2022 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, a result of 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. Lower-grade interiors, however, appeared drab with noticeable glossy black plastic.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its 2020 redesign, presenting a modern, low-slung, and coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a well-executed version of Nissan's current design language. The interior of the Sentra was a highlight, with a modern yet simple layout that combined form and function. The front cabin featured a touchscreen rising from the dash, serving as the visual centrepiece. The Sentra was available in various trims, each offering different features and enhancements, such as the Midnight Edition package with dark accents and unique badging.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid used a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, generating 139 horsepower and offering impressive fuel efficiency. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower. The Elantra N provided a thrilling driving experience with its electronically controlled suspension and advanced performance features.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The Sentra's CVT managed power well, providing satisfactory performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions adequately, making it suitable for commuting and road trips. However, the Sentra's performance was not as dynamic as the Elantra's, particularly in its high-performance variants.

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 Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra lacked certain features like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear-seat air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, slightly more than the Elantra. The Sentra's trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, although the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior provided ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with convenient storage options in the front row.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen. The Elantra's infotainment system included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but lacked wireless connectivity. The Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials, though the graphics could use updating.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with advanced safety features, including SmartSense, which offered forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims included additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Sentra received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award.