2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2023 Acura TLX

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely mimicked the Honda Accord. Initially criticized for its lack of originality and quality, Hyundai gradually improved the Sonata by learning from its competitors. By the seventh generation, the Sonata had developed a distinctive look with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line provided aggressive styling cues and a more dynamic interior with dark chrome trim and red stitching.

The 2023 Acura TLX faced challenges due to the pandemic and supply chain constraints, making it a rare sight on the road. The TLX's design was based on a concept vehicle, giving it a long, low, and lean appearance with a rear-wheel-drive look. However, this dramatic styling compromised rear-seat room and cargo space. Inside, the TLX featured a layered dashboard design that emphasized width but sacrificed practicality. The Type S model, with its turbocharged V6 engine and SH-AWD, was the most expensive version, offering numerous performance enhancements. However, the control layout required drivers to relearn basic functions, causing unnecessary distraction.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the SE and SEL trims and provided adequate performance. The SEL Plus and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, with its 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered a more thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's sport suspension and tuned exhaust added to its dynamic appeal.

The 2023 Acura TLX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with the Type S adding a Sport+ mode. The SH-AWD system, available on higher trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring for improved power and control. The Type S model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, along with performance enhancements like adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and a sport automatic transmission. The Type S could accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph, though its fuel efficiency was lower at 21 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Limited trim featured Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to park itself with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2023 Acura TLX Type S featured premium Milano leather interiors with artificial suede inserts and contrast stitching. The front sport seats were 16-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. However, the rear seats were cramped, with narrow doors and limited legroom. The TLX's trunk offered 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more in line with a compact car. The flat trunk floor and enclosed hinges helped maximize the available space.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level. The base SE featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. Higher trims like the SEL Plus and Limited upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim also included features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was straightforward, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Acura TLX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a source of frustration. The 10.2-inch display was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a touchpad and buttons on the center console. The system's one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and display proved distracting. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with upgrades like wireless charging and a premium audio system available on higher trims. The TLX did not support wireless smartphone integration, and the 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view monitor. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Acura TLX featured AcuraWatch, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The TLX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. However, the front passenger's seating position received a four-star rating in a frontal-impact collision.