2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both striking and polarizing. Its distinctive styling, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, made it unmistakably a Sonata. The N Line version further enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which added a stealthy performance hint. The interior was equally sporty, featuring premium materials like Nappa leather and Dinamica suede, complemented by red stitching and aluminum accents. A panoramic sunroof added a touch of luxury, enhancing the spacious feel inside.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX boasted a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its design was characterized by thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The Type S variant added exclusive features like a unique paint colour and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug but well-detailed, with a Scandinavian-inspired design featuring ambient lighting and premium materials. The infotainment system, though innovative, required some acclimation, and the trunk space was limited compared to its exterior size.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering driving modes like Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, with improved steering, brakes, and suspension, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled understeer well, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the TLX came standard with Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing stability and handling. The Type S variant offered a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided excellent grip and balance, especially on the track. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires added noise on highways. Fuel efficiency for the Type S was moderate, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered comfortable heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for support. Rear-seat space was limited, but rear air vents and a USB port added convenience. The trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a hands-free release feature. Interior storage was practical, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, was tight inside, especially in the rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable bolsters and thigh extensions. The infotainment system's touchpad interface required adjustment, and the trunk space was limited to 382 litres. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose sound system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Blue Link services but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The interface had some usability issues, such as the absence of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing errors.

The 2022 Acura TLX offered a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were small. The head-up display was available only on the Platinum Elite trim. The ELS Studio audio system was impressive, and features like heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera were available on higher trims. AcuraWatch provided a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, but the N Line had not been independently tested.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX also featured knee airbags and a unique passenger airbag design.