2022 Honda Civic vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out distinctly among compact sedans thanks to Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. The car's striking sharp creases and dramatic angles made it quite memorable. A particularly controversial design element was the Z-shaped dent on the doors, which aimed to break conventional automotive design rules. This bold styling choice sparked varied reactions but generally contributed positively to the Elantra's unique character.

The Elantra was offered in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims. Higher trims naturally brought more appealing aesthetics, and there was a hybrid powertrain option available for the SEL and Limited trims. These variants ranged from $19,650 to $25,450 before destination charges, and only a small percentage of buyers were expected to opt for the hybrid.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-centric dashboard and center console that separated the driver and passenger areas clearly. The higher trims boasted a more upscale and tech-savvy cabin. For instance, the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims with Gray interiors exuded a Scandinavian modern feel, masking cheaper materials effectively.

Conversely, the 2022 Honda Civic, available in LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trims, adopted a more conservative design compared to its predecessor. Starting at $21,700 for the LX and topping out at $28,300 for the Touring trim, the Civic’s appearance mimicked the larger Accord sedan, resulting in a more grown-up look. Despite this maturity, the Civic’s new design was seen as possibly too subdued for fans of the older models.

The Civic’s interior favored simplicity, with fewer controls and a minimalistic layout. A metal honeycomb mesh spanned the dashboard, cleverly hiding the air vents. The materials quality saw an upgrade, especially in the Touring trim, which conveyed a more mature and sophisticated ambiance compared to previous-generation Civics.

For the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, several powertrain options were available.

Elantra SEL Driving Impressions

The Elantra SEL Premium was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Despite being noisy during hard acceleration, it provided decent performance around town and satisfactory handling, courtesy of a basic beam-axle rear suspension.

Elantra Limited Hybrid Driving Impressions

The hybrid powertrain featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor and a six-speed dry dual-clutch transmission, producing 139 horsepower. It offered instant torque and better ride handling due to its multi-link rear suspension. However, achieving the EPA-estimated fuel economy proved challenging in mountainous regions.

Elantra N Line Driving Impressions

With a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the N Line included a full sport suspension, quicker steering, and performance tires. It made for a fun drive, but fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates.

Elantra N Driving Impressions

The high-performance Elantra N featured a 276-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed wet DCT. This variant excelled in handling with its electronically controlled suspension, robust brake system, and quick steering, making it a driver's delight.

In comparison, the 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine choices.

Civic Engine Options

The Civic LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. However, its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the EX and Touring trims, generating 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, was more impressive. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Honda improved with Step Shift programming for a better driving experience.

Driving Experience

The Civic provided an engaging ride, enhanced by its improved structural rigidity, revised suspension tuning, and better steering feel. The Sport and Touring trims, which included a Sport mode, offered a delightful balance between performance and comfort. However, during spirited driving, the fuel economy fell short of EPA ratings.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact sedan. It provided height-adjustable driver seats, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and available heated front seats. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and the presence of hard plastics on the upper door panels were drawbacks.

In the rear, the Elantra boasted best-in-class legroom, although it lacked air vents and USB charging ports. The trunk space was efficient, offering 14.2 cubic feet and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

In comparison, the 2022 Honda Civic also focused on comfort. The redesigned front seats in the Touring trim offered superior support, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The low seating position could be challenging for some, but the rear seats provided ample legroom and remarkable thigh support. Similar to the Elantra, the Civic’s rear lacked climate control vents. The Civic’s trunk also impressed with 14.8 cubic feet of space, though the Touring trim’s trunk was slightly smaller at 14.4 cubic feet due to premium sound system components.

In terms of technology, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra came well-equipped. The SE, SEL, and N Line trims had traditional instrumentation with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Notably, the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen, presenting an upscale experience reminiscent of luxury brands. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was available only with the smaller screen, the car also offered premium features like a new Bose sound system and Hyundai Digital Key.

The 2022 Honda Civic included digital instrumentation as a standard, with the Touring trim upgrading to a more sophisticated 10-inch display. This display featured the innovative Vehicle Activity display, ensuring visibility of the car’s lighting status. The standard infotainment started with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Touring trim boasted a 9-inch unit with wireless connectivity options, a premium Bose 12-speaker system, and excellent voice recognition technology. However, the load time was relatively slow.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra emphasized safety with its SmartSense suite of ADAS. This suite included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Higher trims added advanced features such as cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and Highway Drive Assist, Hyundai’s Level 2 ADAS.

The 2022 Honda Civic also targeted improvements in safety with its upgraded Honda Sensing suite. This system now featured Traffic Jam Assist, enhanced forward collision warning, and more accurate lane-keeping assist due to a new wide-view front camera and additional sensors. The Civic also adopted a traditional blind-spot warning system, replacing the problematic LaneWatch system. New airbags and rear side-impact airbags further bolstered its safety credentials.