2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a notably wider track width both at the front and rear. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a distinctive five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX offered a snug yet impressively detailed cabin, with high-quality materials and a Scandinavian-inspired design in upper trims. The Type S further distinguished itself with faux-suede inserts and bold colour options.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta maintained a conservative and inoffensive design, typical of Volkswagen's approach to styling. While it lacked the symmetry and balance of previous generations, the Jetta's appearance was tidy following a recent refresh. The Highline trim aimed to channel a more upscale feel, with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof. The interior, though straightforward, provided a sense of luxury with its digital instrumentation and infotainment systems. Despite its understated exterior, the Jetta Highline delivered emotional value at a competitive price point.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft 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 featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, delivering 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, and excelled on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers. The TLX's performance was characterized by smooth power delivery, minimal turbo lag, and a balanced chassis, though the exhaust note was subdued. 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 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, while not a sports sedan, offered a nimble and responsive driving experience. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine produced 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, sufficient for its front-wheel-drive setup. The Jetta's suspension was soft and compliant, providing a comfortable ride. However, the 8-speed automatic transmission exhibited a delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption. The Jetta Highline impressed with its accurate steering and predictable handling, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

Despite its large exterior, the 2022 Acura TLX offered a compact interior, particularly in the rear seats where legroom was limited. The front seats, however, were comfortable and featured adjustable side bolsters in the Type S. The TLX's infotainment system utilized a unique touchpad interface, which required acclimation but became easier with practice. Trunk space was modest at 382 litres, constrained by the double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, provided ample space for four adults and generous interior storage. The Highline trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Jetta's trunk offered 399 litres of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The rear seats were comfortable, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. Overall, the Jetta's interior was practical and well-suited for family use.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small and difficult to read. The TLX Platinum Elite offered a head-up display, while the Type S included a 360-degree camera and heated steering wheel. 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 technologies.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta Highline boasted a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native voice recognition was limited. Car-Net connected services offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Beats Audio system was standard on the Highline, though it lacked the richness of previous Fender systems.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Comfortline trim added blind spot monitoring and Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Emergency Assist was a notable feature, capable of bringing the car to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had mixed results in IIHS testing.