2022 Acura TLX vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Acura TLX presented itself as a luxury sedan with a wide and long stance, reminiscent of a larger class vehicle. Its design was bold, with a width surpassing the BMW 3 Series by over three inches, and a length extending nine inches longer. The TLX featured thin headlights, a five-sided grille, and large tailpipes, creating a substantial yet understated appearance. The Type S variant added unique elements like the Tiger Eye Pearl paint and 20-inch Y-spoke gray wheels, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the TLX was compact, with impressive detailing and a snug fit. The interior boasted a Scandinavian vibe with LED strips and soft surfaces, offering a sense of well-spent money.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a design that was both stylish and practical. The exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but the interior was well-received, featuring a Melange with Gray theme that contrasted sharply with the black cabin. The Elantra Limited model provided a comfortable and upscale feel, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Elantra's cabin was far from entry-level, offering a classy ambiance with high-tech displays and ambient lighting. The trunk space was generous, allowing for creative packing, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Acura TLX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TLX offered a front-wheel-drive setup, with an optional Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for enhanced stability and handling. The Type S variant featured a 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, showcasing its track-developed capabilities. The TLX excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and adaptive dampers, providing a balanced and predictable driving experience. However, the exhaust note was subdued, and the summer tires emitted extra noise on the highway.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not fast, the Elantra offered peppy performance and impressive fuel economy, averaging 33 mpg during testing. The Elantra Limited's driving dynamics were composed, with a communicative ride and suitable steering effort levels. The suspension provided a flat cornering attitude, and the car remained stable over rough roads. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some shuddering under heavy use.

Inside the 2022 Acura TLX, space was tight for four passengers, with limited legroom in the back seat. The front seats were comfortable, with adjustable side bolsters and a low driving position. The touchpad interface for the infotainment system required acclimation, and the trunk space was mediocre at 13.5 cubic feet. Despite its large exterior, the TLX could have offered more interior space.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, however, provided a roomy interior for a compact car, with proximity-sensing keyless entry and a comfortable six-way power driver's seat. The Elantra Limited featured dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear-seat occupants might find the seating position too reclined. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature available on some models.

The 2022 Acura TLX featured a simple and quick infotainment interface, though some typefaces were too small to read. The head-up display was available only with the Advance Package, which also included 360-degree cameras and heated rear seats. The ELS Studio audio system with 17 speakers was a highlight, along with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Technology Package linked climate control to navigation for automatic adjustments.

In the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays were available in the SEL Convenience package and standard on the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection. The voice recognition feature was mostly successful, though it struggled with some commands. The Elantra Limited came with a Bose premium audio system, though it didn't match the sound quality of rivals.

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 standard knee airbags, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were included on higher trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.