2020 Acura TLX vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat bore a striking resemblance to its predecessors from 2012 to 2019, as well as the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It adopted Jetta's styling cues, giving it a familiar yet refreshed exterior. Inside, the Passat's dashboard retained the architectural design of the previous model, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The interior was dominated by cheap, glossy plastic, which, while easy to clean, lacked the premium feel of some competitors. The Passat was designed to be user-friendly, with easy access, simple controls, and a comfortable driving experience. It was available in four trims, with the base Passat S starting at $22,995 and the top-tier SEL at $31,095. The sporty R-Line trim, tested at $30,206, added a touch of flair with its Aurora Red paint and remote engine start.

The 2020 Acura TLX, following a design overhaul, emerged as a handsome yet somewhat anonymous midsize sedan. The A-Spec option package enhanced its styling with 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The exclusive 2020 TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, featured a dazzling Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition was the pinnacle of the TLX lineup. Non-PMC models started at $33,995, with recommended upgrades like the Technology Package ($3,700) and A-Spec Package ($2,700) enhancing comfort, convenience, and appearance. However, these models lacked the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and SH-AWD system found in the PMC Edition.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It ran on regular gas and featured a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The Passat's powertrain was simple, with a Sport transmission setting and paddle shifters but no extensive driving modes. The engine's torque allowed for decent acceleration, though the transmission's eagerness to upshift sometimes caused a slight stumble. The Passat averaged 26 mpg, close to the EPA's 27-mpg rating. Its light and precise steering, combined with German-engineered brakes, made it a predictable and enjoyable car to drive. However, the suspension tuning was a mixed bag, being too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulations, resulting in a busy ride.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition featured the top-performing powertrain, including a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and SH-AWD system. The V6 engine's 267 pound-feet of torque peaked at 4,500 rpm, providing a steady build-up of power. Switching to Sport or Sport+ mode transformed the TLX into a thrilling ride. The SH-AWD system, capable of directing up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhanced the car's handling dynamics. The 9-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the paddle shifters added to the driving experience. The TLX's sophisticated dampers and heavy steering contributed to its solid road feel. Despite its performance capabilities, the TLX remained comfortable and quiet for daily driving, with a firm yet not overly stiff ride. It achieved 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving rating.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was designed with American consumers in mind, offering a spacious interior with wide, comfortable seats and ample room for five passengers. It featured large door openings, sizable cupholders, and plenty of storage bins and trays. The Passat's trunk, measuring 15.9 cubic feet, was highly functional, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact folding strollers with ease. Cloth upholstery was standard in the base Passat S, while higher trims offered V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seats. Heated seats and rear air conditioning vents added to passenger comfort. The Passat's size and utility made it a practical choice, with the only reasons to opt for an SUV being all-wheel drive, big-box cargo capability, or a third-row seat.

The 2020 Acura TLX, particularly in its loaded configurations, exuded quality and comfort. The cabin featured supple leather, perfectly positioned heated and ventilated seats, and ample room for front passengers. Rear occupants also enjoyed favorable accommodations, with air-conditioning vents and available heated seats. However, the TLX's trunk was less spacious, offering just 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which was more in line with compact cars than midsize sedans. Despite this, the TLX's interior materials and overall comfort made it a compelling choice for daily driving.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat lacked Volkswagen's latest infotainment and Digital Cockpit technologies, but its 6.3-inch touchscreen display covered the basics. It included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth. The standard 6-speaker sound system was adequate, while the SEL trim offered navigation and a premium Fender sound system. The Passat's infotainment system was refreshingly simple, with physical buttons and knobs. The optional remote engine start system was a convenient feature, and the SEL trim also included a parking steering-assist system.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback. The top display was not a touchscreen, while the bottom display was, leading to confusion and frustration. Climate control buttons and switches were mixed with touchscreen functions, and some controls were difficult to read. The lack of a tuning knob and outdated navigation graphics further detracted from the experience. The voice-recognition system was also subpar. Despite these issues, the Acura/ELS premium audio system sounded good, and the car included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The smartphone charger in the bin forward of the shifter was a useful addition.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. An automatic post-collision braking system was also standard, helping to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat earned the top rating of Good in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Acura TLX, despite its aging architecture, offered a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However, the TLX's ADAS lacked the smoothness and sophistication of more modern systems. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure-warning systems were particularly intrusive. The TLX earned 5-star ratings in all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests but received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test, preventing it from qualifying for a Top Safety Pick.