2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Acura TLX

The 2020 Acura TLX, with its refreshed grille and nose, presented a more appealing design compared to its predecessors. Despite its somewhat anonymous appearance, the A-Spec option package added a sporty flair with enhancements like 19-inch wheels and revised bumper designs. This special edition, not available in Canada, offered a blend of style and performance at a competitive price point, especially when upgraded to the SH-AWD with Technology and A-Spec packages.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata showcased a bold redesign that was unmistakably distinctive. The N Line treatment further amplified its appeal with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The Sonata's daring design was complemented by a sportier interior featuring premium materials and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing both its aesthetic and functional appeal.

The 2020 Acura TLX offered two powertrain options: a 206-horsepower, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, and a more robust 290-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 engine with the SH-AWD system. The latter provided a thrilling driving experience, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, thanks to its torque-vectoring capabilities. The TLX's nine-speed automatic transmission and sophisticated suspension system contributed to its solid road presence and comfortable ride, achieving a fuel efficiency of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, combined with various driving modes, offered a dynamic driving experience. The Sonata's sport-tuned suspension and enhanced steering provided excellent handling, while its fuel efficiency was recorded at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres during a rigorous test drive. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata managed to minimize understeer, offering a balanced and engaging ride.

The 2020 Acura TLX excelled in providing a comfortable and luxurious interior, with high-quality materials and well-designed front seats. It offered ample space for front passengers, while rear-seat occupants enjoyed decent legroom and comfort features. However, the trunk space was limited to 405 litres, which was more in line with compact cars.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and support, and a manual seat height adjuster for the front passenger. While rear-seat accommodations were not significantly more spacious than the Elantra N Line, the Sonata offered additional features like rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The trunk was more generous, with a capacity of 453 litres and a hands-free release feature, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Acura TLX's dual-screen infotainment system was a source of frustration, with a non-intuitive layout and outdated graphics. Despite these drawbacks, it included a premium audio system, smartphone connectivity, and optional navigation. The system's design often led to distractions, making it less user-friendly compared to modern alternatives.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line boasted a more advanced technology suite, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included standard navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose sound system, along with connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were noted, the system's overall functionality and features were impressive.

The 2020 Acura TLX, while equipped with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, showed its age in crash-test ratings. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Its Highway Drive Assist system was particularly effective, providing a smooth and reliable driving experience. While specific crash-test ratings for the N Line were not available, the standard Sonata received high marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS.