2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is just a year into its latest generation and the Korean automaker must be pretty confident since the car is completely unchanged for the new model year. We certainly aren't complaining, as it is an excellently packaged compact sedan. Though the traditional three-box may be going out of style in the USA, the smaller models still sell, with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 being among the Elantra's biggest competitors. Along with its much more modern styling, the Hyundai Elantra sedan also brings loads of value to the table in the form of a long list of standard features and a very low starting price. For those with long-term ownership agendas, there is even a hybrid model boasting significantly improved gas mileage figures. True, the new Elantra sedan won't wow driving enthusiasts with either of its four-cylinder power plants, even the 201-horsepower engine in the Elantra N, but that's what the all-new Elantra N is for. The regular Elantra is a car made for the everyday driver, and it fits the role perfectly. However, will it continue to impress as just another carry-over model?

Hyundai is no longer focused on designing cars that are purely functional. The Elantra is proof of that with its stylish, angular body. The automaker now uses a design philosophy known as "Sensuous Sportiness" when going to the drawing board, and we have to admit we are fans. With its wide stance and a coupe-like roofline, the compact sedan looks far more capable than it actually is. The front fascia is dominated by a jewel-pattern grille and the headlights lead out from here, curving up around the corners ever so slightly. The rear end is wide with a solid brake light bar that stretches across the entire rear fascia. The N Line has model-specific front and rear trim.

Wheel sizes vary from 15 inches on the SE up to 18 inches on the N-Line. The Hybrid starts in the middle at 16 inches and tops out at 17 inches on the Limited. All models have LED DRLs, but only the top-end Limited trims get LED headlights as standard. Chrome exterior accents are standard on the base model, while the Limited gets dark chrome bits.

As a compact sedan, the Elantra doesn't take up a whole lot of space. It measures 184.1 inches in length and has a 107.1-inch wheelbase. Width stands at 71.9 inches and the sedan is 55.7 inches tall. The gas Elantra differs from the hybrid in terms of ground clearance, with the former getting 5.3 inches, while the latter has 5.5 inches. Curb weight also varies, starting at 2,725 pounds for the lighter gas models, going up to 3,020 lbs on the N-Line with the dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid starts at 2,965 lbs and maxes out at 3,069 lbs.

The range of exterior paint colors to choose from when designing your 2022 Hyundai Elantra sedan, is extensive, however, you are limited in options depending on the trim. Shimmering Silver Pearl, Phantom Black, Scarlett Red Pearl, Electric Shadow, Fluid Metal, Intense Blue, and Portofino Gray are available at no cost to SE, SEL, and Limited trims, while Calypso Red and Quartz White cost $400 extra. The N Line ditches a few options and switches out Quartz White for Ceramic White at no cost. Lava Orange is made available to the N Line and Limited gas models. Hybrid models have the same options as the N Line, minus Lava Orange.

While it may look the part of a sporty sedan, the Elantra is more of a steady and reliable commuter. If you are looking for speed, the Elantra N, reviewed separately, may be more to your liking. That said, the gas and hybrid variants of the regular sedan are no slouches. The 2.0L four-pot under the hood of the SE, SEL, and Limited is good for getting around town, developing a modest 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N Line uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft for the quickest and most sustained acceleration if you don't want to spend the kind of money the Elantra N asks for. It is also the only trim that offers a manual gearbox. When rushed, the N Line can complete the 0-60 run in under seven seconds based on independent testing. The hybrid uses the 1.6L and combines it with an electric motor for a total of 139 hp - but the motor does give it some instantaneous torque that makes it feel peppy. Hyundai doesn't provide 0-60 mph sprint times, and there are no alternatives to the front-wheel drivetrain, which is a staple throughout the range.

The three non-sport-biased models in the Elantra line - the SE, SEL, and Limited - each make use of a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It favors fuel economy over performance, developing a mere 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. It is perfectly fine for getting around town but struggles with overtaking or merging on the highway if you don't allow enough planning time. This powertrain can only be paired with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT).

