2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own unique flair, resulting in a distinctive design that was both bold and polarizing. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, which made it stand out in the midsize sedan segment. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average. The N Line variant added sporty touches, such as dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its personality and appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its exterior design was characterized by thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial presence. The TLX Type S added exclusive features like gold paint, 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, and a rear diffuser, further enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the TLX was snug, with impressive detailing and a Scandinavian-inspired vibe in upper trims. However, the infotainment system's touchpad interface required acclimation, and trunk space was limited compared to its exterior size.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth and competent ride, suitable for everyday driving. The Sonata N Line, however, transformed the car into a more spirited performer with a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, sport suspension, and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. While all Sonatas were front-wheel drive, the N Line's performance enhancements made it a thrilling option for those seeking excitement.

The 2022 Acura TLX, on the other hand, boasted a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 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 provided exceptional stability and handling precision, especially in the Type S variant, which featured a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine producing 355 horsepower. The TLX excelled on the track, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers, offering a balanced and predictable driving experience. However, the Type S's exhaust note was subdued, and its summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, added convenience by allowing the car to park itself in tight spots.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX's interior was snug, with limited rear legroom despite decent headroom. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters in the Type S. The TLX's trunk space was modest at 382 litres, and the infotainment system's touchpad interface required acclimation. However, the TLX's climate control system linked to navigation and the inclusion of premium features like the ELS Studio audio system added to its appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Bose system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Acura TLX's infotainment interface was simple and quick, but some typefaces were too small to read. The TLX offered a head-up display on the Platinum Elite trim, while features like heated rear seats and a 360-degree camera were available on higher trims. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included on the A-Spec, Platinum Elite, and Type S trims, delivering impressive sound quality. AcuraWatch, a suite of driver assistance features, came standard.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive package of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, its LED reflector headlights received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top "Good" ratings in all crash tests and a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.