2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, showcased a design evolution that embraced the "sensual purity" theme, moving away from the sharper lines of its predecessor. This model featured a more fluid and curvier form, reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models from earlier years. The E-Class had a slightly edgier front with squinted headlights and an inverted trapezoid grille, while the rear design echoed the W212 with horizontal taillights. Despite the absence of the classic standing hood ornament, the E-Class maintained its elegant and reserved appearance, with AMG models adding a touch of sportiness. Inside, the E-Class was a luxurious haven, boasting rich materials like polished woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The cabin was adorned with intricate details, including metal speaker grilles, elaborate stitching, and ambient lighting, creating an inviting and opulent atmosphere. The digital instrument panel and new steering wheel designs added a modern touch, making the E-Class interior unmatched in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unassuming appearance. The new Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior design was distinct, with unique creases and folds creating a "Z" shape on the doors, setting it apart from competitors. Inside, the Elantra's cabin was a significant improvement, offering materials slightly above the norm for its class. While some hard plastics were present, the overall quality was commendable, especially considering its starting price. The Elantra was available in various trims, including the sporty N Line, which added performance-oriented styling elements. The interior of the N Line featured sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, enhancing its sporty appeal. Despite its compact size, the Elantra provided a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers, making it a practical choice for small families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes to its powertrain lineup, with the E450 model transitioning to an electrified inline-six engine. This hybrid system, featuring a 48-volt electrical system, provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The E450's 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a quiet and refined driving experience. The AMG E53 model added a second turbocharger, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with brisk acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. The AMG E63 S, with its hand-built 4.0-liter V8 engine, produced a staggering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, making it a high-performance variant. Despite its power, the E-Class maintained a comfortable ride, thanks to its variable-rate air suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive. However, fuel economy on the AMG models was less impressive, with the E53 sedan achieving 25 mpg combined and the E63 sedan 18 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While adequate for most buyers, this powertrain lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. It used a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The N Line variant, aimed at driving enthusiasts, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, while larger front brake rotors improved stopping power. Despite its sporty nature, the N Line offered excellent fuel economy, especially in Smart mode, which adapted to driving conditions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, simplifying everyday tasks. The cabin was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom. The E-Class offered various body styles, including sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon, each with its own unique features. The sedan provided 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon offered up to 64 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe and convertible had less rear seat space, with the convertible's folding soft top impacting usability. The E-Class All-Terrain wagon added ground clearance and plastic body cladding for a more rugged appearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior was well-designed, with clear instrumentation and controls. Despite its compact dimensions, the Elantra offered a comfortable cabin with excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for a weekend's worth of luggage. However, the trunk's narrow opening and support arms could pose challenges when loading larger items. The Elantra's moonroof, when fully open, produced a noticeable droning noise, which could be mitigated by partially closing it. The lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a minor inconvenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with improved organization and functionality. Gesture controls and natural voice processing enhanced user interaction, while features like live camera feeds and augmented reality navigation added convenience. The system included massaging seats, seat kinetics, and various customization options for the instrument cluster. However, it lacked over-the-air updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous capabilities, though drivers were advised to remain in control.

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 offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Bose premium audio system. The Elantra's infotainment system was easy to use, with seamless smartphone integration. Hyundai Digital Key allowed keyless entry and start via an Android-compatible smartphone. While the six-speaker audio system was adequate, the Bose system in higher trims provided a more immersive experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS. It included innovative features like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during collisions. Standard safety equipment included forward automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered an impressive array of standard safety features through its SmartSense suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with the Limited trim's LED headlights earning a "Good" rating.