The Hyundai Elantra has long been a stalwart in the compact sedan market, offering a winning combination of style, features, and value that has endeared it to drivers around the world. For 2022, the Elantra receives a mid-cycle refresh, with updates to its exterior design, interior amenities, and technology offerings. But how does this latest iteration stack up against its competitors? Let’s take a closer look.

Exterior Design

The Hyundai Elantra’s exterior design has always been a key strength of the model, and the 2022 update is no exception. The new front fascia features a more aggressive stance, with a larger hexagonal grille and angular LED headlights that give the car a bold, confident appearance. The rear end gets a similar makeover, with revised taillights and a restyled bumper that gives the Elantra a more premium look.

But it’s not just about looks – the Elantra’s exterior design also plays a crucial role in its aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of 0.29, the Elantra is one of the slipperiest cars in its class, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise.

Interior Amenities

Step inside the Hyundai Elantra, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious, well-appointed cabin that’s designed to provide comfort and convenience for driver and passengers alike. The dashboard features a range of soft-touch materials, including premium leather trim on higher-end models, while the seats themselves offer generous legroom and adjustable lumbar support.

In terms of tech, the Elantra gets a significant update with the introduction of an 8-inch touchscreen display and a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The car also offers a range of convenient features, such as wireless charging, a hands-free trunk release, and a premium sound system that’s engineered to deliver crystal-clear audio.

Performance

Under the hood, the Hyundai Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This may not be the most potent powerplant in its class, but it’s more than adequate for most drivers’ needs, delivering smooth, quiet operation and decent acceleration.

Of course, if you’re looking for something a bit more spirited, there’s also an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is the Elantra Sport model, which comes with a range of unique styling cues, including a rear spoiler, side sills, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Safety Features

As we mentioned earlier, the Hyundai Elantra gets a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The car also earns top marks in crash testing from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Technical Specifications

Here are some key technical specifications for the Hyundai Elantra:

• Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder
• Power: 147 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode
• Drive type: Front-wheel drive
• Curb weight: 3,075 pounds (1,394 kg)
• Length/width/height: 182.7 inches / 71.5 inches / 56.9 inches (4,638 mm / 1,816 mm / 1,446 mm)
• Wheelbase: 106.3 inches (2,699 mm)

Competitor Comparison

So how does the Hyundai Elantra stack up against its competitors? Let’s take a look at some key rivals in the compact sedan market.

• Toyota Corolla: The Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, and for good reason. It offers a range of efficient powerplants, including a hybrid model that delivers exceptional fuel economy.
• Honda Civic: The Civic is another perennial bestseller in the compact sedan market, offering a sporty driving experience and a range of advanced safety features.
• Mazda3: The Mazda3 is a fun-to-drive compact sedan that’s designed to deliver a premium driving experience at an affordable price.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Elantra is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-packed compact sedan. With its updated exterior design, improved interior amenities, and comprehensive suite of safety features, the 2022 Elantra is a car that’s well worth considering. And with a starting price under $20,000, it’s an affordable option in a crowded market.

Price

The Hyundai Elantra starts at $18,550 for the base SE model, which comes with a range of standard features including a 6-inch touchscreen display and forward collision avoidance. The SEL model adds premium leather trim, a power driver’s seat, and a range of convenience features like wireless charging and a hands-free trunk release.

The Elantra Limited is the top-of-the-line model, which comes with a range of luxury amenities like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. This model starts at $23,500.

Fuel Economy

The Hyundai Elantra offers a range of fuel-efficient powerplants, including an available hybrid model that delivers exceptional fuel economy. Here are some estimated EPA ratings for the 2022 Elantra:

• Front-wheel drive: up to 38 mpg city, 40 mpg highway
• Hybrid: up to 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway