2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Acura Integra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation from its previous iterations, shedding its unremarkable appearance for a more striking and modern design. The seventh-generation Elantra boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, featured unique elements like a "Z" shape formed by the creases and folds on its doors, giving it a distinct personality. 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 surfaces. The Elantra was available in four trim levels, with the N Line adding sporty styling elements and interior features that enhanced its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura Integra embraced a cohesive design language that aligned it with Acura's larger models, such as the TLX sedan and RDX and MDX crossovers. The Integra replaced the ILX compact sedan, offering a five-door liftback design that harkened back to the third-generation Integra. Its wide track and long wheelbase contributed to a solid, planted look, while the embossed "Integra" name added a nostalgic touch. The Integra was available in three core trim levels, with the A-Spec and A-Spec with Technology trims offering additional features like 18-inch wheels and performance all-season tires. Inside, the Integra shared some similarities with the Honda Civic but maintained its own identity with features like honeycomb grilles and a 9-inch color touchscreen in the A-Spec with Technology trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard engine for the SE, SEL, and Limited trims was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While adequate for most buyers, this powertrain lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing 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 and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Acura Integra introduced a turbocharged engine for the first time, featuring a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The A-Spec with Technology trim offered a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching, providing a lively and engaging driving experience. The Integra's brakes and suspension were well-tuned, offering a sporty ride without compromising comfort. Its variable-ratio electric power-steering system provided a natural feel on highways and sharp responsiveness in corners. The Integra's three drive modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences, with Sport mode enhancing the car's adaptive dampers and steering feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Its interior was spacious enough for small families, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk provided 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 2023 Acura Integra's liftback design offered practicality with 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. However, the high lift-over height made loading and unloading heavy items challenging. The Integra's interior was comfortable, with a logical dashboard layout and ample storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, but headroom was limited due to the steeply sloped roofline. The back seat cushions were notably soft, providing comfort for passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims included Hyundai Digital Key, allowing Android users to unlock and start the car without a physical key. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the six-speaker audio system's performance was only adequate.

The 2023 Acura Integra came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The A-Spec with Technology trim upgraded the touchscreen to a 9-inch unit, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim also included a wireless charging pad, a USB-C port for the front seats, and two USB-A ports for the rear seats. The ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, with 16 speakers, provided an exceptional listening experience, surpassing the standard 8-speaker system.

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 rear automatic braking were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2023 Acura Integra set a high standard for safety equipment, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist across all trims. The A-Spec with Technology trim added low-speed braking control and parking sensors. Despite offering a manual transmission, the Integra included all safety features, unlike some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the Integra a five-star overall safety rating, though the IIHS had not yet tested it.