2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with 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 a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. Prices ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early the following year, was 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 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, it was a thrilling yet docile ride, offering both emotional excitement and daily driving comfort. The IS 500 commanded a $13,450 premium over the IS 350 F Sport and was $17,875 more expensive than the IS 300. The test car, with Premium trim and Iridium paint, cost $62,575.

The IS 500 F Sport Performance featured minor trim modifications, exclusive 19-inch wheels, and a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine. Inside, it was identical to the IS 350 F Sport, with a comfortable interior for four people and a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system. The car's subtle styling tweaks and distinctive V8 tenor made it a standout, though it was not for those seeking attention-grabbing looks.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered various powertrain combinations, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, provided fine power around town but felt gutless on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter engine and electric motor producing 139 hp, offered instant torque and a six-speed DCT, achieving 42.2 mpg in real-world driving. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, was fun to drive with its sport suspension and performance tires. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, offered a thrilling driving experience with its electronically controlled suspension and N performance configuration.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and limited-slip differential provided smooth and responsive driving. The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and featured adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper for a comfortable and stable ride. The car averaged 17.7 mpg during evaluation, falling short of the EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. Storage space was useful, with a 14.2-cubic-foot trunk and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. However, the Elantra lacked air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers, and the trunk lid required manual closing.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 provided excellent comfort with ice-cold air conditioning and effective seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with good thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were accommodating for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging ports. Storage was adequate, though the center console touchpad controller took up space, and the trunk measured just 10.8 cubic feet. The IS had an excellent control layout with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured traditional instrumentation with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, providing a high-tech and visually impressive setup. The Limited Hybrid included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based access and control of the car.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 switched to a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The 8-inch touchscreen included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling voice queries and commands accurately and efficiently.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. It came equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, providing smooth and accurate assistance.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, some safety features, such as the low-speed automatic braking, could be aggravating in heavy city traffic.