2022 Subaru WRX 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 styling was further enhanced with higher trim levels, offering a more sophisticated and high-tech cabin experience. The interior, especially in the Ultimate trim, was modern and upscale, with light gray seats and contrasting elements that elevated the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX presented a more subtle exterior design, despite being 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. The front end maintained a modest appearance, highlighted by a signature hood scoop and a small hexagonal grille. The side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured dramatic fender flares and a large plastic bumper, with taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The WRX's overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the cladding could be distracting on brightly coloured models. Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish, with sporty elements like a D-shaped steering wheel and carbon-fibre-pattern trim accents.

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 combined a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, generating 139 horsepower and achieving 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 delivering 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra N's performance was enhanced by an electronic limited-slip differential and an electronically controlled suspension, making it a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase from the previous generation was minimal, the WRX's all-wheel-drive system and available six-speed manual transmission provided a satisfying driving experience. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The CVT option, known as the Subaru Performance Transmission, featured eight shift points and faster gear changes, though the manual transmission remained the preferred choice for most buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom, comparable to the larger Sonata sedan, though it lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra's use of hard plastic for the upper door panels and the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while not offering a hatchback option, increased its cargo capacity to 354 litres, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for additional space. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery materials depending on the trim level. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and forgiving clutch made it a practical choice for daily commuting, despite its performance-oriented nature.

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, though wireless smartphone integration was lost with this upgrade. The Elantra also included a Bose premium audio system and a dynamic natural voice recognition system, enhancing the overall tech experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen display in Sport trims and higher, with physical controls for essential functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter's integration was less seamless. The base trim featured a unique dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available, providing impressive audio quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most trims included Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, featuring forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking, enhancing the Elantra's safety credentials.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and the car came standard with seven airbags.