2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Acura TLX

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. The paint quality was exceptional, with tasteful badging and chrome accents enhancing its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a "sport sedan cockpit" with a well-organized dash and high-quality materials. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed, giving the interior a modern and cohesive feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign. It boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior had a unique personality, with a "Z" shape formed by the creases and folds on its sides, setting it apart from competitors. Inside, the Elantra's material quality was above average for its class, despite some hard plastics. The N Line trim added sporty elements like N Line sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Elantra's interior was spacious, with excellent visibility and a user-friendly layout, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring. The TLX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for enhanced ride behaviour. The TLX's handling was nimble and balanced, with improved torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity. It delivered a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, which minimized turbo lag and enhanced the exhaust note.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim had a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension improved handling. The Elantra's drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, offered versatility, with Sport mode providing enhanced steering feedback and engine responsiveness.

The 2021 Acura TLX's design choices enhanced its form and function. The shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a streamlined centre console with a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed the infotainment interface, a mini touchpad, and cupholders. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk offered 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with options for Ultrasuede or leather upholstery, and standard heated seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, while the interior offered ample storage options. The Elantra's rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, though the narrow opening required strategic packing. The Elantra's moonroof had a droning noise issue when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Elantra was well-suited for small families.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control for optimized performance. The TLX offered ambient interior lighting themes and a premium ELS Studio 3D audio system with 17 speakers. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Platinum Elite grade added a head-up display and a G-Metre and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered impressive technology for its price. The base Essential trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four speakers. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim in Canada featured a six-speaker system and wireless device charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration. However, only wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the larger touchscreen.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It featured a robust body structure, multiple airbags, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. The TLX received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a value-focused approach to safety, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests.