2022 Lexus ES vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan category with its bold and distinctive design, thanks to Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language. The car featured sharp creases and dramatic angles, creating an appealing and unique look. A notable design element was the Z-shaped dent in the doors, which broke conventional design rules and added character to the vehicle. The Elantra's interior varied in quality depending on the trim level, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with its light gray seats and contrasting black cabin. However, lower-grade interiors were less impressive, with drab black leatherette and noticeable glossy plastic.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, maintained its elegant and sleek design, though it was not overly striking. The sedan featured a prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes, which were a matter of taste. The interior was well-assembled with an asymmetrical dashboard that provided a cockpit feel for the driver. The F Sport package added bold two-tone leather seating, which seemed sportier than the rest of the car. Despite its odd dash design, the ES's interior was functional, with a small analog chronometer adding a touch of heritage. The ES's design aimed to balance attracting younger buyers while retaining its loyal, older demographic.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for 139 horsepower. The Elantra's performance varied across models, with the Elantra N providing an exhilarating driving experience, while the standard model felt less powerful on highways.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, while the ES 350 had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 307 horsepower. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower. The ES 250 AWD offered all-wheel drive, but its performance was underwhelming for a luxury sedan. The ES 350's V6 provided more engaging driving, and the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy. Overall, the ES prioritized smooth handling and comfort over sporty performance.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Lexus ES provided 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through behind the centre armrest for long items. The ES 250 and ES 350 featured flat-folding rear seats, enhancing cargo capacity. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES offered heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage. The ES's interior was functional, with a big glove compartment and hydration-friendly cupholders.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen. The infotainment system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function. A Bose premium audio system was available, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also featured a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist with auto braking.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most models included SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), featuring forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Safety upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ES also featured blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and up to 10 years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.