2021 Acura TLX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan category, thanks to Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles gave it a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to help the Elantra stand out and break conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra’s styling improved with higher trim levels, and the interior, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray, offered a modern and upscale look with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura TLX was a sporty sedan with an assertive stance, highlighted by a steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, with its exploding pattern from the big Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold appearance. Inside, the TLX featured a driver-focused cockpit with authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted, and the overall interior design exuded quality and attention to detail.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It returned 35 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 31.4 mpg. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and achieved 50 mpg in combined driving, though mountainous terrain reduced this to 42.2 mpg. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivered 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering a fun driving experience with its sport suspension and performance tires. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, provided an exhilarating drive with its electronically controlled suspension and N Grin Shift mode.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The TLX’s Integrated Dynamics System allowed for distinct driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, adjusting parameters like throttle response and suspension. The TLX felt nimble and balanced, with a solid and substantial feel over various road surfaces. During testing, the TLX demonstrated eager and sprightly performance, especially in Sport mode, which minimized turbo lag and enhanced the exhaust note.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks.

The 2021 Acura TLX’s shift-by-wire transmission allowed for a reimagined center console, featuring a control panel modeled after the NSX, paddle shifters, and a mini touchpad for infotainment controls. The front seats offered 12-way power adjustability and were available with perforated Milano leather. The rear seat was comfortable for two adults, with adequate head- and legroom. The trunk provided 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, though wireless smartphone integration was lost. The Limited trim included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based vehicle access and control.

The 2021 Acura TLX was equipped with advanced performance technologies like drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and SH-AWD. 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 premium audio system. The infotainment system included navigation, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SMS Text Messaging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Advance Package added a head-up display and a G-Meter and Turbo Boost Indicator.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Highway Drive Assist, Hyundai’s Level 2 ADAS.

The 2021 Acura TLX came with the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. New safety features for 2021 included a next-generation front-passenger airbag, pedestrian sensing, and traffic jam assist. The TLX also offered rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.