2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra had been a somewhat understated, if not completely overlooked, option in the compact sedan landscape for many years. It didn't stand out much with its older rental-car look. This changed dramatically with the 2021 model redesign, where Hyundai overhauled the Elantra to make it notably distinct inside and out. The seventh-generation model boasted a longer wheelbase, a wider stance, and a lower roofline, giving the car a markedly more aesthetic four-door-coupe appearance. The styling cues, although reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, had their own unique flair. The design elements, such as the "Z" shape created by various creases and folds on the doors, added character and differentiated it from rivals and even the Sonata itself.

Inside, the Elantra underwent significant improvements in terms of material quality, look, and overall feel. Observers mentioned some use of hard plastic, but the advanced tech and overall design outweighed these drawbacks. The cabin was relatively more sophisticated compared to other compact sedans, especially considering its base price. The N Line trim, with sportier design elements, offered even more in terms of visual and tactile appeal, with features like leather-wrapped steering wheels, sport seats, and chrome twin-tip exhausts.

On the other hand, the 2023 Nissan Altima had been a player in the family car segment for over 50 years, continuing its presence even as other sedans dwindled. The 2023 update brought new front styling with a revised grille, new wheel designs, and fresh paint options. The higher trim levels, especially with the 19-inch wheels, elevated the Altima’s visual appeal significantly. The SL trim in particular presented a good visual footprint.

Inside the Altima, comfortable Zero Gravity seats inspired by NASA's designs offered exceptional comfort, especially during long drives. The controls were logically laid out, and the simple gauges were clear and easy to read, comparable to a Mazda in its straightforwardness. The interior offered dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, some issues like the lack of power adjustment for the front passenger seat and clumsy floor mat attachment lingered.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provided multiple powertrain options, encompassing a range of driving preferences and needs. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine present in SE, SEL, and Limited trims delivered 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The fuel-efficient Elantra Hybrid came with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing a total system output of 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The sporty N Line trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine boasting 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT.

Our test car, equipped with the DCT, provided a dynamic driving experience, particularly in Sport mode, which enhanced steering feedback and engine responsiveness. The N Line’s sport-tuned suspension and larger front brake rotors improved ride and handling, even though the sport seats could become uncomfortable over long distances.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima, except for the SR VC-Turbo, featured a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. The FWD models generated 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, while AWD models produced minimally lower figures. The AWD system was available with SV, SR, and SL trims, distributing up to half of the engine’s output to the rear wheels when necessary. The SR VC-Turbo trim took things up a notch with a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo engine producing up to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, promising a more engaging drive.

The CVT in the Altima mimicked a conventional automatic transmission, and paddle shifters in the SR trim added a bit of driver engagement. On the road, the Altima's performance was considered adequate, with a somewhat firm ride and noise issues at highway speeds. While it handled well in the mountains with commendable grip and a flat cornering attitude, the lifeless steering and heating-up of the brakes during extended driving sessions raised concerns about its dynamic character.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality despite its compact size. Navigation through tight spaces was effortless, thanks to its dimensions and well-marked controls. In the back seat, three kids managed to stay comfortable on a long road trip, indicating that the rear seating was reasonably spacious. However, taller adults might find the sloped roofline restrictive in terms of headroom. Cargo space came in at 14.2 cubic feet, which, though smaller than some competitors, was quite usable for everyday needs. However, the narrow trunk opening due to the sloping roofline made loading larger items somewhat challenging. Another downside was the lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear, which led to some passenger complaints during our test drive.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Altima offered a straightforward and comfortable interior, but with some notable quirks. Rear seat comfort was good, with plenty of legroom and thigh support. Interior storage solutions were reasonable, though some design flaws like the challenging floor mat snaps were inconvenient. Cargo capacity in the Altima was 15.4 cubic feet, slightly larger than the Elantra’s, but the trunk was easy to use and well-shaped for various types of luggage. The omission of height adjustment for the front passenger seat and sticky leather upholstery in the front could make ingress and egress tricky, affecting overall interior comfort.

Regarding technology, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra packaged an impressive array of features at a competitive price. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bluetooth hands-free system. Higher trims like SEL and N Line added satellite radio and Blue Link services. The Limited trim impressed with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose system, and advanced features like wireless device charging and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Hyundai Digital Key, standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowed owners to unlock and operate the vehicle via an Android-compatible smartphone.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, particularly in its higher trims, presented several technology enhancements. The base S trim was sparse, but upgrading to SV or SR brought an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L service. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen system was available for higher trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The NissanConnect Services feature included remote engine starting, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and an SOS calling button. Despite some issues with the Bose sound system’s performance, the larger 12.3-inch infotainment system was a significant improvement with a user-friendly interface and appealing graphics.

Safety was a strong point for both vehicles. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with SmartSense, a suite of driver-assist tech including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received excellent safety ratings: five stars overall from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for a "Marginal" rating for halogen headlights on lower trims.

The 2023 Nissan Altima also featured a robust safety suite, Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The ProPilot Assist system, available on higher trims, provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. However, ProPilot Assist’s sudden handoffs and slow reactions could be unsettling. The Altima received commendable safety ratings: five stars overall from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, although it scored poorly on the updated side-impact test.