2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer and wider body, maintaining the same height. Its design was inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, featuring a wide, angular grille that added a dramatic flair to its appearance. Inside, the Jetta continued this angular design language, creating a cabin that was both spacious and functional, with a premium feel thanks to soft-touch surfaces and comfortable seating. The Jetta offered three trim levels: Comfortline, Highline, and Execline, each with a range of features from heated seats and mirrors to a digital instrument cluster and a premium audio system.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, boasted a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its design included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added exclusive features like a unique paint colour and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. The infotainment system used a unique touchpad interface, which required some acclimation. Despite its size, the TLX's trunk space was limited, and the interior felt compact, especially in the rear seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta offered both manual and automatic transmission options, with front-wheel drive as standard. Its steering was well-weighted and precise, providing a smooth and sporty driving experience. The Jetta managed to balance performance with comfort, offering a refined ride without sacrificing handling. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with minimal differences between the manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling precision. The Type S variant offered a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided excellent grip and balance, especially on the track. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel efficiency varied between the regular TLX and the Type S, with the latter being less economical.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats and adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. Its trunk space was 399 litres, which was average for its class. The interior layout was practical, with a user-friendly touchscreen and a blend of real buttons and dials for controls. The Jetta prioritized functionality, making it a practical choice for those seeking a straightforward and efficient vehicle.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, felt tight inside, especially in the rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable features in the Type S variant. The infotainment system's touchpad interface required some getting used to, and the trunk space was limited at 382 litres. The TLX's interior design was sophisticated, but the space could have been better utilized to enhance comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim offered a Digital Cockpit, replacing the conventional instrument panel with a customizable digital display. This allowed drivers to project navigation and other information directly onto the screen, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read easily. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, along with heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera. The ELS Studio premium audio system was available on higher trims, providing excellent sound quality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features. The TLX also offered advanced climate control linked to navigation, adjusting air based on the sun's position.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring top marks in all crash tests and for its forward automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall score. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.