2023 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra

In the past, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra's design was often described as unremarkable, blending into the background without drawing much attention. However, the 2021 redesign transformed the Elantra into a striking vehicle with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, featuring unique creases and folds that form a "Z" shape on the doors, set it apart from its predecessor and competitors. Inside, the Elantra's material quality and design were above average for its class, despite some hard plastics. The N Line trim added sporty elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, along with sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, moved away from its Impreza roots, adopting a distinct design that included a wide-body look and functional hood scoop. The WRX's exterior styling was aggressive, with body cladding linking it visually to the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback. The GT model featured Recaro Performance Design front seats with red contrast stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery, adding a sporty touch to the otherwise basic interior. The WRX's design clearly conveyed its performance capabilities while maintaining Subaru's current design theme.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed DCT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Subaru WRX featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Unlike its mostly FWD competitors, the WRX came with AWD and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT branded as the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT). The SPT/CVT offered quick responses to throttle inputs, mimicking a conventional automatic transmission. The GT model included electronically controlled dampers and a drive mode select system with multiple settings for steering, engine, AWD system, and driver aids. The WRX's well-mannered character made it a confident and comfortable daily driver, though its muted driving experience lacked the exuberance of some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was praised for its stylish design and practicality. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the interior offered excellent outward visibility. The Elantra's rear seat could comfortably accommodate three children, though taller adults might find the sloped roofline limiting headroom. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, adequate for a compact sedan, 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 USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear were minor inconveniences.

The 2023 Subaru WRX, as a compact sedan, offered practicality with a bit more front headroom and legroom than a Honda Civic Si. However, the Civic provided more space for rear-seat passengers. The WRX's 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space was less than its competitors, but the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard roof-rack mounts added versatility. The WRX maintained good outward visibility with low window-sill lines and thin forward roof pillars. However, the lack of a suitable place to store a smartphone was a surprising ergonomic flaw.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a surprising level of technology for its price. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trim included an eight-speaker Bose audio system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key was available on the N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless entry and start via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was only adequate.

The 2023 Subaru WRX's Starlink infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Base models had dual 7-inch touchscreens, while higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The larger screen displayed icons and text clearly, though physical buttons and knobs would have been appreciated for better tactile feedback. The menus were mostly intuitive, but the SiriusXM interface required too many steps, and the satellite radio took a long time to load on startup.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, 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 five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests.

The 2023 Subaru WRX came with Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which included adaptive cruise control, automated lane-centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Other available safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The WRX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests completed so far and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.