2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with the likes of the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord with a wider, restyled grille, giving it a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord's LED headlights and lowlights provided excellent nighttime visibility, and the new alloy wheel designs added a touch of sophistication. The interior was well-appointed, with cloth seats in lower trims and leather-trimmed seats in higher trims, offering a more upscale feel than some competitors. The Canada-exclusive SE trim added unique features, making the Accord a versatile choice for various buyers.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, boasting a striking new look that set it apart from its predecessors. The Elantra's longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline contributed to its dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The exterior styling, with its unique creases and folds, gave the Elantra a distinct personality. Inside, the Elantra's material quality was slightly above average for its class, despite some hard plastics. The Elantra offered a range of trims, including the sporty N Line, which featured unique design elements and a more engaging driving experience. Overall, the Elantra's redesign made it a compelling choice for those seeking style and substance in a compact sedan.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, available in the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims, delivered 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the Accord lacked all-wheel drive, its front-wheel-drive setup offered engaging driving dynamics. The 1.5-litre engine achieved a combined fuel economy of 7.2 to 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Accord's braking system was upgraded for smoother engagement, enhancing overall performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provided multiple powertrain options, catering to a wide range of drivers. The standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, available on the Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims, produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed manual transmission on the Essential trim, while a CVT was optional on the Essential and standard on other trims. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a fun choice for enthusiasts. The Elantra's various drive modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, balancing fuel efficiency and performance.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with daily drivability in mind, offering a spacious and comfortable interior for five passengers. The front and rear seats provided ample head-, hip-, and legroom, accommodating larger occupants with ease. Standard convenience features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, allowing for pass-through access to the 473-litre trunk, which offered generous cargo space. The cabin layout was intuitive, with essential controls within easy reach of the driver. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord's overall design prioritized practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior was well-designed, with clear instrumentation and controls. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The car provided excellent outward visibility, and despite its compact size, passengers didn't feel cramped. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The Elantra's 402-litre trunk offered adequate cargo space, though the narrow opening posed a challenge for larger items. The power moonroof's droning noise and lack of rear USB ports and air vents were minor drawbacks.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered a robust suite of technology features, starting with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims featured an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base Essential trim featured an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim tested had the 8-inch display and six-speaker setup, which provided adequate audio performance. The Elantra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a value-focused approach to safety, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Most driver-assist features were optional on the Essential trim and standard on others, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.