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 design was bold, with a width surpassing the BMW 3 Series by over three inches, and a length extending nine inches longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a 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 gray wheels, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. Inside, the TLX was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with LED strips and soft surfaces, offering a sense of luxury and well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was a more conservative-looking sedan, designed to age gracefully. It was available in several trims, with the SEL trim offering a Platinum Gray Metallic exterior and a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior. The Jetta's design was inoffensive, with a no-nonsense interior that channeled the Audi luxury brand. It featured ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment. The Jetta SEL provided an upscale feel at a reasonable price, making it a practical choice for those seeking a blend of style and value.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and responsive performance. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, especially in tight corners. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, delivering impressive track performance. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and balanced handling. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway. Fuel economy for the Type S was 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic. The Jetta's driving experience was characterized by zippy acceleration and nimble handling, with a soft suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode. The Jetta SEL achieved an average fuel economy of 30 mpg in combined driving. Its all-season tires provided excellent grip and communication, enhancing the driving experience.

Despite its large exterior, the 2022 Acura TLX was tight for four passengers inside. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, as it was not a traditional touchscreen. Trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet, and the double-wishbone suspension limited interior space.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered ample space for four adults, with generous interior storage and a cavernous trunk. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat provided plenty of legroom and comfort, although rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Jetta's trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating full-size suitcases and longer items with ease.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the small typefaces on the display were difficult to read. The TLX offered a head-up display, ELS Studio audio system, and a suite of driver assistance features. However, some features were restricted to the Advance Package, which was not available on the Type S.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL came with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the radio tuning process was cumbersome. The Jetta's voice recognition system required a subscription for advanced features. Car-Net provided access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and several safety features, while the Beats Audio premium sound system was underwhelming.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and other driver assistance features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL were equipped with IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new frontal-impact crash test.