2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Acura TLX

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the bold design introduced in the 2020 model year, stood out in the sedan market with its aggressive styling. Despite some comparisons to the more upscale Honda Accord Hybrid and the similarly performing Camry Hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid's unique catfish-like appearance and matte gray paint scheme made it a distinctive choice. The exterior's attention to detail, such as the integrated deck-lid spoiler and aerodynamic strakes, was complemented by a refined cabin featuring soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system. The Sonata Hybrid offered a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers, with trims ranging from the basic Blue to the feature-rich Limited, which included a solar panel roof and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura TLX presented a substantial and wide stance, reminiscent of a larger luxury sedan. Its design, characterized by thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, gave it a commanding presence. The Type S variant added exclusive features like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was snug but offered impressive detailing, especially in the upper trims with the Advance package. The interior featured a narrow center console, angled air vents, and a unique touchpad interface for the infotainment system. Despite its compact interior, the TLX provided a comfortable driving experience with well-marked controls and a low driving position.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim's solar panel roof added about two miles per day to its driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration and a smooth transition between battery and engine power. Its driving dynamics were refined, with light yet precise steering and minimal body roll. The brakes provided solid stopping power with a soft pedal feel, and the Drive Mode toggle allowed for customization between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes.

The 2022 Acura TLX, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced stability and handling precision, especially in tight corners. The Type S variant, with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine, delivered 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, showcasing its track-developed capabilities. The TLX's double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers provided consistent grip and balanced handling. The Type S's Brembo brakes offered strong performance, though the exhaust note was subdued. Fuel economy for the Type S was moderate, with the regular TLX offering slightly better efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to its conventionally-powered counterpart and larger than the Camry Hybrid. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, though the sloping roofline affected rear door access. Front passengers benefited from cargo pockets and a center console, while the wireless charging pad added convenience.

The 2022 Acura TLX, despite its large exterior, had a tight interior for four passengers. The back seat offered decent headroom but limited legroom. The front seats, especially in the Type S, were comfortable with adjustable features. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was limited to 13.5 cubic feet. The TLX's design prioritized the double-wishbone suspension, which impacted interior space.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, with the Limited trim offering a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied part of the screen. The intuitive layout and crisp graphics enhanced the user experience, and the Limited trim included a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though the small typefaces were challenging to read. The head-up display, available only with the Advance Package, allowed interaction with various functions. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was included, along with standard voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation, and the TLX came with standard driver assistance features.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display and 360-degree parking monitor. The Sonata Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura TLX was rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included knee airbags, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors.