2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan in a competitive class. It featured an assertive stance with a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its pattern radiating from the Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights gave it a bold face. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality added to its premium look. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a well-thought-out design. The driver’s position was aptly described as a “sport sedan cockpit,” with a neatly mounted 10.2-inch infotainment screen and authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the hot hatch legacy, shared its basics with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip on the grille, and painted brake calipers were some of the distinguishing features. The GTI had a lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black side mirrors and lip spoiler. Inside, the GTI maintained the Golf’s quality but added sporty touches like red ambient lighting, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, and aluminum-look pedals. Heated front sport seats, available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, and high-quality interior materials completed the look.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX offered an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The car’s Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, and the Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX felt solid and balanced, with impressive handling and a sprightly character, especially in Sport mode.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The GTI’s four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering provided excellent handling, though the ride could be rough on ordinary roads. The GTI’s fuel economy was 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and slightly better with the dual-clutch automatic. The GTI’s performance was engaging, with a free-revving engine and a lusty exhaust note, making it a joy to drive.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel modeled after the NSX. The center console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and two big cupholders. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The front sport bucket seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with perforated Milano leather. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk with a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI’s hatchback form made it incredibly useful for carrying passengers and cargo. It had a 103.6-inch wheelbase and was 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall. The GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row was comfortable for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for two adults or three juveniles. The GTI’s compact dimensions and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The cabin featured clever storage options, including big front door pockets and center console cupholders.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered multiple ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display, G-Meter, and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch screen on S models and an 8-inch screen with navigation on SE and Autobahn models. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio were standard, along with two USB ports. Volkswagen Car-Net offered Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals. The GTI also came with LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, keyless access with pushbutton start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, a full complement of airbags, and a multi-angle rear-view camera system. The TLX also had a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing and autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top “Good” scores from IIHS, except for an “Acceptable” score in small overlap front; passenger side, and headlights. The GTI came with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI’s sharp handling could help avoid collisions.