2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its seventh generation, showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its earlier iterations, which closely resembled the Honda Accord. With a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, the Sonata's exterior was unique, though opinions on its aesthetics varied. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, featuring clearly marked gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim boasted comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery colour was not universally appealing. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line provided aggressive styling with features like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets, along with a cabin enhanced by dark chrome trim and red stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX, particularly the Type S model, was a rarity on the road due to supply chain constraints and a shift in consumer preference towards SUVs. The TLX's design, based on a concept vehicle, featured a long, low, and lean profile with a rear-wheel-drive look, though this impacted rear-seat headroom and cargo space. Inside, the TLX's layered dashboard emphasized width, but the control layout required a learning curve. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, was the most expensive version, offering a sporty driving experience. However, the TLX's brakes, based on a brake-by-wire system, were less satisfying in dynamic driving situations, though the car remained a delight to drive overall.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This base engine provided a smooth and quiet ride, suitable for everyday driving. The Sonata N Line, however, transformed the car into a performance-oriented vehicle with a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, sport suspension, and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite its front-wheel-drive configuration, the Sonata delivered competent handling and noise abatement, offering a serene cabin experience.

The 2023 Acura TLX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard Super Handling All-Wheel Drive in Canada. The TLX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose from multiple driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. The Type S model, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, offered a thrilling ride with performance enhancements like adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes. However, the brake-by-wire system occasionally caused a disconnect between driver inputs and braking response, impacting the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, 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, allowed the Sonata to park itself, impressing onlookers.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura TLX's interior, particularly in the Type S model, featured premium Milano leather with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The front sport seats offered excellent comfort with 16-way power adjustments, but the rear seat was cramped, lacking legroom. The TLX's trunk, at 382 litres, was more in line with a compact car, though it featured a flat floor and enclosed hinges for better usability.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level, with base models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims offering a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration and impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Acura TLX, however, faced criticism for its True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which proved distracting and less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The 10.2-inch display required the use of a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition, which some found cumbersome. Despite this, the TLX offered a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system and standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless connectivity was not supported.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding it a "Good" rating in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Acura TLX also offered a robust set of driver aids, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It featured an Advanced Engineering Compatibility body structure and eight airbags for enhanced safety. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though the front passenger's seating position received a four-star rating in frontal-impact tests.