2022 Acura TLX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles created a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to give the Elantra a unique character, breaking conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trims, ranging from SE to Limited, with prices between $19,650 and $25,450. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early the following year, was expected to cost less than $34,000.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale and high-tech cabin. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray was particularly favored for its modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and trim contrasting against the black cabin. The Elantra SEL with the Premium Package, however, had a drab black interior with glossy black plastic that was less appealing.

The 2022 Acura TLX, with its wide and long stance, resembled a luxury sedan of a larger size class. It was more than three inches wider than the BMW 3 Series, with a nearly three-inch wider track at the rear and almost two inches at the front. The TLX's design included thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, giving it a substantial yet fuss-free appearance. The Type S variant added exclusive features like Tiger Eye Pearl paint, Performance Red Pearl, and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels inspired by the Acura NSX.

Inside, the TLX was snug despite its large exterior. The detailing was impressive, with a narrow center console, angled air vents, and inward curves on the aluminum trim. Upper trims with the Advance package featured thin LED strips against light matte wood, creating a Scandinavian airport lounge vibe. The Type S models had faux-suede inserts, red stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with real metal shift paddles. The TLX's interior was well-crafted, but the touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered various powertrain combinations, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, provided fine power around town but felt gutless on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and achieved 42.2 mpg in real-world driving. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 horsepower, offered a fun driving experience with its sport suspension and performance tires. The Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 276 horsepower, delivered a thrilling driving experience with its electronically controlled suspension and N performance configuration.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SH-AWD system, available for an extra $2000, improved stability and handling precision by varying torque at the rear wheels. The Type S variant, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, excelled on the track with its double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo front brakes. The TLX's engine had broad torque and minimal turbo lag, but the exhaust note was subdued. The regular TLX was more softly sprung, while the Type S offered a balanced and predictable driving experience.

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. Storage space was useful, with a 14.2 cubic feet trunk and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, the Elantra lacked air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat had decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with the Type S offering a thigh extension and adjustable side bolsters. The driving position was low, and controls were well-marked. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, along with a 64-color ambient cabin lighting system. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Bose premium sound system impressed with its audio quality. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for remote access and control of the vehicle.

The 2022 Acura TLX had a simple and quick infotainment interface, but the typefaces were small and hard to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions from the steering wheel. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation and included "Jewel Eye" LED headlights and a full suite of driver assistance features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. It came with SmartSense, Hyundai’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. It featured knee airbags, a unique passenger airbag, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors were included on higher trims.