2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, though the asymmetrical dashboard design and analog chronometer added a touch of clutter.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its previous rental-car looks for a striking new appearance. The seventh-generation Elantra boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, featured unique creases and folds that added character. Inside, the Elantra's interior quality improved, offering materials slightly above the norm for its class. While some hard plastics were present, the overall design was well-received, especially considering its starting price. The Elantra was available in multiple trims, including the sporty N Line, which added performance-oriented features like N Line design elements, sport seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models, each with its own powertrain. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, achieving a net 215 hp and impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. While the ES 250 AWD offered standard all-wheel drive, it lacked the performance punch of its V6 sibling.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, provided a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available on SE, SEL, and Limited trims, produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts. The Elantra's diverse powertrain options catered to a wide range of preferences, from fuel efficiency to sporty performance.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a spacious and practical interior, with 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space that remained unchanged in the hybrid ES 300h. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage options, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a large glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Despite its compact dimensions, the Elantra provided a comfortable interior with excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for accessing items near the seatbacks. The Elantra's interior was well-suited for small families, with adequate storage options and a user-friendly layout.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system and navigation. The ES also included a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. Lexus Enform connected services provided various features, including emergency alerts, maintenance notifications, and remote access.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Elantra also offered Hyundai Digital Key, allowing Android users to unlock and start the car without a physical key. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration and adequate audio performance.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra also prioritized safety, with the SmartSense suite offering features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.