2022 Hyundai Elantra Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that represents great value. It's affordable, performs well and offers a lot of standard features. Hyundai has really elevated their game over the last several years. They've gone from an automaker of budget cars to manufacturing some of the finest vehicles on the road today. The latest Elantra is a prime example of this.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is still part of the seventh generation of this vehicle. This generation was just introduced in 2021, so there are no major changes for this year. There is, however, an exciting new trim level that was designed for high performance. The N model cranks out an amazing 276 horsepower.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Hyundai Elantra – The Pros

1. Great Performance

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offers great performance, especially from the N-Line trim level and N models. The N-Line is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine. This powertrain can produce 201 horsepower with 195 pound-feet of torque. This provides excellent acceleration. On the N-Line models, this is paired with a manual 6-speed transmission that shifts accurately and seamlessly.

2. The Powerful N Model

If the N-Line models aren't quite enough, there is also a model that Hyundai simply calls N. This is a supped-up version of the N-Line trim level that's designed for the ultimate in performance. It may cost more, but this beast can get up to 276 horsepower with 289 pound-feet of torque. This lightweight car is actually track capable. It comes paired with your choice of an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with a set of paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual with rev matching.

3. Excellent Fuel Efficiency

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offers excellent fuel efficiency from its standard gasoline engines. The base model 2.0-liter engine fares best here. It can get up to 41 miles-per-gallon on the highway and 31 miles-per-gallon in the city. That's a combined fuel-economy rating of 35 miles-per-hour. The high-powered N-Line model comes in at slightly less than this with a combined rating of 36 miles-per-hour. That's certainly not bad when one considers all of the extra horsepower that the N-Line engine provides.

4. An Available Hybrid Model

One of the best reasons for some to own an Elantra is the available hybrid model. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to go green. It's really great for anyone who just wants to save money at the gas pumps too. The hybrid powertrain can get up to 54 miles-per-gallon with combined driving on both gasoline and electric power. The hybrid powertrain produces 139 horsepower with loads of instant torque for good acceleration.

5. Roomy and Comfortable Cabin

The latest Elantra may be a compact car, but it doesn't feel like it from the front seats. The front area of the cabin is both roomy and comfortable. There's 99.4 cubic-feet of passenger volume over all. This includes 40.6 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom and 56.5 inches of shoulder room for the driver and front passenger.

6. Plenty of Cargo Space

This compact sedan has more than just enough room for your passengers. It also has a good amount of trunk space. Owners should have no problems getting all of their groceries and more into the trunk. There's around 14.2 cubic-feet of space in the trunk for whatever one needs to haul around.

7. Great Handling and Ride Quality

The Hyundai Elantra offers excellent steering and handling no matter which trim level is selected. Steering is accurate and tight with plenty of road feedback. It's easy to maneuver the Elantra through winding back roads or in and out of traffic around town. It's also easy to slide this compact car in and out of tight parking spaces.

The Elantra also provides a silky smooth ride. Ride quality is one of this car's real standout features. The suspension system has a multi-link rear suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs up front. The Elantra soaks up almost everything that the road throws at it.

8. An Amazing Infotainment System

The infotainment system for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is one of the best in its class. Most trim levels come with an 8-inch touchscreen display while the Limited gets a 10.25-inch display and a fully integrated navigation system. There are USB ports for both data transfer and for charging. Voice Recognition Technology is included for some hands-free use. Bluetooth technology is on tap for easy streaming of your favorite music.

The Elantra's infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trim levels can connect to these apps wirelessly provided that the driver has a compatible phone. A premium stereo with eight speakers by Bose is available for some amazing, life-like audio quality.

9. Modern Driver-Assist Technology

Every trim level of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra comes with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The highest trim levels also add on Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection. They also get Hyundai's high-tech features such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Driver Attention Warning goes off when sensors detect that the driver may be nodding off. Lane Keeping Assist makes sure that you stay safely in your own lane.

10. Plenty of Safety Features

Hyundai has put a lot of thought into making the 2022 Elantra a safe vehicle. There are the aforementioned driver-assist features that greatly add to the safety of this vehicle. There's also the Vehicle Stability Management and Traction Control System. These make for safer handling in increment weather and during emergency maneuvers. The Elantra was also designed with front and rear crumple zones as well as body-side reinforcements.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Hyundai Elantra – The Cons

1. The Base-Model Engine

There are powerful engine options available for the Elantra. Unfortunately, the stock engine in the base trim isn't one of them. In fact, it might even seem a bit sluggish when it comes to acceleration from a dead stop. Fortunately, one doesn't have to settle for this powertrain.

2. Lots of Hard Plastic

There are a lot of cheap plastic parts and surfaces on the inside of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. The build quality is good, but all of that plastic just gives the interior a cheap feel. Keep in mind, though, that this is an inexpensive vehicle. Corners have to be cut somewhere to maintain the low price point.

3. Small Backseat Area

This is a minor complaint, but the backseat area isn't the roomiest among compact sedans. It's not terrible, but it's something to be aware of for those who need to drive average-sized adults around on a regular basis. The front area is spacious and there's plenty of trunk space, so Hyundai had to lose space somewhere to keep this a compact vehicle.

4. Features Missing on Limited Models

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are actually missing on the top trim level. This is hard to understand considering their inclusion on every model besides the Limited trim. Compatibility is still there, but only when the smartphone or device has a wired connection.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic consistently ranks as one of the top compact cars on the market. It offers some configurations that the Elantra doesn't. One can get a Civic in sedan, coupe or hatchback variations. When it comes to serious performance, few vehicles in this class can top the Civic Type-R hatchback. This version of the Civic produces 306 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque.

While those numbers are impressive, the Hyundai Elantra N isn't too far behind. Best of all, the overall price of the Hyundai is significantly lower. This is true at every comparable trim level. Both vehicles have nice interiors, attractive exteriors and the usual convenience features. Hyundai just does all of this for a lower price, making it the better bargain here.

2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Kia Forte

The latest Kia Forte is more comparable to the Hyundai Elantra in overall cost. In fact, it's actually cheaper than the Elantra when comparing the base models of these two compact sedans. The cost difference isn't that significant though, usually coming in at around $2,000 lower for the Forte. The base models have very similar performance stats too.

The Hyundai N models provides more horsepower than the best of what Kia has to offer here. Fuel-economy numbers are about the same, though the Hyundai wins again in this category when you consider the available hybrid model. Both vehicles have ample standard features, though the Hyundai offers a bit more. Even with the slightly higher cost, the Hyundai Elantra is the better value between these two.

Conclusion

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is simply one of the best compact cars on the market today. It offers excellent performance and a comfortable ride. There's a performance-minded model as well as a hybrid version. There's really something for just about anyone here. The Elantra offers a great deal of standard features and is also a safe vehicle.

While many compact sedans could boast the same perks of the Elantra, few can do so at such an affordable price. This is a high-quality car that offers a great deal of value. It's one of the best bargains in the business for 2022.