2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a striking new look. This redesign introduced a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette that set it apart from its predecessors. The Elantra's exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, boasted its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds on the doors creating a "Z" shape that added character. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class, despite some hard plastic elements. The Elantra was available in four trim levels in Canada, with the N Line trim adding sporty styling elements and features like N Line brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the hatchback market, with its redesigned model produced in North America. The Civic hatchback shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors to the rear, giving it a distinct appearance. The Sport Touring trim added sophistication with digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, while the interior boasted high-quality materials and comfortable seating. However, the Civic hatchback's design still suffered from a "stubby butt syndrome" when viewed from certain angles. Despite this, the Civic hatchback offered a practical and enjoyable driving experience, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, available with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line trim provided a more spirited driving experience with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The latter engine provided accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it a lively performer. The Civic hatchback featured a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission, with the CVT offering smooth operation and paddle shifters for a more engaging experience. The Civic's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and enjoyable ride, though it was not as sporty as some might desire. The Sport Touring trim, with its manual transmission, offered a more engaging driving experience, but the car's overall focus was on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its practicality and ease of use. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, while the interior offered clear instrumentation and controls. The Elantra's seating was comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to get in and out. The rear seat provided adequate space for children, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roof. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, accommodating a variety of items, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge for accessing the rear area. Some drawbacks included a droning noise from the moonroof when fully open and a lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade for easy loading. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. The Civic's seating was comfortable, with the Sport Touring trim offering eight-way power adjustment for the driver and heated front and rear seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, and rear passengers missed having air conditioning vents. The Civic's interior featured high-quality materials and thoughtful design, with automatic climate control and a dual-zone system in higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a surprising level of technology for its price. The base Essential trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim in Canada included the Bose system, enhancing the audio experience. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy smartphone integration, though the six-speaker audio system in the U.S. N Line trim was only adequate.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with the LX and Sport trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone connectivity. The Sport Touring trim offered a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound system controls addressed previous criticisms, and the voice recognition system worked effectively. The Civic's digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring offering a comprehensive 10.2-inch display panel.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra prioritized safety with a suite of driver-assist features. Automatic emergency braking was standard, while other features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning were available on higher trims. The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features like low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist were available with the CVT. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and new frontal-impact airbags. The driver aids worked well, though some functions were not entirely transparent to the driver.