2022 Acura TLX vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of 1990s jellybean sedans, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and, on Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and a low dashboard enhancing visibility. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with its silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 Acura TLX presented a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a luxury sedan from a larger class. It was notably wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a track width that enhanced stability and handling. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, contributing to its substantial presence. The Type S variant added exclusive features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray alloy wheels inspired by the Acura NSX. The TLX's interior, though snug, impressed with its detailing, including a narrow centre console, angled air vents, and ambient lighting. The Type S models featured faux-suede inserts and red stitching, while the driving experience was enhanced by a flat-bottomed steering wheel with real metal shift paddles. Despite its compact interior, the TLX offered a sense of luxury and style that set it apart from competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals, the torque output was impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for smoother acceleration. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, delivered a more dynamic performance. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, standard in Canada, enhanced stability and handling precision by varying torque distribution. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, offering an exhilarating track experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Pirelli P Zero summer tires contributed to its balanced and predictable handling. While the regular TLX was more softly sprung, the Type S provided a polished driving experience without sacrificing comfort. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with city and highway ratings of 12.3 and 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted 993 millimetres of rear legroom, though it fell slightly short compared to the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The Passat's front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. With 450 litres of cargo space, the Passat offered more room than some competitors but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, and door bottle holders were not well-suited for large bottles. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats, especially in the Type S, provided all-day comfort with thigh extensions and adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's driving position was low, and controls were well-marked. Acura's true touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it differed from traditional touchscreens. Trunk space was modest at 382 litres, less than a Honda Civic, but the TLX's double-wishbone suspension contributed to its handling prowess.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. A single USB-A port handled connectivity functions, and the touchscreen, though small, offered pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's tech features were basic, lacking the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and newer MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models. However, the straightforward approach appealed to drivers seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The TLX featured a head-up display, heated rear seats, 360-degree cameras, and a heated steering wheel on higher trims. The ELS Studio premium audio system with 17 speakers provided excellent sound quality. Standard features included voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and 12-way heated front seats. Acura's climate control linked to navigation for automatic adjustments based on the sun's position. The TLX also came with "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, though its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Notable safety features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top "Good" ratings in all crash tests and excellent headlight visibility. The NHTSA awarded the TLX a five-star overall score, with four stars in the frontal passenger-side test. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.