2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring Parametric surfacing that created sharp creases and dramatic angles. This distinctive styling was further accentuated by a Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial yet unique design element aimed at breaking conventional automotive design rules. Available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, the Elantra offered a range of options, including a hybrid powertrain for the SEL and Limited trims. The interior boasted a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering more luxurious materials and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra continued the bold design introduced in 2021, with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, had its own unique personality, with a Z-shaped crease on the doors adding extra character. Inside, the Elantra's material quality and design were slightly above the norm for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The 2022 model was available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with the Elantra Hybrid offered in Blue and Limited trims. The N Line trim added sporty styling elements and interior features, enhancing the car's overall appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a variety of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination provided adequate power for city driving but felt underpowered on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel economy, though it fell short of EPA estimates in mountainous driving. The N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower, offering a more engaging driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower, provided exhilarating performance and advanced driving dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra also offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, was adequate for most buyers but lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed DCT for a more engaging driving experience. The N Line trim, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a sportier drive with its multi-link rear suspension and larger front brake rotors. The N Line's DCT provided crisp shifts, though it was clunky at low RPMs. Overall, the N Line delivered a compelling package for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offering a spacious 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 offered 14.2 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were notable drawbacks. Additionally, the Elantra did not offer air conditioning vents or USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra continued to offer a spacious and comfortable interior, with excellent outward visibility and plenty of storage options. The rear seat provided adequate legroom, though taller adults might find the sloped roofline pinched headroom. The trunk, with 14.2 cubic feet of space, accommodated a weekend's worth of luggage, though the narrow trunk opening made it challenging to reach the area closest to the seatbacks. The lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear were sources of irritation for back-seat passengers. Additionally, the power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in SE, SEL, and N Line trims, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen. This upgrade included dynamic voice recognition and a Sounds of Nature function. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but an active Blue Link subscription improved results. A new Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key were also available, enhancing the car's technology offerings.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra continued to impress with its technology features. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trim featured an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless entry and start via an Android-compatible smartphone. The infotainment system was easy to pair with smartphones, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was merely adequate.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. These features performed well, providing a high level of safety for the compact car segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra continued to offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard SmartSense driver-assist tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Additional safety features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The 2022 Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.