooth and sporty driving experience. It handled both city and highway driving with ease, offering a refined ride quality. Fuel consumption was efficient, with the manual transmission achieving 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres and the automatic 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. The front seats were heated and ventilated, offering ample space and perfect positioning. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and available heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 405 litres, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk space measured 399 litres, which was average for its class. The interior layout was practical, with a user-friendly touchscreen and real buttons and dials for climate and volume controls. The centre tray was larger due to the repositioned shifter, enhancing storage convenience.

The 2020 Acura TLX's infotainment system featured a dual-screen setup, which was criticized for its complexity and lack of user-friendliness. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom one was, leading to confusion and frustration. Despite these issues, the TLX offered a premium audio system, smartphone charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim included Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the traditional instrument panel. This feature allowed drivers to project navigation and other information onto a 10.25-inch screen.

The 2020 Acura TLX included standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, its aging architecture resulted in an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick. It did receive five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all tests.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims included additional driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a Good rating in all IIHS crash tests but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick due to its headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating.