2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car image for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. This redesign gave the Elantra a unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds on the doors forming a "Z" shape, setting it apart from its competitors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality and design, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class. The N Line trim added sporty elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design cues from its larger Sentra and Altima siblings, giving it a more upscale appearance. The Versa featured a sleek profile, a prominent V-Motion grille, and a "floating" roof design, making it instantly recognizable as a modern Nissan. The 2023 model received styling updates, including a more elaborate V-Motion grille and new wheel designs for the SR trim. Inside, the Versa's interior showcased creativity with large round air vents and an elaborate dashboard design. While most materials were still plastic, the fit and finish were commendable, even on pre-production models. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, along with convenience features like heated front seats and automatic climate control.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple 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 (FWD). This combination provided adequate performance for most buyers, though it lacked power during hard acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.32-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The Hybrid's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) offered a more engaging driving experience. The N Line trim, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, provided a sportier option. The N Line's DCT, sport-tuned suspension, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT. While the Versa's performance was satisfactory for its class, it didn't offer the same level of excitement as the Elantra. The CVT-equipped Versa SR provided a responsive driving experience, though it lacked the power to feel quick. The Versa's handling was characterized by body roll in corners but maintained remarkable grip, providing a reassuring feel. The suspension delivered a comfortable ride, and the cabin noise levels were lower than expected for an entry-level model. Overall, the Versa felt more substantial than its subcompact car status might suggest.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. The N Line's low seating position required extra effort to get in and out, but once inside, the Elantra provided excellent visibility and a spacious feel. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably on long trips, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. Cargo space was adequate at 14.2 cubic feet, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for larger items. 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 Nissan Versa, available only as a four-door sedan, offered 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the base S trim and 15 cubic feet in SV and SR trims, surpassing competitors like the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage G4. The front seats provided more headroom and legroom than its rivals, though the rear seats fell short in comparison. The front row felt spacious, with good outward visibility aided by a low dashboard and side glass. However, the center console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform wasn't the best use of space. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, starting with an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports on the base SE trim. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation on the Limited and Hybrid Limited trims. The Limited trims also included an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging. The N Line and Limited trims featured Hyundai Digital Key, allowing keyless access via an Android-compatible smartphone. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was merely adequate.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the S Plus Package or on higher trims. The SV trim added a 7-inch driver information display and a wireless phone charging pad, while the SR trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect Services telematics. Despite the tech features, the touchscreens were small, and the graphics on the 8-inch screen looked outdated. The digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication, providing useful information alongside the analog speedometer.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Nissan Versa also impressed with its standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning on the base S trim. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SR trim included adaptive cruise control. The Versa received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though updated IIHS ratings were not available.