The N Line steps things up a little with its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot, which thrums with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. It is still far from being a sports sedan, but it emulates one well enough at the price point. Nevertheless, driver engagement is clearly the focus here, since a six-speed manual box is the standard fare. If you don't mind sacrificing the hands-on approach to optimize efficiency, then a seven-speed dual-clutch auto is available.

True efficiency and economy are achieved by the hybrid models, though. Relying on a combination of a 1.6-liter inline-four and an electric motor, these sedans have a combined 139 hp at their disposal with 109 lb-ft provided by the engine and 125 lb-ft by the electric motor. Far from being a spirited driver, the hybrid is still great around town where the low-down instantaneous torque delivery makes stop-and-go traffic a breeze. Oddly enough, this hybrid powertrain comes mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Whether you opt for a gas or hybrid model, the Elantra is a remarkably well-rounded vehicle. True, it won't thrill you to any extent, but that doesn't mean it is clumsy. In fact, its precise handling makes it feel sure-footed and even a little playful around corners, even if doesn't have the acceleration to catapult out of a turn. The Hybrid feels surprisingly good in this area and the dual-clutch gearbox is almost certainly to thank for this.

However, this is a comfortable commuter at its core, and the Elantra shines when treated as such. It remains comfortable and poised on the road, no matter the speed, and the light and direct steering helps you feel safe and in control at all times. The Hybrid, with its independent rear suspension, is even more comfortable and controlled. The N Line also has a multi-link setup at the back, replacing the coupled torsion beam axle of other gas-only models. There really is nothing to complain about in this department, so long as you see the Hyundai Elantra for what it is and not what it might lead you to believe with its subtle sporty aesthetics.

Even in its gasoline-powered guise, the Elantra is a frugal cruiser, returning a respectable 31/41/35 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, or 33/43/37 mpg on the SE with stop/start. The turbo engine in the N Line is not quite so thrifty, managing 28/36/31 mpg with the auto gearbox and just 25/34/28 mpg with the manual.

Unsurprisingly, the hybrid powertrain takes the cake, boasting an impressive 53/56/54 mpg in Blue trim and 49/52/50 mpg in Limited guise. The hybrids receive an 11-gallon tank, so the Blue's range maxes out at 594 miles. The gas versions get a larger 12.4-gallon tank with the 2.0L four-pot delivering a maximum range of nearly 460 miles, and the 1.6L turbo managing up to 384 miles.

The interior of the Elantra is svelte and stylish, with all the controls placed within easy reach of the driver. The air vents are sleek and wide, not breaking the solid lines of the dashboard, while the infotainment display is placed high up and just to the side of the wheel so that the driver hardly needs to glance away from the road. The tech is impressive when you consider how much the vehicle costs, with manual air conditioning and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted from the entry-level car. A power sunroof is added from the N Line upwards. The materials are nothing special, but they don't feel cheap at all, and the build quality is excellent. Cloth upholstery is standard on base models, with leather-trimmed seating for the Limited and combination leather/cloth sport seats on the N Line.

Don't let its small size fool you; the Elantra can easily fit a family of five inside its cabin. Even taller folks won't have any complaints when forced to sit in the back, though the sloping roof does eat a little into the available headroom. That said, those up front get 40.6 inches of headroom, although this drops a little when opting for the sunroof, while rear-seat passengers get 37.3 inches. Legroom is more generous throughout, with 42.3 inches in the front and 38 inches in the back. These figures are identical in hybrid models. A six-way manual driver's seat is standard, though this becomes power-adjustable with lumbar support on the N Line and Limited trims. Overall visibility is great, and it isn't difficult to find a comfortable seating position.

Cloth seating is standard in the SE, SEL, and Blue, while both Limited trims get leather upholstery. The N Line gets combination cloth/leather seats. The materials used in the Hyundai Elantra's interior are not premium, but they definitely don't feel cheap. Despite the low price of the car, no corners were cut in this department. The color palette is a little bland, though, with only Black and Gray offered on most trims, regardless of material. At least the N Line has red stitching to lift the ambiance a little, and the Limited replaces Gray with a Melange/Gray combination. You can expect typically high levels of build quality from the Korean brand and hard-wearing durability, at least. A urethane steering wheel is fitted to lower trims, while both Limited models and the N Line get a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Considering its size, we can't really fault the Elantra its 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space. This is sufficient for a modest amount of shopping and even luggage for the occasional getaway or business trip. A 60/40-split-folding rear seatback is standard on the N Line and Limited, optional on the SEL, but not available on the SE and Blue.

