2022 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra showcased a design language that was anything but ordinary. Under the influence of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness philosophy and the incorporation of Parametric surfacing, it featured sharp creases and dramatic angles, resulting in a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent on the doors, a controversial yet unique element, was aimed at breaking conventional automotive design rules to help the Elantra stand out. Davis Lee, a senior designer at Hyundai, affirmed that this design cue added remarkable character to the car.

As with many vehicles, the Elantra's aesthetic appeal increased with higher trims. The Elantra came in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option available for the SEL and Limited trims. Pricing ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges, with Hyundai anticipating that only 10% of buyers would opt for the hybrid version. Early 2021 saw the debut of the high-performance Elantra N, equipped with serious power and Nurburgring-tuned handling, and priced under $34,000.

Inside, the Elantra adopted a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with a clear delineation between driver and passenger spaces. The interior quality and technology improved with higher trims. Among the most praised interiors was that of the Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray, which used light gray seats, dashboard, and door panel trim, providing stark contrast against the otherwise black cabin. This design camouflaged cheaper plastic panels and added a modern, upscale feel. Conversely, the black interior of the Elantra SEL with the Premium Package was considered less appealing, primarily due to glossy black plastic surfaces.

Similarly, the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD aimed to break away from its traditionally conservative style. With its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint exclusive to the performance-tuned TRD model, the Camry attracted attention, a noteworthy departure from its usual low-profile. For 2022, updates included standard heated side mirrors, standard dual-zone automatic climate control, and a new Ice Edge paint color. The SE Hybrid trim was also available with a new Nightshade Edition package, which blacked out exterior trim and wheels.

The Camry TRD was distinctive with its aerodynamic body kit, including a front splitter, side skirts, a pedestal-style rear spoiler, and aggressive rear diffuser panel, coupled with matte-black 19-inch wheels and red accents. The TRD model, priced from $26,000 to $37,000 depending on the version, offered a choice among a four-cylinder engine, a V6 engine, or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. However, the Camry's underlying design, dating back to 2018, was less polarizing but retained some unusual design elements, such as red gauge illumination and other red accents, that did not always harmonize with the overall cabin theme.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered varied performance across its different models. The Elantra SEL with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It delivered adequate power for urban settings but lacked punch for highway merging or passing, with the CVT providing one of the better experiences in its segment. Fuel economy was respectable, with an EPA rating of 35 mpg in combined driving, although real-world tests returned 31.4 mpg.

The Elantra Limited Hybrid used a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor and a 1.32-kWh battery, resulting in 139 horsepower. It featured a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an EV mode for low-speed electric-only driving. Although the Hybrid was rated for 50 mpg combined, actual performance averaged 42.2 mpg due to demanding driving conditions. The Hybrid was praised for its immediate torque, satisfying driving characteristics, and advanced suspension.

The Elantra N Line, replacing the Elantra Sport, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with sporty suspension tuning and larger brakes. In the Elantra N, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produced 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The high-performance Elantra N was particularly impressive, providing thrilling acceleration, responsive handling, and a robust exhaust note.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It included a Sport driving mode and paddle shifters, enhancing throttle response and steering effort. Despite EPA ratings of 25 mpg combined, real-world tests achieved 24.8 mpg. The TRD modifications included structural bracing, TRD-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and performance tires, resulting in a planted, secure feel and responsive handling in various driving conditions. However, its front-wheel-drive layout occasionally led to wheel spin and tire squeal during aggressive acceleration.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior with good legroom. Both the driver and passenger enjoyed height-adjustable seats, although the front passenger's adjustable seat was inexplicably removed for 2021. Rear passengers benefited from best-in-class legroom, although the backrest angle and shape were less supportive. The Elantra's trunk capacity was 14.2 cubic feet, supplemented by a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD provided a sporty driving position with supportive front seats, although they lacked additional bolstering unique to the TRD model. Rear seat space accommodated two adults comfortably, but the absence of rear-seat air vents and a 60/40-split folding back seat due to structural bracing were disadvantages. The Camry TRD's trunk capacity, at 15.1 cubic feet, was adequate but limited compared to rivals like the Honda Civic sedan, which offered 14.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of technology features across its trims. Entry-level models included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen paired with a similar-sized digital instrumentation screen, offering dynamic navigation and a range of luxury touches, such as a 64-color ambient lighting system. Hyundai Digital Key enabled smartphone-based vehicle access and operation, while a Bose premium sound system, available on higher trims, provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional upgrades included a 9-inch touchscreen display with Remote Connect and Service Connect subscriptions, and a 9-speaker JBL audio system offering decent sound quality. The TRD model did not offer Toyota’s dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology, requiring reliance on third-party smartphone connections for advanced navigation and voice control functionalities.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform designed to dissipate collision energy and protect occupants. Standard safety features, collectively known as SmartSense, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention warning system. Higher trims added cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist, a level 2 ADAS providing smooth and accurate driving assistance.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which incorporated essential driver assist and collision avoidance features. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance offered semi-autonomous highway driving, although certain functions could be overly insistent or produce false warnings. The Camry TRD also benefited from a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect, standard across all 2022 Camrys, provided automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Camry earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings across the board from the NHTSA.