2021 Acura TLX vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Acura TLX was a striking, sporty sedan that stood out in a crowded class. Its assertive stance was highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, a fastback-style roofline, and an integrated tail spoiler. The front featured a bold grille pattern radiating from the central Acura logo, flanked by horizontal "jewel eye" LED headlights. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX showcased high-quality materials and a driver-focused "sport sedan cockpit." The dash was thoughtfully sectioned, with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was elegantly positioned, enhancing the premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata evolved from its earlier iterations, which closely mimicked the Honda Accord, into a model with its own distinct personality. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline. While its design was subjective, it was undeniably unique. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The N Line variant added sporty touches like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, transforming its appearance from mild to wild. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its sporty character.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a drive-by-wire throttle system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX offered an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The TLX's performance was enhanced by its Integrated Dynamics System, allowing drivers to select from Comfort, Normal, Sport, or Individual modes. The car's nimble handling and solid feel were attributed to its increased torsional stiffness and suspension rigidity.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a split personality in terms of performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivered 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, boasted a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, making it the more aggressive option. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance was further enhanced by its tuned exhaust and sport suspension. The Sonata provided a smooth ride and competent handling, with a serene cabin offering near Genesis-like quietness.

The 2021 Acura TLX's shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console design, featuring a control panel inspired by the NSX. The console housed a mini touchpad, cupholders, and a storage cubby. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with available Milano leather and heating/ventilation options.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a full set of luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to park itself with the push of a button, adding a touch of convenience and amusement.

The 2021 Acura TLX was packed with technology, including drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD systems. The 10-speed automatic transmission featured Grade Logic Control, Shift Hold Control, and Cornering G Shift Control. The TLX also offered ambient interior lighting themes and the impressive ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim. Base SE models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, adding features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, and pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, and a full complement of airbags. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, Acura aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata featured a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning. The SEL trim added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and Safe Exit Assist. The Limited trim included a blind-spot view monitor and surround-view monitor. The Sonata received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS for the 2021 model.