2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Volkswagen Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat presented a familiar exterior design, reminiscent of its predecessors from 2012 to 2019 and the recently redesigned VW Jetta. It borrowed styling cues from the Jetta, resulting in a car that was easy on the eyes. Inside, the Passat maintained a straightforward dashboard design, featuring a modest 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it lacked the latest VW technology, the interior was characterized by easy-to-clean glossy plastic surfaces. The Passat was available in four trims, with the R-Line offering a sporty appearance and additional features like remote engine start.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX stood out with its assertive and sporty design. It featured a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, adorned with the Acura logo, was flanked by jewel-eye LED headlights, while twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty demeanor. Inside, the TLX boasted high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit. The dashboard was thoughtfully organized, and the 10.2-inch infotainment screen was prominently positioned. The TLX's interior exuded a sense of luxury and attention to detail, with authentic materials and a cohesive design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 6-speed automatic transmission that powered the front wheels. While the powertrain was simple, it provided adequate performance for everyday driving. The Passat's steering was light yet precise, and its brakes were effective. However, the suspension tuning was a drawback, as it felt too stiff over sharp bumps and too soft over undulating surfaces. Despite these issues, the Passat offered commendable roll control and grip, especially in the R-Line trim with its 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, was designed with a focus on sporty performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The TLX came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The TLX's performance was enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The TLX exhibited impressive handling, with a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces. Its adaptive dampers and increased torsional stiffness contributed to its nimble and engaging driving experience.

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, excellent outward visibility, and numerous storage options. The Passat's trunk provided 15.9 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases and compact strollers with ease. The interior materials varied by trim, with cloth upholstery in the base model and V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather in higher trims. The Passat's practicality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a roomy and functional sedan.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX prioritized a driver-centric design with a shift-by-wire transmission, allowing for a reimagined center console layout. The TLX's interior featured a control panel for gear selection, paddle shifters, and a mini touchpad for infotainment control. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with Milano leather upholstery. The rear seat provided adequate comfort for two adults, while the trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The TLX's interior design emphasized both form and function, with thoughtful placement of controls and storage options.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system was basic, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen display. It included App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD and SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD player, and Bluetooth connectivity. While it lacked advanced features, the system was straightforward and user-friendly. The SEL trim offered navigation and a Fender premium sound system. The Passat's simplicity extended to its optional remote engine start system and parking steering-assist system, providing convenience without overwhelming complexity.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a wealth of technology, both for performance and occupant enjoyment. It featured drive-by-wire and shift-by-wire systems, along with SH-AWD. The TLX's 10-speed automatic transmission included advanced features like Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. Inside, the TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TLX's technology suite was comprehensive, enhancing both driving dynamics and passenger comfort.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat prioritized safety with a range of standard features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. It also featured an automatic post-collision braking system. The Passat SE added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, while the SEL trim included parking assist sensors and adaptive headlights. The Passat received a top rating of Good from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. New safety features for 2021 included a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, and traffic-sign recognition. While the TLX had not yet been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.