The 2022 Hyundai Elantra stands out in traffic due to its unique styling, but underneath the sharply creased sheetmetal is a spacious and practical compact car. Its cabin is decked out with a similarly futuristic design and several high-end features are offered, especially on the high-end trims, that help with the wow factor.
The entry-level engine is a somewhat sleepy 147-hp four-cylinder that is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), but both a hybrid powertrain and a 201-hp turbocharged four are optional. The Elantra competes with heavy hitters such as the Honda Civic, the Nissan Sentra, and the Toyota Corolla, and its style and value-oriented packaging makes it a solid choice among compact cars.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard nonhybrid powertrain is a 147-hp four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a CVT. The hybrid model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to make 139 horsepower. Gearchanges in the hybrid are handled by a six-speed automatic. Neither of these options offer thrilling acceleration, but in our test drive of a nonhybrid model we noted good ride quality and enough pep for normal city and highway driving.
The most exciting 2022 Hyundai Elantra is the performance-oriented Elantra N, which we review separately, but those who can’t quite stomach that car’s price tag could consider the tamer N Line model. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. After a brief test drive, we came away impressed with the N Line’s perkier acceleration and its adept handling, which ups the athleticism without compromising on a too-stiff ride.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates the 2022 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder will earn up to 33 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four have estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 36 highway. The thriftiest hybrid Elantra is rated at 53 mpg city and 56 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the Elantra hybrid managed only a 48-mpg result while the nonhybrid Limited with the base engine did 38 mpg. For more information about the Elantra’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
To match its dramatic exterior, the cabin of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra looks appropriately futuristic. The dashboard and center console wrap around the driver while the passenger’s side takes a more minimalist approach. A single LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent across the width of the car from the steering column to the passenger’s-side door panel. Passenger volume is generous, particularly in the rear seat, which helps the Elantra compete with roomier rivals such as the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. In our testing, the Elantra fit six carry-on suitcases inside its trunk.
