2021 Acura TLX vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the all-new 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The restyled exterior was complemented by an updated interior featuring silver trim on various elements, adding an upscale look. However, the presence of hard and glossy plastic reminded occupants that the Elantra was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2021 Acura TLX stood out in the crowded sporty sedan class with its assertive stance, steeply raked windshield, fastback-style roofline, and integrated tail spoiler. The front grille, featuring a pattern that seemed to explode from the central Acura logo, and the jewel eye LED headlights added to its bold appearance. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes and top-notch paint quality, along with tasteful badging and chrome hints, enhanced the premium look of the TLX.

Inside, the TLX showcased a high level of quality and attention to detail. Acura's "sport sedan cockpit" design clustered different functions together, using authentic materials like metal, leather, and wood. The 10.2-inch infotainment screen was neatly mounted at the top of the center stack, appearing to float above the dash. The overall design featured tight gaps, matching fonts, and good visual flow, creating an engaging and cohesive interior.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco model had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving.

The Elantra Sport trim featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a seven-speed DCT and an independent rear suspension. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, offered a smooth driving experience, thanks to the CVT's simulated gear shifts and chain belt design. However, real-world fuel efficiency fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg. The torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from the ride and handling, making the Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension a superior choice for driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Acura TLX featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available on all models. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for FWD models, and 21/29/24 combined for AWD.

The TLX's performance was enhanced by drive-by-wire, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering, allowing for distinct driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual). The Advance package added adaptive dampers for a customizable ride. The TLX's solid and balanced feel was attributed to 50% greater global torsional stiffness and up to 100% greater rigidity at the suspension mounts. During a test drive in Michigan, the TLX demonstrated eager and sprightly handling, with Sport mode taming turbo lag and delivering a richer exhaust note.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered comfortable accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging. Heated front seats were standard on all but the SE and SEL trims, while rear air conditioning vents were not available. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included an interior grab handle for easy closing.

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 on the steering wheel, and a mini touchpad for infotainment control. The rear seat comfortably accommodated two adults, with adequate head- and legroom, while the center position was suitable for short trips. The front sport bucket seats, available with perforated Milano leather, offered 12-way power adjustability, including four-way lumbar support and adjustable headrests. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated seats available in higher trims. The second row folded down in a 60/40 split, providing access to the 13.5 cubic feet trunk, which had a 47.6-inch-wide opening and 42.4 inches of depth.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary Blue Link Connected Car and Remote plans for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system, with the Ultimate Package increasing the touchscreen size to 8 inches and adding navigation and Blue Link Guidance service. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently.

The 2021 Acura TLX was loaded with technology, including 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, enhancing performance. The TLX also offered multiple ambient interior lighting themes and the ELS Studio 3D 17-speaker premium audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality. The infotainment system included 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 on the instrument panel.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with Hyundai Smart Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Starting with SEL trim, the Elantra included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims featured full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian detection system, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a concern about rear-door intrusion during the side-impact test.

The 2021 Acura TLX included the AcuraWatch suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a pedestrian injury mitigation design, ACE body structure, ultra-high-strength steel front door stiffener rings, airbags, adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, LATCH connectors, ABS, vehicle stability assist, auto-high beam headlights, and a multi-angle rear-view camera. New for 2021 were a next-generation front-passenger airbag, passenger knee airbag, pedestrian sensing, autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a driver attention monitor. The TLX had not yet been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received high ratings.