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 eighth-generation model was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness and quickness of earlier models. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line extended between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar adding drama to the front end. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers, and wheel sizes varied by trim, with 17-inch alloys on the base model and up to 19-inch wheels on the Performance grade. Colour options included traditional shades and more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic for the Performance trim. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on base and Autobahn trims, with Vienna leather on the Performance, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual models.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to a shift towards SUVs, pandemic-related supply constraints, and fluctuating car prices. This made the TLX a rare sight on the road. The TLX Type S, tested in Tiger Eye Pearl paint, featured a performance wheel and tire package, with a Canadian MSRP of approximately $67,500. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, showcasing a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this styling compromised rear-seat headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Inside, the TLX had a layered dashboard design prioritizing style over practicality, with a control layout that required relearning. The Type S model, equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), was the most expensive version, while the base TLX A-Spec with a turbocharged four-cylinder and SH-AWD cost $54,729. Option packages included A-Spec and Platinum Elite.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, originally introduced in 1983, had evolved significantly in terms of performance. By 2022, it boasted 241 horsepower from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an updated version of the EA888 engine. This powertrain featured integrated exhaust headers for better heat management and faster warm-up. The engine reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm, while the 273 pound-feet of torque, available at a low 1,750 rpm, made it a joy to drive on winding roads. 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. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway with the automatic, slightly higher with the manual. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed customization, and a limited-slip differential worked with electronic stability control to reduce understeer. The top-tier Performance trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, further enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard SH-AWD in Canada. Fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 on the highway. The TLX's SH-AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing power, grip, and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with performance enhancements like a sport automatic transmission, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption for the Type S was estimated at 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway. The TLX's Electro Servo braking system, while effective in stop-and-go traffic, was less satisfying on twisty roads. Despite this, the TLX Type S was a delight to drive, offering speed, sound, and agility. The steering was responsive, and the lightweight wheels and performance tires provided excellent grip. The TLX was also comfortable for daily driving, though the suspension occasionally produced artificial responses to road surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, as the original hot hatch, balanced performance and practicality. It offered 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's centre stack was angled towards the driver, featuring a "light and sight" panel for easy adjustment of headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making it suitable for a family of four.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S, available in Canada with an Ebony interior, featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts. The test car's Orchid interior, with optional carbon fibre trim, was not available in Canada. The Type S had a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with analog gauges, though the low-contrast red markings were challenging to read. The TLX's front seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable due to narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, more akin to a compact car.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The display spanned 10.25 inches, accompanied by an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. The GTI's infotainment system ran on Volkswagen's Car-Net, providing remote access and vehicle information via a smartphone app.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The TTI's one-to-one relationship with the display was distracting, and the system occupied valuable console space. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a wireless charging pad, and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. However, the TLX did not support wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with the Performance trim offering Park Assist for automated parking. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2023 Acura TLX included standard driver aids such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Type S added rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, and a surround-view camera. The TLX featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags. The IIHS awarded the TLX a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for the front passenger in a frontal collision.