Small-item storage around the interior is adequate, if not generous. There are a pair of large cupholders up front, and each door gets a reasonably sized pocket. The center armrest cubby isn't particularly large, though, and only the upper-tier Hyundai Elantra models have a folding armrest with cupholders in the back.

Buyers expect a fair amount of standard tech these days, even when they are spending less than $20k. Hyundai is one of the brands that has mastered the art of packaging an attractive list of features in even its most affordable cars. Both front seats are manually adjustable in the base models, as is the air conditioning, but a proximity key with push-button start is standard on all trims bar the SE. This is upgraded with the Hyundai digital key on the N Line and Limited trim levels. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the hybrids and from the SEL upwards, otherwise. The hybrids also get heated front seats, which require N Line or higher on the gas models. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard from the N Line upwards, and the standard 4.2-inch color gauge cluster is replaced with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the Limited.

Standard safety tech includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, safe exit warning, and a driver attention system. The Limited adds cyclist and junction turning detection, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and rear parking sensors with collision avoidance assist. All models have a rearview camera.

The infotainment suite revolves around an eight-inch touchscreen interface, which is upgraded to 10.25 inches on Limited trims. Standard functionality includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. The larger screen requires a wired connection for smartphone integration, though. SiriusXM is added from the SEL, and wireless charging comes with the Limited. Two USB ports are installed as standard, along with four speakers. The SEL adds two more speakers as standard, or it can be had with an optional eight-speaker Bose sound system that's standard on the Limited.

Hyundai is known for being a brand that focuses on reliability, and a consumer review conducted by J.D. Power seems to back that up. The sedan scored 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The 2022 model also has no recalls issued against it, though the 2021 model has three. The reasons for these included improperly welded seat back recliners, inadequate windshield bonding, and the potential for the seat belt pretensioners to explode.

Hyundai presents the Elantra with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a comprehensive ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. Hybrid components, including the electric battery, are covered for 10 years/100,000 miles

Being designed to transport families, the Elantra should be a safe vehicle, and luckily, the manufacturer has a reputation for generosity with standard features and scoring well in the safety reviews. Safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS are nearly flawless, aside from a score of Poor from the IIHS when the standard projector headlights are fitted and a 4-star front passenger-side crash rating from the NHTSA. Nevertheless, it earned a Top Safety Pick+ award in 2021.

The basic safety suite in the Elantra is actually better than some of the more premium cars that cost two or three times as much. Even on the SE, you get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and lane following assist, the obligatory rearview camera, as well as safe exit alert and a driver attention system. This improves more for the top trim level, with the addition of cyclist and junction turning detection, highway driving assist, smart cruise control, and rear parking sensors with collision avoidance assist.
Every model comes with six airbags: dual front, dual front side, and side air curtains for both rows.

This is definitely a resounding yes, and the answer would remain the same even if the price of the Hyundai Elantra were much higher. The amount of value packed into such a small and budget-friendly sedan is incredible. Starting at less than $20k, the compact sedan comes equipped with as many, if not more, standard driver assists as much more premium vehicles. In fact, many cars that cost three times as much expect you to pay extra for some of the basics found here. Of course, the comforts and conveniences are minimal unless you opt for an upper trim level, but you get all essentials. At this point, the variety of powertrains is just icing on the cake. You can have a frugal gas engine, a very thrifty hybrid setup, or trade some of those savings for fun with a turbo-four. There really is something for everyone here at just about every price point. Add to that a comfortable ride, high safety ratings, and a great warranty, and Hyundai may have the perfect recipe when it comes to the compact segment.

