2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan category, thanks to its bold and distinctive design. It embraced Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring Parametric surfacing that added sharp creases and dramatic angles to its exterior. This unique styling was further accentuated by a Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design element that broke conventional automotive design rules. According to Davis Lee, a senior designer at Hyundai, this feature was intended to give the Elantra a unique character, and it succeeded in making the car memorable. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering a range of options from the Essential to the Ultimate, with the latter boasting a more upscale interior with light gray seats and contrasting trim that elevated the cabin's modern and sophisticated feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX presented itself as a sporty and assertive sedan in a competitive class. Its design was characterized by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler, giving it a dynamic and aggressive stance. The front grille, with its pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold appearance. The TLX's twin trapezoidal tailpipes and high-quality paintwork further enhanced its premium look. Inside, the TLX offered a driver-focused cockpit with authentic materials, such as metal, leather, and open-pore wood, providing a luxurious and tactile experience. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed to appear as if it floated above the dash, contributing to the car's modern and cohesive interior design.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, each catering to different driving preferences. The standard Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for city driving but felt underwhelming on highways. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, although real-world consumption was slightly higher than expected due to challenging driving conditions. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a sportier experience with its sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes. The high-performance Elantra N, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower, delivered exhilarating performance with its advanced features like the N Corner Carving Differential and electronically controlled suspension.

The 2021 Acura TLX, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, providing excellent traction and handling. The TLX's performance was further enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual modes, each adjusting the car's dynamics accordingly. The Platinum Elite grade added adaptive dampers for a more refined ride. The TLX's chassis boasted increased torsional stiffness and rigidity, contributing to its solid and balanced feel on various road surfaces. During test drives, the TLX demonstrated nimble handling and a sporty character, with Sport mode offering a more engaging driving experience by reducing turbo lag and enhancing the exhaust note.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior that felt roomy from the driver's seat. It featured a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, ensuring comfort for drivers of various sizes. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels were noted drawbacks. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, providing ample space for adults, although the backrest shape and angle were less supportive. The trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Acura TLX, with its shift-by-wire transmission, allowed for a reimagined centre console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. This setup freed up space for a mini touchpad and hard buttons, enhancing the infotainment interface. The TLX's interior offered comfortable sport bucket seats with Ultrasuede or perforated leather options, providing excellent support and adjustability. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, with adequate head- and legroom. The trunk provided 382 litres of cargo space, with a wide opening for easy access. The TLX's interior design prioritized both functionality and aesthetics, with thoughtful placement of controls and storage solutions.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a seamless and modern interface. The infotainment system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function, enhancing the driving experience. A Bose premium audio system was available, delivering impressive sound quality for its price point.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with advanced technology, both for performance and comfort. Its 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control, optimizing performance in various driving conditions. The TLX offered multiple ambient lighting themes, customizable to match the driver's mood. The ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system, available on higher trims, provided an exceptional audio experience. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a head-up display available on the Platinum Elite grade.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways, enhancing safety. Most models came with SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist, providing a comprehensive safety package.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a range of driver-assist technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure and ultra-high-strength steel components contributed to its safety. The TLX included a full complement of airbags, pedestrian sensing, and forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking. It received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.