2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a more striking and modern look. The redesign introduced a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving the Elantra a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. The exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, maintained its unique personality with distinctive creases and folds on the doors forming a "Z" shape. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality and design, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class, despite some hard plastic elements. The Elantra was available in four trim levels, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior, enhancing its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle exterior design, with a wider stance and a signature hood scoop as its standout feature. The front fascia retained a small hexagonal grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured flared fenders, a large plastic bumper, and quad tailpipes, contributing to a smoother and more streamlined appearance. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents. The sport seats, available in premium cloth or Ultrasuede, provided ample support and comfort, making the WRX a viable option for daily commuting.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. This setup was standard on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims, providing adequate performance for most buyers, though it lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) for a more engaging driving experience. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 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, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its ride and handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to the previous generation, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and choice of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided a solid performance foundation. The manual transmission was praised for its notchy and precise feel, while the CVT offered faster shift points and variable torque distribution. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, allowed for creative tuning, reducing body roll and improving ride quality on rough roads. Despite its performance focus, the WRX's power output felt slightly lacking compared to some competitors, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Its interior provided clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for a weekend's worth of luggage, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for accessing items near the seatbacks. Some drawbacks included a droning noise from the moonroof when fully open and a lack of USB ports and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a slight increase in cargo capacity to 12.5 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-fold function for added versatility. The sport seats provided excellent support and comfort, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery options. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable seats made it a practical choice for daily commuting, despite its performance focus. The WRX's interior space and features made it a strong contender for those seeking a balance between performance and practicality.

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, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation on the Limited trims. The N Line and Limited trims also offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android users. While the six-speaker audio system was adequate, the Bose premium audio system on the Limited trims provided a more immersive experience.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not a technological marvel in its previous generation, saw improvements with an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on premium trims and above. The system, shared with the Outback and Legacy, offered physical controls for essential functions, though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration had some quirks. The base trim featured a unique dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available, providing a high-quality audio experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra prioritized safety with its SmartSense suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the Limited trim's LED headlights earning a "Good" rating.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied based on transmission choice. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and it came with seven airbags as standard equipment.