2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a daring and distinctive design, a noticeable departure from its predecessors. Revised for the 2020 model year, it boasted a broad grille and a tapered tail, making it impossible to mistake it for anything but a Sonata. Hyundai's N Line treatment accentuated this uniqueness, adding larger air intakes to the front fascia for better engine cooling and drawing focus away from its unconventional daytime running light signature that extended into the hood. Gloss black side mirrors, window surrounds, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels set it apart further, complemented by a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked rear bumper with a lower diffuser panel flanked by a quartet of exhaust outlets.

Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents. A panoramic sunroof was standard, giving the vehicle a two-tone exterior and a roomier feel inside.

On the other hand, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra shed its rental-car looks of the past. Its seventh-generation design from 2021 introduced a longer wheelbase, a wider stance, and a lower roofline, transforming its appearance into a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Though reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, the Elantra's design had unique elements, like the "Z" shape formed by the various creases and folds on the doors.

The Elantra’s interior received a substantial upgrade over previous generations, offering materials that were a notch above average for its class, despite some criticism regarding hard plastics. For the 2022 model year, the Elantra came in several trims, featuring a sportier N Line version with elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Though the interior was slightly harder to access due to its low seating position, it offered excellent visibility and a comfortable ride.

Equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line delivered 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was transmitted to the front wheels through an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The driving experience was further enhanced with Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, an Active Sound Design (ASD) engine note enhancement system, larger brakes, a sport-tuned exhaust, and performance tires.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. Standard across SE, SEL, and Limited trims was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For better fuel economy, the Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, totaling 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed DCT.

The Elantra N Line, intended for driving enthusiasts, came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine offering 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Customers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT. Our test car had the latter, providing crisp shifts and three drive modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart. The N Line also featured a sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link rear suspension, improving handling dynamics substantially.

The Sonata N Line proved excellent for spirited drives, with firm underpinnings and responsive steering, while maintaining a comfortable ride for daily commutes. Meanwhile, the Elantra N Line’s sportier suspension and powertrain delivered an engaging driving experience, albeit with a few compromises in long-distance comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats that balanced comfort and support, with Dinamica suede inserts adding to the grip during spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers were somewhat less accommodated compared to the Elantra, though the Sonata did provide them with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata’s trunk offered a spacious 16 cubic feet, further expanded with a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and the Smart Trunk hands-free feature added convenience despite the lack of an interior lid handle.

For the 2022 Elantra, its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, with accessible and clearly marked controls. Despite its low seating position making entry and exit a bit challenging, the Elantra provided excellent visibility and sufficient comfort. The back seat comfortably accommodated children over long trips, though taller adults might find the headroom limited due to the sloping roof. Cargo space in the Elantra was 14.2 cubic feet, slightly less than the Sonata’s but still ample for most needs, although the narrow trunk opening could present a challenge for larger items.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came well equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. Some frustrations arose from the layout and sensitivity of the infotainment controls, but features like the Sounds of Nature function and Hyundai Digital Key provided added value.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered an impressive array of technology for its price point. Base SE models included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth with voice recognition. Higher trims added more speakers, satellite radio, Blue Link services, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose audio system and a fully digital instrument cluster. However, the 10.25-inch screen only supported wired versions of CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Digital Key was standard on higher trims of the Elantra but only worked with Android devices. Pairing an iPhone with the Elantra’s infotainment system was straightforward, and Apple CarPlay integration was seamless. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, although not exceptional compared to the Bose systems in other Hyundai models.

Every 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s comprehensive SmartSense suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high beams. Additionally, it offered rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, and Highway Drive Assist. Though official crash test ratings for the N Line weren't available, the standard Sonata scored high in occupant protection.

Similarly, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra’s SmartSense suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping, lane-centering assistance, driver-attention warning, and rear-seat reminder systems. Higher trims added advanced features like intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, solidifying its position as a safe choice for buyers.