2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

In the past, the Hyundai Elantra's design was unremarkable, blending into the crowd 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, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, featured unique creases and folds that created a distinctive "Z" shape on the doors, adding character and differentiating it from its competitors. Inside, the Elantra's material quality and design were above average for its class, despite some hard plastics. The 2022 Elantra was available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years after its eighth-generation debut, featured a new Reservoir Blue paint and Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze 19-inch wheels, which helped to overlook its styling. The Nightshade Edition, available only with SE trim, offered a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a hybrid specification, with FWD or AWD for non-hybrid models. It included black-trimmed headlights and taillights, a TRD mesh grille, black side mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and black badges. The interior, though unchanged for years, was functional but marred by cheap-looking plastic and road noise. The Camry Hybrid's base price started at just over $29,000, with the test car priced at $32,983, including optional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.32-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a total system output of 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension provided enhanced handling dynamics.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered three powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 202 to 206 hp, a 301-hp 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a net power output of 208 hp. The hybrid system simulated a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and included paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. However, the test car's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 33.4 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 46 mpg. The Camry Hybrid's sport suspension tuning provided a compliant ride, but the stability control system was overly sensitive. Despite these issues, the Camry Hybrid's electric assist motor offered quick acceleration, and the regenerative braking system provided good brake pedal feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was easy to live with, thanks to its compact size, clear instrumentation, and ample storage options. The N Line's low seating position made entry and exit slightly challenging, but the car offered excellent outward visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. Cargo space was 14.2 cubic feet, adequate for a compact sedan, but the trunk's narrow opening and support arms could crush items. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and rear air conditioning vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a simple, durable interior with a no-nonsense approach to controls and layout. The test car had eight-way power-adjustable front seats and manual adjustment for the passenger, with a height adjuster for added comfort. The back seats were adequately comfortable but lacked room to stretch out, and the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Camry's trunk space measured 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than its competitors, but it could accommodate full-size suitcases on their sides. However, the trunk lacked a handle, making it difficult to close without getting dirty fingers.

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

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with smartphone connectivity, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger 9-inch system included connected navigation and a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. Both systems were Amazon Alexa compatible and included SiriusXM satellite radio and several connected service plans. The test car had the 7-inch touchscreen, which was basic but functional. The voice recognition system struggled with some commands, but the physical knobs and buttons were easy to use. Additional tech included an available 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra's standard SmartSense suite included 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 included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. 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 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and Intersection Support. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. TSS 2.5's performance was less refined, with issues in adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems. The Camry received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact crash test.