2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Acura TLX was a strikingly sporty sedan in a competitive class. Its design featured an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its explosive pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, was flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights, giving the TLX a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, and the tasteful use of chrome and badging enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX boasted a "sport sedan cockpit" with authentic materials like metal, leather, and open-pore wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, offering a seamless blend of functionality and style.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent subtle exterior updates that were almost unnoticeable at first glance. The front fascia, bumper, and grille received minor tweaks, with more chrome added for a refined look. The grille featured a chrome frame and horizontal chrome pieces aligning with the LED headlights. The rear bumper was redesigned to be more square, and new wheel designs and metallic colours were introduced. Inside, the Jetta's updates were subtle yet appealing, with new rhombus-patterned cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium feel. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option, and the standard 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster added a modern touch.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX came standard with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) in Canada, enhancing its sporty performance. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 on the highway. The TLX offered a dynamic driving experience with its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's handling was nimble and responsive, with a solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta excelled in fuel economy, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 highway for the manual, and 7.7 city and 5.7 highway for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged an impressive 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. However, its powertrain was less refined, with a touchy throttle and some turbo lag. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the overall driving dynamics were less engaging compared to the TLX.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined centre console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and cupholders positioned for convenience. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split for 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 perforated leather.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to seat five. The cabin was driver-centric, with easily accessible controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin, though not large, was practical for keeping items out of sight. The Jetta's interior was well-organized, with driving-related controls intuitively placed.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes 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 a G-Metre and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The Highline trim featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for smartphone integration. The Jetta offered Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and premium Beats Audio sound. The navigation system could be displayed on the instrument cluster for convenience.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta's Travel Assist and Emergency Assist provided additional safety features. However, it fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test.