2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the eighth-generation Sonata introduced in 2020, maintained its bold and distinctive styling. Despite the aggressive designs prevalent in the sedan market, the Sonata Hybrid stood out with its unique catfish-like appearance, which was both a point of attraction and contention. The test model's matte gray paint, integrated deck-lid spoiler, and aerodynamic taillight strakes added to its striking presence. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid offered a more conventional yet refined cabin with soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips pleasant for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car image for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. While reminiscent of the Sonata, the Elantra's unique personality shone through with its "Z" shape creases on the doors. Inside, the Elantra's cabin improved significantly, offering material quality slightly above the norm for its class. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra provided a comfortable and tech-laden environment, especially in the N Line trim, which featured sporty elements like N Line sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and battery pack, delivering a combined 192 horsepower. This power was routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing drivers to switch between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between battery-only and engine modes was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The Sonata Hybrid impressed with its refined driving dynamics, light yet precise steering, and solid stopping power.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on SE, SEL, and Limited trims produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed DCT. The N Line trim, aimed at driving enthusiasts, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and larger front brake rotors enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a spirited drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, matching the conventionally-powered Sonata and surpassing the Camry Hybrid. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, requiring occupants to lower their heads when entering. Once inside, rear headroom was adequate. Front passengers enjoyed cargo pockets in the doors and a decently-sized center console, with a convenient tray for small items.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size aiding in navigating tight spaces. The interior offered excellent visibility and comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The Elantra accommodated three children comfortably on long trips, though taller adults would prefer the front seats due to limited rear headroom. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, adequate for a compact sedan, though the narrow opening posed a challenge for accessing the rear area. The Elantra's power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The intuitive touchscreen layout, crisp graphics, and traditional volume knob enhanced the user experience. The SEL and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, with the Limited also offering a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. The Limited and Hybrid Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowing Android users to unlock and start the car without a physical key. The infotainment system was easy to pair with smartphones, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top marks for its driver-assistance features and optional LED headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra also offered a robust SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating, while the Limited trim with LED headlights earned a "Good" rating.