2020 Acura TLX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

A few years ago, Acura revamped the TLX midsize sedan's design, resulting in a more attractive, albeit somewhat anonymous, appearance. The 2020 TLX, especially with the A-Spec option package, featured enhancements like 19-inch wheels, revised bumpers, side sill skirts, and oversized exhaust outlets. The limited-edition 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition, hand-built in Ohio, stood out with its Valencia Red Pearl paint and unique exterior accents. Priced at $50,945, the PMC Edition was the pinnacle of the TLX lineup, while non-PMC models started at $33,995.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra embraced Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the doors, a controversial design element, aimed to make the Elantra stand out. Available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $19,650 to $25,450, the Elantra offered a distinctive look. The high-performance Elantra N, expected to cost less than $34,000, promised serious power and handling. Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard, with higher trims offering upscale materials and a modern, Scandinavian-inspired design.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition boasted the top-performing powertrain in the TLX lineup, featuring a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. This setup provided a steady build-up of power, with 267 lb-ft of torque peaking at 4,500 rpm. The SH-AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing the car's agility. The TLX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with sophisticated dampers and a well-behaved transmission. During testing, the TLX achieved 23 mpg, matching the EPA's combined driving estimate.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered various powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, delivered 139 hp and achieved 42.2 mpg during testing. The sporty Elantra N Line featured a 201-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, while the high-performance Elantra N packed a 276-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The Elantra N offered a thrilling driving experience, with advanced features like an electronic limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled suspension.

The 2020 Acura TLX provided a luxurious and comfortable interior, with high-quality materials and excellent front seats. The cabin featured supple leather, heated and ventilated seats, and ample space for front occupants. Rear passengers enjoyed air-conditioning vents and optional heated seats. However, the trunk was relatively small, offering just 14.3 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior. The driver’s seat and steering wheel were adjustable, and higher trims included heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle could be improved. The Elantra's trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the lack of a grab handle inside the trunk was a drawback.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a major drawback, with a non-touchscreen top display and a touchscreen bottom display. The layout was confusing, with climate controls split between physical buttons and the touchscreen. The system lacked a tuning knob, and the navigation graphics were outdated. However, the Acura/ELS premium audio system and smartphone charger were positives, and the car supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a more user-friendly technology experience. The SE, SEL, and N Line trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, offering a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based access and control, adding convenience and modernity.

The 2020 Acura TLX, designed in the early 2010s, showed its age in safety ratings. It received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA but only an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test. The TLX included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. However, these systems lacked the smoothness and refinement of more modern vehicles.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, built on a new platform, featured Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Upgrades like cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist added to the Elantra's impressive safety credentials.