2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a staple in the muscle car segment, continued to captivate buyers with its robust lineup of variants, including the high-performance SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite its decade-old design, the Charger maintained its appeal through subtle styling cues and a wide array of customization options, such as wheel choices and exterior colours. The car's widebody format added an athletic flair, while the interior, though improved over the years, still lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points. The Charger offered a utilitarian interior with standard cloth seats and optional Nappa leather, but its technology and comfort features lagged behind more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a transformative redesign, emerging with a bold, coupe-like silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. The Elantra's exterior boasted unique styling elements, including a distinctive "Z" shape on its sides, while the interior saw significant improvements in material quality and technology. Despite some hard plastics, the Elantra offered a well-equipped cabin with advanced tech features, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The N Line variant added sporty touches, enhancing the driving experience with its dynamic design and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The base models, including the SXT and GT, featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The R/T variant stepped up with a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, while the Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The pinnacle of the lineup, the SRT Hellcat Redeye, featured a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, generating an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Charger offered a connected driving experience, with configurable drive modes and Brembo brakes enhancing its performance on both the track and the street.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provided a variety of powertrain options, catering to different driving needs. The Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with a choice of a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line variant offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling, making it a fun and engaging drive. Despite some clunkiness at low rpm, the DCT provided crisp shifts, and the drive modes allowed for a tailored driving experience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced performance with practicality, offering a spacious back seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional cargo space. The interior, though dated, featured a functional steering wheel with easy-to-reach controls. Paddle shifters were available on most models, though their placement could lead to accidental gear changes. The Charger's trunk space was average for its class, providing adequate storage for everyday needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, despite its compact size, offered a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior. The car's design facilitated easy navigation through tight spaces, while the clear instrumentation and controls enhanced usability. The Elantra's back seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom. The trunk, with a capacity of 402 litres, provided ample space for luggage, though the narrow opening posed a challenge for larger items. The Elantra's moonroof, while a nice feature, produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Optional upgrades included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, and navigation. The Uconnect infotainment system, though user-friendly, lacked the latest updates and larger screens found in other Dodge models, limiting its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base Essential trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line's infotainment system, though lacking factory navigation, offered seamless smartphone integration. The six-speaker audio system, while adequate, fell short of the premium sound experience provided by the Bose system in other trims.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including brake assist, electronic stability control, and rear park assist. Optional safety packages added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated the structurally similar 2020 model with "Good" crashworthiness ratings but "Poor" marks for headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, while higher trims added a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. These features performed well during testing, providing a safe and confident driving experience.