2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated fan. The new GTI was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving its nimble handling. The styling followed the classic GTI form, with a smooth hood, subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with 18-inch alloys on the S and SE trims and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant choices like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, with Pomelo Yellow Metallic exclusive to the Autobahn trim. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn, along with stainless steel pedals and a classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, shedding its rental-car image for a striking new look. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds on the doors creating a "Z" shape. The interior saw substantial improvements in material quality, look, and feel, with some hard plastics present but outweighed by the overall quality. The Elantra was available in four trims: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the Elantra Hybrid offered in Blue and Limited trims. The N Line trim added sporty styling elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, along with sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983 as a performance variant of the VW Rabbit, had evolved significantly by 2022. The latest model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase from the original 90 horsepower. The engine, an updated version of the EA888, reached peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and delivered peak torque at a low 1,750 rpm, making it a joy to drive on curving roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters, both sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined for the manual, with a slight uptick for the automatic. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even on challenging roads. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, further improving handling and ride quality.

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. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line trim, aimed at driving enthusiasts, had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT provided crisp shifts and included Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes. The N Line also featured sport-tuned suspension, steering, and revised powertrain mounts, along with a multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake rotors, enhancing its handling and driving dynamics. The Elantra N Line delivered a compelling package with its peppy powertrain and sporty features, though the sport seats could be uncomfortable on long drives.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GTI's center stack was angled toward the driver, featuring a "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for transporting a family of four comfortably.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra combined stylish design with practicality, making it easy to navigate tight spaces and offering clear instrumentation and controls. The Elantra's compact size didn't compromise interior space, with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. The rear seat could accommodate three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. Cargo space was 14.2 cubic feet, adequate for most needs, though the trunk's narrow opening could be challenging. The Elantra's trunk lid support arms could crush items in their path, and the power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open. The lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear were minor drawbacks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge displays and 30 ambient lighting profiles. The driver information display spanned 10.25 inches, with an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI offered Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system in the SE and Autobahn trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided various infotainment features, with some available at additional costs, such as Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and Hotspot.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra came with a surprising level of technology for its price. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added more speakers, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited and Hybrid Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on the N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless operation via an Android-compatible smartphone.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI came equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Travel Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims featured Park Distance Control, with the Autobahn trim adding Park Assist for automatic parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra included the SmartSense suite of driver-assist tech as standard, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional safety 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.