2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its dimensions exceeded those of the BMW 3 Series, with a width advantage of over 7.5 centimetres, and a track width that was nearly 7.5 centimetres wider at the rear and almost 5 centimetres at the front. The TLX's design featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and a V-shaped front bumper, contributing to its substantial appearance. Despite its size, the interior was compact, offering snug seating with impressive detailing, especially in the upper trims. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a more diverse range of options, catering to various preferences and budgets. The base model was affordable, while the Luxury trim provided an upscale feel. The Elantra Hybrid offered impressive fuel efficiency, and the sporty Elantra N Line Ultimate and performance-tuned Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts. The exterior design was somewhat polarizing, but the interior impressed with its light grey leather seats and high-tech displays. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Elantra's cabin was stylish and well-equipped, making it a strong contender in the compact car segment.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX's Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, especially in tight corners. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers contributed to its balanced and predictable handling, although the exhaust note was considered subdued.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not particularly fast, the Elantra offered a peppy driving experience with impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 7.1 L/100 km during testing. The Elantra's handling was composed and predictable, with a compliant ride and suitable steering effort levels. The N Line Ultimate and Elantra N variants offered more performance-oriented features, including a dual-clutch transmission and independent multi-link rear suspension.

Inside, the 2022 Acura TLX felt tight despite its large exterior dimensions. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom, while the front seats were comfortable with adjustable side bolsters. The TLX's infotainment system featured a unique touchpad interface, which required some acclimation. Trunk space was limited at 382 litres, and the overall interior space could have been better utilized.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, however, excelled in practicality and utility. It offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for four, although rear-seat occupants might find the backrest too reclined. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature available on some models. The interior was well-equipped, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, although some typefaces were too small to read easily. The TLX offered a head-up display, heated rear seats, and a premium audio system with 17 speakers. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features called AcuraWatch.

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays in higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. While the voice recognition feature had some limitations, the Elantra's technology package was impressive for a compact car. The Bose premium audio system, however, did not meet expectations compared to rivals.

The 2022 Acura TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured standard safety equipment, including lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The TLX also included unique airbags designed to reduce head injuries.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.