2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious look, while the availability of vibrant paint colours and two-tone schemes added flair. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and roomy second row enhanced comfort, although the centre seat was less accommodating. The trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split for larger items.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a dramatic redesign, adopting a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. Its longer wheelbase and lower roofline gave it a unique personality, with distinctive creases forming a "Z" shape on the sides. The interior saw improvements in material quality, with a focus on advanced tech features. The Elantra offered four trim levels, including a hybrid option, and the N Line added sporty elements like N Line design fascias and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though the low seating position could be less comfortable on long drives.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance, with fuel consumption figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it a balanced choice for fuel efficiency and daily driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre engine with 147 horsepower and a hybrid variant with a 1.6-litre engine and electric motor, delivering 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line 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 handling, while the DCT provided crisp shifts. The Elantra's drive modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, with Smart mode balancing fuel economy and sportiness.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included USB ports, a 12-volt port, and ample storage options. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long rides, with heated seats standard and power adjustments available on higher trims. The Sentra's trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split for larger items.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in usability, with clear instrumentation and controls. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the interior offered good visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a narrow opening due to the sloping roofline. 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 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM on higher trims, with a premium Bose system available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch on higher trims. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration provided access to navigation apps.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its tech offerings, including an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base model. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line tested had an 8-inch display with wireless connectivity, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a value-focused approach to safety, with features like automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Higher trims included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with some variations based on headlight type.