2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Hyundai Elantra had a pretty nondescript design in the past, often fading into the background. But a transformative redesign in 2021 revamped this compact sedan’s image completely. The Elantra now boasts a dynamic four-door-coupe silhouette, thanks to a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline. This reimagined exterior, featuring distinct creases and folds that create a unique "Z" shape on the doors, set it apart from its midsize sibling, the Sonata, and its compact competitors.

Interior-wise, the Elantra took significant strides over its previous generations. Although some hard plastics were still present, the overall material quality improved, offering a slightly above-average experience for its class. Hyundai provided an interior brimming with advanced technology, making it feel more premium than its starting price suggests. The N Line trim, in particular, came with sport-inspired elements such as N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, giving it a flashy, aggressive appeal.

On the flip side, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, while mostly unchanged for the 2022 model from its mild 2021 makeover, presented a futuristic and expressive front end. Its design featured a prominent, almost sneering grille and sleek, muscular lines. Depending on the trim level, the Camry Hybrid came with 16-inch steel wheels up to 19-inch alloys for upper trims.

The Camry’s cabin mirrored its adventurous exterior, with a dramatic dashboard design that swept across the center stack. It had an open and spacious interior, with technology and storage options conducive to daily use. The second row offered more comfort and space, even for the middle seat, which is rarely the case in most sedans. Toyota's reputation for top-notch fit and finish was evident throughout the Camry's well-appointed interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a variety of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a CVT that promised smooth operation. While adequate for everyday driving, this setup struggled under hard acceleration.

For the fuel economy-minded, the Elantra Hybrid paired a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, resulting in 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided a more engaging drive experience than the standard CVT.

For enthusiasts, the N Line brought a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. Our test model, equipped with the DCT, showcased decent shifts but did exhibit some clunkiness at low RPMs. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, multi-link rear setup, and additional brake power significantly enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling sporty alternative within its segment.

Toyota’s Camry Hybrid catered more to those prioritizing fuel efficiency. The base LE model managed impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway, with upper trims slightly lower at 44 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 208 horsepower. Mated to an e-CVT, it drove smoothly, though the artificial gear shifting via paddle shifters lacked genuine engagement.

Camry Hybrid's lower center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack, contributed to better handling compared to its gasoline counterpart. Although it wasn’t designed for sporty driving, the Camry Hybrid’s composed and predictable driving dynamics made it an efficient and comfortable ride, albeit with some occasional drivetrain droning and a tricky EV mode.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in terms of ease of use and practicality. Its compact size facilitated maneuvering in tight spaces, while the cabin's clear instrumentation ensured a user-friendly experience. During long drives, the Elantra’s interior remained accommodating, although rear passengers might find headroom slightly limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was decent at 14.2 cubic feet, which, while less than some competitors, still fit a family’s weekend gear with some strategic packing.

Contrastingly, the Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a comfortable and adaptive driving position, accommodating a wide range of driver heights and preferences. The front row featured ample storage, while the rear compartment was easy to access and spacious enough for adults. Cargo space clocked in at 15.1 cubic feet, slightly more than the Elantra, benefiting from a cleverly placed battery pack. The trunk's pass-through feature and foldable second-row seats enhanced cargo versatility, making it well-suited for families with varying transportation needs.

Hyundai packed the 2022 Elantra with advanced tech features that belied its budget-friendly price tag. The base SE included an 8-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual USB ports. Higher trims like SEL, Hybrid Blue, and N Line added satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. The Limited trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a comprehensive digital instrument cluster. However, the larger screen required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hyundai Digital Key was a notable addition for Android users.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid boasted sophisticated tech, with Toyota’s integration of JBL audio systems specifically tuned for the Camry delivering impressive sound quality. Standard features across all models included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The LE, SE, and SE Nightshade came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while XLE and XSE got a larger 9-inch unit. Other highlights included embedded navigation for upper trims and a 10-inch color head-up display on XSE models. The Camry’s higher trims not only promised tech-savvy comforts but also nearly rivaled Lexus in luxury.

Hyundai ensured the 2022 Elantra delivered robust safety features with its SmartSense suite, which included essentials like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. The car earned excellent safety ratings, including five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The Limited trim’s LED headlights secured a “Good” rating from the IIHS, while lower trims' halogen lights were rated "Marginal."

Toyota equipped the 2022 Camry Hybrid with its comprehensive TSS 2.5+ system, incorporating features such as pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Camry Hybrid also had 10 airbags, ensuring extensive occupant protection. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, further boosting safety assurance. The 2022 model earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ status, mirroring the 2021 model’s ratings.