2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its sleek, modern design into 2022. Its exterior resembled a downsized Altima, featuring a low-slung, coupe-like appearance that was a significant improvement over its pre-2020 predecessors. The Sentra's design was a refined execution of Nissan's current design language, available in bold colors like blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlet Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra boasted a modern yet straightforward layout, with easy-to-use controls and a visually appealing touchscreen centerpiece. The interior's upscale look was complemented by features like a trio of vents in the center dash.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a diverse range of options, from the budget-friendly SE to the upscale Limited trim. The Elantra Hybrid models achieved impressive fuel efficiency, while the sporty Elantra N Line and performance-tuned Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts. The Elantra's exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but its interior was undeniably stylish and high-tech. The Limited model featured light gray leather seats and upscale fabric trim, creating a sharp contrast against the black cabin. The Elantra's interior was further enhanced by classy nighttime illumination, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the engine wasn't particularly outstanding, the CVT managed power well, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most road bumps decently, making the Sentra a reliable choice for commuting, city driving, and occasional road trips.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest specs, the Elantra Limited's driving dynamics were surprisingly peppy, and the IVT was one of the best in its class. The Elantra averaged 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating of 34 mpg. The Elantra Limited offered a communicative yet compliant ride, with suitable steering effort levels and a quiet highway experience. While not as fun to drive as the Elantra N Line or N, the Limited model delivered consistent and predictable handling, making it a pleasant surprise.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, better than many small sedans but slightly less than the Kia Forte's 15.3 cubic feet. The Sentra's trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the bench might make it challenging to slide larger items through. The Sentra's trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a button on the dash. Inside, the Sentra offered spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front and solid legroom in the rear. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, along with plenty of cupholders and trays in the center console.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra balanced style with practicality, offering a roomy interior suitable for a family of four. The test vehicle featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat occupants might find the backrest too reclined and the lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports disappointing. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides. The Limited model's 60/40-split folding back seat expanded utility when needed.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system's menu navigation was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume/tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, now included in the SEL Convenience package and standard on the N Line trim. The Limited model featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB port for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The voice recognition system performed well in most tests but had occasional hiccups. The Elantra Limited also included a Bose premium audio system, though it didn't match the sound quality of rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were additional tech highlights.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features on the test model included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year.