2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Acura TLX, with its refreshed grille and nose, presented a more appealing design compared to its predecessors. Despite its somewhat anonymous appearance, the A-Spec option package added a sporty flair with enhancements like 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. This special edition, not available in Canada, offered a blend of style and performance at a competitive price point, especially when upgraded to the SH-AWD powertrain with the Technology and A-Spec packages.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained its understated styling, following a significant facelift in 2020. Its design echoed the smaller Jetta, offering a more conservative look compared to its bolder competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5. The Passat's aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to improve fuel efficiency. The interior followed a clean, functional design with analog controls, enhancing visibility and ease of use, though some might find it plain.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options: a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, and a more powerful 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with the SH-AWD system. The V6 provided a smooth power build-up, transforming the TLX into a thrilling ride in Sport or Sport+ mode. 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 comfort and quietness for daily driving, with a fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, however, simplified its powertrain offerings to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower lagged behind competitors. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, though switching to Sport mode improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. Ride quality and cabin noise were adequate but not exceptional.

Inside the 2020 Acura TLX, quality materials and comfortable seating made it a pleasant environment for drivers and passengers alike. The front seats offered excellent support and positioning, with optional heated and ventilated features. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom and available heated seats. However, the trunk space was limited to 405 litres, more akin to a compact car than a midsize sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell short of competitors like the Honda Accord. Front legroom and headroom were also below average, leading to an uncomfortable driving position for some. The Passat's cargo space of 450 litres surpassed some rivals but lagged behind others. In-cabin storage was limited, though the layout of controls was user-friendly, with large buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-touchscreen top display and a touchscreen bottom display causing confusion. The system's layout and functionality were outdated, though the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone connectivity were positives. The TLX included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Execline models added navigation and a Fender premium audio system. While the touchscreen was small, the use of dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls minimized reliance on it. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2020 Acura TLX, despite its aging architecture, earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, though they lacked refinement compared to newer systems.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "marginal." The NHTSA had not published ratings for this model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.