2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan segment, thanks to its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles gave it a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to help the Elantra stand out and break conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra came in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $19,650 to $25,450. A high-performance Elantra N was set to debut early in 2021, 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 Audi A4, available in sedan, Allroad, and S4 performance-tuned models, was evaluated in its Prestige 45 TFSI specification. Priced at $55,890, the test car featured Tango Red paint, the Black Optic Plus package, 19-inch wheels, and ventilated front seats. The A4's simple, clean, and conservative appearance was enhanced by the Tango Red paint and Black Optic package detailing. Inside, the A4's black interior was complemented by aluminum trim, gloss black décor, and metallic accents, avoiding a cave-like feel. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and ambient interior lighting added to the premium feel, though the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed out of place.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It returned 31.4 mpg in combined driving, though it felt gutless during highway merging or passing. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and returned 42.2 mpg. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 horsepower, was fun to drive but averaged only 23.1 mpg. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 276 horsepower, was a driving enthusiast’s dream, averaging 19.4 mpg.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic DCT and Quattro Ultra AWD. It returned 29 mpg in combined driving and accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI, with 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, accelerated to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and returned 27 mpg. The A4's Quattro Ultra AWD system provided a solid punch of torque and outstanding tire grip, making it a joy to drive. The brakes performed flawlessly, and the car remained remarkably quiet at all times.

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. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, and some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks.

The 2022 Audi A4, with its low seating position, was harder to enter and exit. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power adjustment, thigh-support cushion, and a sliding center armrest. The three-zone automatic climate control system was easy to use. The rear seat, though supportive and heated, was snug and best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage space was limited, with the center console bin housing the wireless charging pad and Audi Phone Box signal booster. The 13 cubic-foot trunk was nicely finished, with storage nets and grab handles for easy closure.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, dynamic natural voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for remote access and use of the vehicle.

The 2022 Audi A4's MMI system, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, supported smartphone functions like swipe, scroll, pinch, and spread. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Audi Connect services, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. The voice recognition technology was accurate but slow, and the climate controls were separate from the touchscreen.

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

The 2022 Audi A4 Prestige included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, and Park Assist. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.