The highly affordable Elantra starts things off at $19,950 for the entry-level SE, while the SEL knocks things up to $21,200. The N Line asks for quite a bit extra for the added horsepower and fun at $24,350. At the top of the gasoline lineup is the Limited, still well below $30k at $25,700. The hybrid lineup starts with the highly affordable and frugal Blue at $23,850, and the Hybrid Limited tops things out at $28,350. These are the Hyundai Elantra's MSRP prices and do not include registration, licensing, and the $1,045 destination charge.

There are a total of six trim levels in the Elantra range - four with gas engines and two hybrids. The SE, SEL, and Limited are motivated by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, mated to an IVT transmission. The N Line gets a punchier 1.6-liter turbo-four developing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, as well as an engaging six-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed DCT. The hybrids each rely on a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor for a combined 139 hp. Every configuration makes use of a front-wheel drivetrain.

The base-level SE rolls on the smallest 15-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with automatic projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. The seats are covered in cloth and front seats are manually adjustable. Manual air-con, keyless entry and ignition, an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and four speakers all come standard. The safety suite is extensive, too, with forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

A modest step up in features, the SEL gets larger 16-inch wheels, a hands-free trunk lid, SiriusXM, dual-zone climate control, a proximity key, and BlueLink.

There are significantly more changes on the N Line, such as unique N Line exterior elements, 18-inch wheels, full LED taillights, cloth/leather combination upholstery, a power sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, alloy sport pedals, a wireless charging pad, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a digital key.

Starting out the hybrid line, the Blue is not quite as basic as the SE. It rides on 16-inch wheels, and gets some more advanced features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and SiriusXM.

Both variants of the Limited trim get the most extensive list of features, starting with 17-inch wheels and LED headlights. Inside, there is a 10.25-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, navigation, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable interior lighting, and leather upholstery. The safety suite finally gets upgraded, too, with smart cruise control, cyclist and junction-turning detection, highway drive assist, rear parking sensors, and reverse collision avoidance.

There aren't many opportunities to customize the Hyundai Elantra with packages, but there are quite a few standalone accessories. These include an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink for $295 or an interior light kit for $250. The two available packages are both exclusively for the SEL trim. The Convenience Package ($900) adds the 10.25-inch digital cluster, a wireless charging pad, heated front seats, smart cruise control, and the upgraded forward collision avoidance system. The Premium Package ($2,100) requires the Convenience Package and further adds 17-inch wheels, dark chrome exterior accents, LED taillights, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a power sunroof, a Hyundai digital key, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support.

While it isn't where the sedan excels, if you want a bit more enjoyment from the driving experience, the N Line is the only way to go. However, it isn't where the best value lies. That would arguably be the Hybrid Blue. The powertrain is easily the most frugal of the lot, and it's not an unpleasant drive, either. It gets a few nice-to-have features over the base SE like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and SiriusXM. With all that said, though, even the Limited is remarkably affordable, especially with the gas engine, and considering how much you get for your money, you can't really go wrong.

A size category above the Elantra, the Hyundai Sonata is the largest sedan from the Korean automaker. That said, it's still an extremely affordable option at around the mid-$25k mark. The standard four-cylinder engine is nothing special, much like the base engine in the Elantra. However, the N Line is a truly enjoyable driver with its 290-hp engine. However, the Sonata is also restricted to front-wheel drive, which hurts it when it comes to hooning around, and the frugal hybrid powertrain is a bit of a letdown in terms of performance. Where it does win out is interior space. Its tech is on par with the Elantra as you move through the trim levels, so unless you really need the space, we'd say go for the cheaper yet equally high-value Elantra.

The Kia Forte is a corporate cousin to the Elantra and therefore shares quite a few characteristics with it. Both get the same powertrain, for a start, with the Forte GT equalling the Elantra N Line in terms of outputs. The Hyundai is a smidge lighter on fuel, but the Kia has a lower starting price. This means that they are, arguably, equal in terms of value. The Elantra is a bit more modern-looking, though, and that can't be discounted as a moot point. Both sedans come equipped with a decent amount of standard tech, and safety expectations are practically identical. Picking a clear winner here is nigh-impossible and will mostly come down to personal taste or brand loyalty.