2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, shedding its previous unremarkable appearance for a striking new look. The redesign introduced a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, carved out its own unique identity with distinctive creases and folds forming a "Z" shape on the doors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The Elantra was available in four trim levels in Canada, with the N Line trim adding sporty styling elements and a black interior, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its bland beginnings to a sharper, sportier design in its sixth generation. Available in three trim levels in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's hallmark V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance with a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, our test car, added gloss black accents and sporty elements, elevating its visual appeal. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials, providing a premium feel. However, the Altima's rear visibility was compromised by its high rear shelf and sloping roofline, making it challenging to see out the back.

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, paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed DCT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet 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, while the larger front brake rotors provided improved stopping power.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While the Altima's acceleration was mediocre, its AWD system provided added traction. The Altima's suspension offered a smooth and composed ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control, and the cabin remained quiet and refined. However, the engine noise and uninspiring acceleration detracted from its overall performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a compact size that made it easy to navigate tight spaces. Its interior provided excellent visibility and comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to get in and out. The Elantra's rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, but taller adults might find the sloped roofline limiting headroom. The trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, though the narrow opening made accessing the rear area challenging. The lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and an accessible back seat. Its trunk offered 437 litres of space, larger than the Elantra's but smaller than some competitors. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, though the rear camera display helped when backing up. The trunk's metal bar supports required caution when closing the lid to avoid crushing items.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch display audio 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 fully digital instrument cluster. The N Line trim in Canada came with the Bose system, enhancing the audio experience. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the six-speaker setup in the U.S. N Line was merely adequate.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR trim added navigation and connected services, while the Platinum trim offered a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima's tech included traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and ProPilot Assist, which assisted with acceleration, steering, and braking tasks. The tech worked flawlessly during testing, providing a seamless experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also boasted a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and more. The Altima received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" designation. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation features received high ratings, ensuring a safe driving experience.