2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Honda Accord

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a bold and striking new look. This redesign gave the Elantra a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. The exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds creating a "Z" shape on the doors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, 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 2023 Honda Accord adopted a more modern yet conservative appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of its predecessor. While some preferred the previous model's design, the Canyon River Blue paint of the test car received compliments. The Accord EX featured a pewter wheel finish, providing a balance between the LX model's sparkly silver wheels and the popular black wheels. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and stylish metal mesh dashboard trim, integrating the air conditioning vents seamlessly. The digital instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system, and the switchgear reflected attention to detail and refinement. Overall, the Accord EX was nicely outfitted for its price and class.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard engine for SE, SEL, and Limited trims was 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. While adequate for most buyers, the engine could be noisy during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided a more engaging driving experience. The N Line trim, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offered a sportier driving experience with options for 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 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, was refined for the new model. The CVT, powering the front wheels, provided adequate performance, with programmed ratio changes to mimic a traditional automatic. The Accord's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension managed its weight distribution effectively, while the dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX's brakes performed well, even during demanding conditions, and the car's ride and handling were commendable. However, the tires were a weak point, lacking grip during spirited driving. Overall, the Accord EX was enjoyable to drive, but upgrading to higher trims for better tires was recommended for those seeking more dynamic performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Its instrumentation and controls were user-friendly, and it provided ample storage options. The N Line's low seating position required some effort to enter and exit, but once inside, the Elantra offered excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably on long journeys, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. The Elantra's trunk, with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, was adequate for most needs, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for accessing the rear. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof had a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several features over the LX trim, including heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. However, it lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, which could be inconvenient for rear-seat passengers. The Accord's back seat offered excellent leg support and legroom, making it comfortable for passengers. The trunk, with 16.7 cubic feet of space, was spacious and easy to load, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The Accord's practicality and comfort made it a strong contender in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base SE trim came with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims boasted an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key, available on select trims, allowed for keyless operation via an Android-compatible smartphone. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and Apple CarPlay integration was seamless, though the audio system's performance was merely adequate.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While not the largest screens, they were functional and easy to use. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system, though it lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The physical controls for the stereo and main functions were a welcome touch, though the function control knob could be confusing. Overall, the Accord EX offered basic tech features that were practical and straightforward.

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 driver-attention warning and Safe Exit Warning enhanced safety. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with the Limited trim's LED headlights earning a "Good" rating.

The 2023 Honda Accord came equipped with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim offered an optional safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord's safety systems performed well, with accurate and refined operation. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.