2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the art of automotive design, reflecting a dynamic and athletic persona. Its sleek, forward-leaning stance and elegant proportions gave it a sense of motion even when stationary. The fast roofline and distinctive spindle grille added to its sporty and assertive appearance, while the flawless paint and chrome finishes underscored its luxury status. Inside, the IS offered a modern and bold aesthetic, with a simple yet stylish dashboard and a retro hi-fi vibe in the centre stack. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in this otherwise contemporary setting.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unassuming image. The new Elantra boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. Its unique exterior styling, with distinctive creases forming a "Z" shape, set it apart from competitors. Inside, the Elantra's cabin was a step above the norm for its class, offering improved material quality and a modern design. Despite some hard plastics, the overall interior experience was enhanced by advanced technology and thoughtful design elements.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered to excel in the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AWD variant had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 AWD offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS achieved a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 litres per 100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor for a total output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line variant featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics. The Elantra's fuel economy was impressive, especially in Smart mode, which balanced performance and efficiency.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with an adjustable driver position and supportive seats, including heated and ventilated options in the F Sport trim. The interior featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, offering a leather-like feel without the maintenance. Storage options were ample, with various compartments and cupholders. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited. The trunk provided 305.8 litres of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with comfortable seating. The Elantra's rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited. The trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, though the narrow opening required strategic packing. The Elantra's moonroof had a droning noise issue when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with various connected services. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect were included, with trial subscriptions for certain features. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout option, delivering exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation and other services could be a drawback for some buyers.

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 digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the wireless device charging was a convenient addition. However, only wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the larger touchscreen.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS also featured a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a robust suite of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Higher trims included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS.