2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for other Nissan models. Its distinctive styling elements, such as the “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille, were later adopted by smaller sedans like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille, resembling an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, black roof, and model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels. Inside, the dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces added a stylish and functional touch, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic transformation with its 2021 redesign. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, with its unique creases and folds forming a "Z" shape, gave the Elantra a distinct personality. Inside, the material quality and design were above average for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The Elantra offered a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a practical choice for small families.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. The CVT was responsive, and the car handled well in corners, though the steering lacked precision and feel. The Maxima's stiff suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the cabin remained quiet during highway cruising.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The N Line trim, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, produced 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offered generous front headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers experienced limited space. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a cramped feeling despite the ample front space. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed using NASA research, provided excellent support and comfort. However, the Maxima had the least cargo space in its class, with a 14.3 cubic feet trunk.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality and comfort. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the interior offered excellent visibility. The Elantra's rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, adequate for most needs, though the narrow opening could be challenging for larger items. The Elantra's interior design and storage options made it a practical choice for small families.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age. The standard 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility were basic but functional. The built-in WiFi hotspot and USB-A and USB-C ports were convenient, but the infotainment system's graphics and small icons were dated and difficult to navigate. The 11-speaker Bose audio system was available, but the overall user experience was hindered by jarring notification sounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key allowed for keyless operation via an Android smartphone. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, and the wireless Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, including an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS. The standard SmartSense suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.