2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included Parametric surfacing for both the interior and exterior. A unique Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, as explained by senior designer Davis Lee, was intended to break conventional design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering a more upscale look and feel, especially in the Ultimate trim with its light gray interior that contrasted starkly against the black cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, while mostly a carryover from previous models, surprised with its futuristic and expressive exterior design. The front end featured a sneering face and muscular features, complemented by alloy wheels that varied in size depending on the trim level. Inside, the Camry Hybrid continued the futuristic theme with a wild dashboard design and a spacious, comfortable second row. Toyota's attention to fit and finish was evident, with high-quality materials and smooth, glossy paint and trim throughout the vehicle.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for urban driving but felt underwhelming on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and was more satisfying to drive due to its instant electric torque and six-speed DCT. The Elantra N Line and N models offered more performance-oriented options, with the N Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, and the Elantra N boasting a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 276 horsepower, providing an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, with entry-level LE models achieving impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, and paddle shifters on SE and XSE models simulated a six-speed transmission. The Camry Hybrid's handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity due to the battery pack's placement, offering a more engaging driving experience compared to the gasoline-only Camry.

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. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and the use of hard plastic for the upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, though the backrest shape and angle left something to be desired. The trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and ease of use. The driver and front passenger seats offered ample storage options, and the second row was spacious and comfortable. The Camry Hybrid's trunk provided 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty for the hybrid battery.

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 offered a Bose premium audio system and a dynamic natural voice recognition system.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with Toyota’s latest technology features, including a JBL premium audio system with nine speakers on the XLE model. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility were standard across all models, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch touchscreen on other trims. The Camry Hybrid also offered a 10-inch colour head-up display on XSE and XLE models, along with advanced safety features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most models came with Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra also offered cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also included Toyota’s Star safety system and 10 airbags. It received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.