2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse lineup catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Starting with the affordable base Elantra SE, it offered a cost-effective entry point, while the SEL and Limited trims provided more upscale options. The Elantra Hybrid variants, with their impressive fuel efficiency of up to 54 mpg, maintained the same aesthetic as the standard model, save for a subtle "Hybrid" badge. For driving enthusiasts, the turbocharged Elantra N Line and the high-performance Elantra N, with its 276 horsepower, offered thrilling options. The Elantra's exterior design was polarizing, but its interior, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its stylish and high-tech features, despite some hard plastic elements.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a sporty version of the VW Golf, was available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in the U.S. market. Its design was more expressive than its predecessor, featuring a wide-mouth grille and LED headlights. The 380 special edition package marked the end of the manual GTI, adding unique styling elements like gloss black wheels and a black roof. The GTI's interior combined classic styling with modern tech, including a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen. However, some design choices, like the steering wheel and haptic controls, were criticized for prioritizing form over function.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, was not designed for speed enthusiasts. However, its driving dynamics exceeded expectations, offering a peppy performance and a smooth ride. The CVT, or Intelligent Variable Transmission, was considered one of the best in its class. The Elantra Limited achieved an average of 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating. While the standard torsion-beam rear axle was cost-effective, it didn't compromise ride quality. The Elantra Limited provided a communicative ride, suitable steering, and a quiet highway experience, though its steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed minor shuddering under stress.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It offered both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The GTI's electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and adaptive damping contributed to its precise and stable handling. While the GTI excelled in providing a mature driving experience with linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag, it lacked the excitement of a traditional hot hatch. The GTI was quiet and comfortable, making it an excellent daily driver, but it didn't match the spirited performance of competitors like the Hyundai Elantra N.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra combined style with practicality, offering ample space for a family of four. The Limited model featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable leather-wrapped power driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control. However, rear-seat passengers faced a slouched seating position and lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its hatchback design, offered superior cargo space compared to rival sedans, boasting 19.9 cubic feet, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While passenger space was comparable to sport compact sedans, rear-seat passengers felt slightly cramped. The GTI featured standard heated front seats, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims added luxury features like leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. However, the haptic controls for temperature and audio volume were criticized for their lack of physical feedback, making them challenging to use while driving.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, offering them in the SEL Convenience package and as standard in the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connections, requiring USB for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system had mixed results, and the Bose audio system fell short of expectations. The Elantra also featured Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the base S trim, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a 10-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was generally user-friendly, though satellite radio information took time to display. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster offered various configurations but was criticized for its design and information conveyance. The GTI's focus on larger screens didn't align with its hot hatchback nature, as the driver-centric instrument cluster was less effective than expected.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive package of standard features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra's driving aids were smooth and subtle, enhancing driver confidence. The 2022 Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and the 2023 model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI received top "Good" scores in some IIHS crash tests, but its headlights received mixed ratings. The NHTSA hadn't released safety ratings for the current-generation GTI. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GTI also featured Intelligent Crash Response and Emergency Assist for DSG-equipped models. Additional safety options included park distance control, park assist, and traffic sign recognition.