2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Acura TLX presented itself as a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. Its design was marked by an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front of the TLX was anything but timid, featuring a grille pattern that seemed to radiate from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontally arrayed "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal, while the paint quality and subtle chrome accents enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a focus on quality and detail. The dashboard was thoughtfully sectioned, using authentic materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, appearing to float above the dash, contributing to the car's sophisticated interior design.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not immediately stand out to non-enthusiasts. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its wheelbase for nimble handling. Its styling adhered to the classic GTI form, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar adding drama. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI's colour palette offered traditional options with occasional bold choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured a driver-centric layout with plaid cloth seats standard on lower trims and Vienna leather on the Performance trim. The classic golf-ball shifter knob remained for manual models, and stainless steel pedals were standard across trims.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, utilizing a drive-by-wire throttle system and shift-by-wire connection. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring was standard in Canada, enhancing the TLX's sporty performance. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 on the highway. The TLX's handling was further refined by its Integrated Dynamics System, offering Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers, contributing to a nimble and balanced driving experience. The TLX's torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid and substantial feel on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI's torque peaked at a low 1,750 rpm, offering exhilarating performance on winding roads. Power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway with the automatic transmission. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Performance trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, allowing for precise handling adjustments.

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 TLX offered comfortable seating for two adults in the rear, with supportive sport bucket seats in the front. The seats featured power adjustability and heating, with ventilated options available on higher trims. The rear seat folded in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 382-litre trunk with a wide opening.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seat, total cargo space expanded to 977 litres. The GTI's interior was driver-focused, with a centre stack angled towards the driver and a "light and sight" panel for easy headlight and defogging adjustments. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2021 Acura TLX was rich in technology, featuring drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission included Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. The TLX also 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 Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and a G-Metre.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access and vehicle monitoring.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a comprehensive airbag system. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.