2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation from its previous iterations, shedding its unassuming rental-car image for a bold new design. The seventh-generation model boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, featured unique elements like a "Z" shape formed by the creases and folds on its doors, giving it a distinct personality. Inside, the Elantra's cabin saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class, despite some hard plastics. The N Line trim added sporty elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX maintained a more subtle appearance, with a 5-centimetre wider body and a signature hood scoop. The front fascia featured a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights, while the side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics. The rear fenders flared outward, and the taillights had a multifaceted design. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fibre-pattern trim accents. The seats, available in various materials, provided ample support and comfort, making the WRX a viable commuter vehicle.

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 either 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 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim, aimed at driving enthusiasts, came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, while the larger front brake rotors provided more stopping power.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power improvement over the previous generation was minimal, the WRX's standard AWD system and choice of a six-speed manual or CVT transmission provided versatility. The manual transmission offered a satisfying driving experience, with precise gear shifts and a responsive clutch pedal. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, reduced body roll and improved ride quality, making it a capable performer on challenging roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered comfortable seating and excellent visibility, although the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat provided adequate space for children, but 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 despite a narrow opening. However, the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a drawback for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a cargo capacity of 354 litres, expandable with the rear seat's 60/40 split-fold function. The sport seats provided ample support and comfort, making the WRX a viable commuter vehicle. The inclusion of standard AWD added to its practicality, making it a strong contender in the performance-focused sedan market.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity 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, while the U.S. version had a six-speaker setup. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with seamless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, equipped with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen on Sport trims and higher. While the system had some quirks, it was visually impressive and easy to operate. The base trim had a unique dual 7-inch display setup. The WRX also offered an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system on higher trims, providing a premium audio experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other driver-assist technologies, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning, were standard on higher trims. The Elantra received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the latter awarding "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied depending on the transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and it came with seven airbags as standard equipment.