2022 Honda Civic vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Honda Civic was available in familiar LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trim levels, with prices starting at $21,700 for the Civic LX and going up to $28,300 for the Civic Touring, excluding a $995 destination charge. A new five-door Honda Civic hatchback was also set to return to the lineup later in the year, but the two-door coupe was no longer available. The primary evaluation vehicle was a Civic Touring in extra-cost Morning Mist Blue, bringing the test vehicle’s price to $29,690, including destination charges. Another model sampled was a Civic Sport with extra-charge Platinum White Pearl paint and the new Honda Performance Development (HPD) appearance package, estimated at just under $25,880.

The redesigned 2022 Civic resembled the larger, longer-wheelbase Accord sedan and had a more conservative and plain appearance compared to the previous year's model. The interior aimed for simplicity, featuring a minimalistic approach to controls and layout, with a span of metal honeycomb mesh running the dashboard’s width to hide the air vents. The interior materials were improved, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a maturity the previous Civic lacked.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of options, from the base Elantra SE to the upscale Limited trim. Prices ranged from $21,545 to $33,245, including a $1,095 destination charge. The Elantra Limited test vehicle was priced at $27,395 with destination, including optional carpeted floor mats. The Elantra Hybrids achieved between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving, depending on the trim. The sporty turbocharged Elantra N Line and the performance-tuned, 276-horsepower Elantra N were also available.

The Elantra’s exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but the interior was well-received. The test car’s interior featured light gray leather seats and panels, contrasting with the otherwise black cabin. The Melange descriptor referred to the upscale fabric paired with the Gray leather upholstery. The Elantra Limited’s cabin included classy nighttime illumination, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, though the hard plastic coating on the upper door panels was a disappointment.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with different CVTs for each engine. The Civic’s handling was enjoyable, with improvements in structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel. The Civic Touring returned 30.4 mpg on a 95-mile driving loop, falling short of the EPA’s estimate of 34 mpg.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its modest specs, the Elantra Limited’s driving dynamics were impressive, averaging 33 mpg during the evaluation drive. The Elantra Limited offered a communicative yet compliant ride, suitable steering effort levels, and a quiet highway experience. The car displayed remarkable composure on mountainous roads, with consistent and repeatable handling qualities. However, the steering lacked quickness and sharpness, and the brakes heated up and shuddered slightly.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured redesigned front seats offering better support, with the leather-lined Touring trim providing a power driver’s seat. The back seat had more legroom than most in the segment, but the backrest angle might feel too reclined for some. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents and heated rear cushions in the Touring trim. The new center console had less storage space and flexibility, but the trunk volume remained generous at 14.8 cubic feet, or 14.4 cubes with Touring trim.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a roomy interior with proximity-sensing keyless entry and a comfortable six-way power driver’s seat in the Limited model. The test car had dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, but ventilated front seats were available only in the Elantra Hybrid Limited. The rear seatback was too reclined, and the Elantra lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display showed when the LED headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals were on. The standard infotainment system had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim included a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, HD radio, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 premium surround-sound audio system in the Touring trim delivered a rich audio experience.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays in the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, a navigation system, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection. The voice recognition feature had mixed results, and the Bose premium audio system did not meet expectations. The Elantra Limited also had Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing collection of advanced driver assistance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic EX and Touring trims included a proper blind-spot warning system, with the Touring trim adding rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic’s vehicle architecture was stronger, with new front airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A standard rear-seat reminder system was also included.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The 2022 Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and the 2023 Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.