2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Nissan Sentra
Overview | |
MSRP$19,510 | MSRP$20,200 |
Average price$16,744 | Average price$18,404 |
Listings2479 | Listings1121 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Nissan Sentra Reviews SummaryFollowing a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice. | |
2022 Hyundai Elantra Reviews SummaryFresh off a transcendent 2021 redesign, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra continues to offer stylish exterior design, a roomy cabin, excellent fuel economy, impressive standard safety features and driver-assistance tech, top-notch product quality, and an industry-leading warranty—all at a bargain price. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 149 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower149 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City31 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway41 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 149 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower149 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City31 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway41 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.3 cu ft | Cargo Space14.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight3036 lbs | Curb Weight2725 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height55.7 in |
Length182.7 in | Length184.1 in |
Width71.5 in | Width71.9 in |
Wheelbase106.6 in | Wheelbase107.1 in |
Maximum Payload921 lbs | Maximum Payload1133 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $19,510 | $20,200 |
Average price | $16,744 | $18,404 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice. | Fresh off a transcendent 2021 redesign, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra continues to offer stylish exterior design, a roomy cabin, excellent fuel economy, impressive standard safety features and driver-assistance tech, top-notch product quality, and an industry-leading warranty—all at a bargain price. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 149 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 29 | 31 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 41 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 149 hp I4 | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 31 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 41 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.3 cu ft | 14.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3036 lbs | 2725 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 55.7 in |
Length | 182.7 in | 184.1 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 71.9 in |
Wheelbase | 106.6 in | 107.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 921 lbs | 1133 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2021 Nissan Sentra entered its eighth generation with a bold new look. It featured an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a V-Motion grille, giving it a serious, squinty appearance thanks to its horizontally arrayed headlights. The Sentra offered eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic. The SR trim levels could sport two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its design. Inside, the Sentra's layered dash and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen provided a spacious feel. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel added a sporty touch, while the second row offered ample room for two passengers. The trunk could hold up to 14.3 cubic feet of cargo, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for larger items.
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic redesign, transforming it into a striking four-door coupe. With a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, the Elantra's exterior styling was unique and eye-catching. The "Z" shape created by the creases and folds on the doors added character. Inside, the Elantra's material quality was above average for its class, despite some hard plastics. The N Line trim featured sporty elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, creating a sporty look and feel.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for commuting and city driving. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models. The suspension setup and dual-pinion electric steering offered tidy road manners and almost fun cornering. The Sentra's 149 hp struck a balance between fuel economy and performance.
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 front-wheel drive. 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 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension provided confident handling. The DCT offered crisp shifts, and the drive modes enhanced the driving experience.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, traditional gear selector lever, and roomy covered storage. It had two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port, along with big door pockets for water bottles. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, and the Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a power-sliding glass moonroof.
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was easy to live with, thanks to its compact size and clear instrumentation. The N Line's low seating position made entry and exit a bit challenging, but the car offered excellent visibility. The rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, though taller adults would prefer the front seats due to limited headroom. The Elantra's trunk had 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, though the narrow trunk opening made access a bit tricky. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof had a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and air vents in the rear was a minor inconvenience.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a standard AM/FM/USB audio system with four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in SV and SR trims. The SR trim offered an optional Bose system with eight speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth audio, and hands-free text-messaging assistant were standard. The SV and SR trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the S trim had a 7-inch screen. NissanConnect services, available on SR models, included a WiFi hotspot, remote access, and voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four speakers in the base SE trim. The SEL, Hybrid Blue, and N Line trims added two speakers, 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, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless access via an Android smartphone.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, knee airbags, curtain airbags, and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions. It also had a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent driver alertness. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra's 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. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, rear-seat reminder, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Sentra is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Hyundai Elantra scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner, offering more advanced technology, better performance options, and a higher overall rating. If you're in the market for a compact sedan, the Elantra is the better choice.
Choose the 2022 Hyundai Elantra if:
- You want a car with multiple powertrain options, including a hybrid.
- You appreciate advanced technology and infotainment features.
- You seek a stylish design with sporty elements and confident handling.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Sentra if:
- You prioritize a comfortable and spacious interior with well-placed features.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You prefer a car with a good balance of fuel economy and performance.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Sentra is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Hyundai Elantra scores 8.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner, offering more advanced technology, better performance options, and a higher overall rating. If you're in the market for a compact sedan, the Elantra is the better choice.
Choose the 2022 Hyundai Elantra if:
Shop Now- You want a car with multiple powertrain options, including a hybrid.
- You appreciate advanced technology and infotainment features.
- You seek a stylish design with sporty elements and confident handling.
Choose the 2021 Nissan Sentra if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a comfortable and spacious interior with well-placed features.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- You prefer a car with a good balance of fuel economy and performance.

By: CarGurus + AI
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