2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued to build on its legacy of segment-defining models, with its 10th-generation design still turning heads years after its debut. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, offered a sleek and somewhat polarizing design that either captivated or divided opinions. The Touring trim, in particular, stood out with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Civic's cabin, though showing signs of age, maintained its reputation for quality materials and thoughtful design, albeit with a somewhat outdated infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous rental-car image for a bold, coupe-like silhouette. The Elantra's exterior, with its longer wheelbase and lower roofline, exuded a unique personality, distinct from its midsize Sonata sibling. Inside, the Elantra impressed with improved material quality and a modern design, though some hard plastics were noted. The N Line trim added sporty elements, enhancing the car's appeal to driving enthusiasts. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the abundance of hard plastics, the Elantra's interior offered a compelling blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided a spirited driving experience with 162 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. While the Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering delivered excellent ride and handling, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a point of contention, with its droning nature detracting from the overall driving experience. However, the Civic's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre engine with 147 horsepower and a hybrid variant with a combined output of 139 horsepower. The N Line trim, however, stood out with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the N Line provided an engaging driving experience, though the DCT could be clunky at low speeds. The Elantra's drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, allowed for a tailored driving experience, with the N Line's sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes enhancing its dynamic capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior akin to a decade-old midsize car. The front seats provided comfort and adjustability, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's centre console was a highlight, offering ample storage space, while the trunk boasted 428 litres of cargo capacity, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, with its compact size, excelled in manoeuvrability and offered a comfortable cabin with excellent visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find the sloped roofline limiting headroom. The Elantra's trunk, with 402 litres of cargo space, was adequate for most needs, though the narrow opening posed a challenge. The lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience, but overall, the Elantra proved to be a practical choice for small families.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings were somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though the premium sound system was a notable improvement over the standard setup.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base trim. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim, tested with the 8-inch display, offered seamless smartphone integration, though the six-speaker audio system was merely adequate.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which used a camera for blind-spot monitoring, was limited to the right side and lacked a traditional radar-based system. Despite these limitations, the Civic earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with most driver-assist technologies standard on all but the base trim. These included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. The Elantra received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with higher trims featuring additional safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking.