2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front end was bold, with a grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo and distinctive "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, and subtle chrome accents and tasteful badging enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and high-quality materials. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, contributing to the car's sophisticated interior design.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated appearance, having undergone a facelift in 2020. Its design shared similarities with the smaller Jetta, resulting in a more conservative look compared to its competitors. The Passat's smooth, aerodynamic shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with Execline models offering 19-inch wheels and an Adaptive Front-lighting System. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and a low dashboard for enhanced visibility. However, the interior design was somewhat plain, with limited brightwork and basic materials, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2021 Acura TLX was designed with a focus on sporty performance, featuring a new turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The TLX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for further customization. The TLX boasted improved torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity, resulting in a solid and balanced feel on the road. During test drives, the TLX demonstrated nimble handling and an engaging driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response and exhaust note.

In comparison, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average for the segment. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but Sport mode improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The Passat offered a comfortable ride on highways, but it didn't excel in handling or excitement on twisty roads.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices, such as the shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined centre console layout. The transmission controls were conveniently placed in the centre stack, freeing up space for a mini touchpad and cupholders. The rear seat provided adequate comfort for two adults, with fold-down capability for increased trunk access. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with options for Ultrasuede or leather upholstery.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized rear legroom, offering 993 millimetres, though it fell short of competitors like the Honda Accord. Front legroom and headroom were below average, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat. The Passat's trunk provided 450 litres of cargo space, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. In-cabin storage was limited, with door bottle holders poorly designed for larger bottles. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, with easily accessible buttons and knobs.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced technology for both performance and comfort. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control, enhancing driving dynamics. The TLX offered customizable ambient lighting and an impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and sporty instrument panel features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Execline models included navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. The Passat's tech offerings were basic, lacking features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 system found in other VW models. The touchscreen was small but functional, with physical controls for climate and audio. The Passat's tech was straightforward, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Acura TLX offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a robust body structure, multiple airbags, and advanced safety systems like pedestrian sensing and forward collision warning. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated "marginal." NHTSA ratings were not available. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.