2023 Acura TLX vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of having all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated fan. The new GTI was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving its nimble handling. The styling followed the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, with Pomelo Yellow Metallic available exclusively for the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn. The classic golf-ball shifter knob was retained for manual transmission models, and all trims included stainless steel pedals.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the consumer shift to SUVs, pandemic-related supply chain constraints, and fluctuating car prices and interest rates. Despite these hurdles, the TLX stood out on the road, especially in Southern California, where a TLX Type S in Tiger Eye Pearl paint with performance upgrades was tested. The TLX's design, based on a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look, though it used a front-wheel-drive platform. This dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space but made the car visually appealing. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design emphasizing width, but the control layout required some adjustment. The Type S model, with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive was more affordable. Option packages included the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, with SH-AWD available on the Advance and Type S models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced to the U.S. in 1983, had evolved significantly from its original 90-horsepower model. The 2022 version boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque available at a low 1,750 rpm. This engine, an updated version of the EA888, featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) with paddle shifters, both sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined for the manual, with a slight uptick for the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, lighter front assembly, and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes, an electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and electronic stability control contributed to its agile performance. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured a DCC adaptive damping system for further handling improvements.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the trim and drivetrain, fuel economy ranged between 24 and 25 mpg combined. The TLX featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on the A-Spec Package and standard on the Advance and Type S models, provided mechanical torque vectoring. The Type S model, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, included performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front calipers. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. Despite some issues with the Electro Servo braking system, the Type S offered an engaging driving experience with excellent handling and performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for a family of four.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather interiors with options for Ebony, Red, and Orchid colors, complemented by carbon fiber trim. The flat-bottom sport steering wheel and analog gauges with brushed metal backgrounds added to the sporty feel, though the low-contrast red markings were hard to read. The 16-way power-adjustable front sport seats offered excellent comfort, but the rear seats were cramped with limited legroom. The TLX's trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more akin to a compact car than a midsize model.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI's standout technological feature was its fully digital driver information display, customizable with various gauge displays and colors. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on the SE and Autobahn trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on higher trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered additional features like remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability, though some required extra fees.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a 10.2-inch display controlled by a touchpad and buttons on the center console. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to AcuraLink connected services. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and premium audio systems. The TLX lacked Alexa Built-In, relying on AcuraLink Remote for Alexa compatibility. The 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system on higher trims provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking.

The 2023 Acura TLX included AcuraWatch as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Type S included rain-sensing wipers and a wiper de-icer system. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.