2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a bold contender in a market where hatchbacks were losing ground to small crossover SUVs. Despite the trend, Honda saw potential in the hatchback segment and introduced a redesigned Civic Hatchback, aiming to capture a significant share of the remaining market. Manufactured in Indiana, it was one of the few compact cars still produced in the U.S. The Civic Hatchback shared its front design with the Civic sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors to the rear, giving it a distinct appearance. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered a modern look with digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, although the CVT shifter operation slightly detracted from its sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a stylish yet practical option for compact car buyers. The Elantra Limited model, in particular, offered a comfortable and upscale interior with features like a leather-wrapped, six-way power driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. While the exterior design was somewhat polarizing, the interior was well-received, with a mix of light gray leather and upscale fabric. The Elantra's cabin was equipped with high-tech displays and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. However, the hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor drawback in an otherwise impressive interior.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque in the LX and Sport trims. For those seeking more power, the EX-L and Sport Touring trims featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a choice of CVT or a six-speed manual transmission in certain trims. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, providing a smooth driving experience, while the manual transmission offered a more engaging drive. The Civic Hatchback excelled in fuel economy, with real-world testing nearly matching EPA estimates.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, while not particularly powerful with its 2.0-liter engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, surprised with its driving dynamics. The CVT, or Intelligent Variable Transmission, was one of the best in its class, contributing to a peppy driving experience. The Elantra Limited achieved an impressive 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating. The car's ride and handling were commendable, with a compliant suspension and quiet highway performance. While not as sporty as the Elantra N Line or N models, the Limited trim offered consistent handling and a comfortable ride, making it a pleasant surprise for drivers.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality with a spacious trunk offering 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The innovative two-piece cargo shade allowed for easy loading without removal. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, enhancing utility. While all seating positions were comfortable, some passengers noted the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger and the absence of rear air conditioning vents. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and the Sport Touring trim included heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra balanced style with practicality, providing ample space for a family of four. The Limited model featured proximity-sensing keyless entry and a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver’s seat. While the front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, rear-seat occupants found the backrest too reclined. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of space, accommodating full-size suitcases. The 60/40-split folding back seat added versatility, although the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports was a drawback for rear passengers.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system performed well. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring trim, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

In the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays were available in the SEL Convenience package and standard in the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it struggled with some commands. The Elantra Limited featured a Bose audio system, but its sound quality was not as impressive as expected. The car also offered Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert for added convenience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system also offered lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assistance. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and effective driver aids.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Highway Driving Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for smooth highway driving. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in most crash-test categories.