2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Cadillac CT5

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its seventh-generation redesign, moving away from its previous unremarkable appearance. The new design featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, creating a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, had its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds forming a "Z" shape on the sides. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average feel for the compact car class, despite some hard plastic elements. The Elantra was available in four trim levels, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements like N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac CT5 stood out in Southern California, where Asian and German luxury cars dominated the roads. The CT5-V test vehicle, in a unique light gray metallic color called Rift, attracted attention with its 19-inch aluminum wheels and perfectly proportioned design. The CT5-V, positioned between the standard CT5 and the performance-tuned CT5-V Blackwing, offered a sporty version of the midsize luxury sedan. The interior of the CT5-V displayed a mix of high-quality materials and inexpensive details, with leather, matte-finish buttons, and polished metallic accents. However, hard plastic panels and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall impression. The CT5-V came equipped with standard ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, making its technology approachable and user-friendly.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, with the SE, SEL, and Limited trims featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, providing adequate performance for most buyers. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, electric motor, and lithium-ion battery, delivered 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive fuel economy. The N Line trim, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, provided a more engaging driving experience with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced its ride and handling dynamics.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 360 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the base engines of its German rivals. The CT5-V could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, though it felt slower than it sounded. The 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential, with paddle shifters available for manual control. The CT5-V offered various driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, My Mode, and V-Mode, allowing drivers to customize the car's performance characteristics. The performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control adaptive damping suspension and Brembo front brakes contributed to the CT5-V's outstanding balance, body control, and grip. However, the steering lacked feel and feedback, and the car's overall refinement was lacking, with noticeable road noise and suspension racket.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size making it easy to navigate tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. The Elantra's seats were comfortable, though the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit. The rear seat provided enough space for three children, though taller adults would find more comfort in the front due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, accommodating a weekend's worth of luggage, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V, built on the same platform as the smaller CT4 and Chevrolet Camaro, offered a roomier and more comfortable interior. The standard 18-way power-adjustable front performance seats, wrapped in Inteluxe artificial leather, provided good comfort and support. However, the rear seats were trickier to access due to the door frame design. Once seated, rear passengers enjoyed a slightly reclined backrest and excellent thigh support, though the plastic front seatback panels detracted from the overall quality. The CT5-V's trunk, with 11.9 cubic feet of cargo space, was small and narrow, requiring careful packing. Hidden storage under the trunk floor and a deep well for items like wine bottles added some practicality.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, considering its price point. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with a rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims included an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key, available on select trims, allowed for keyless entry and start via an Android-compatible smartphone.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V excelled in technology, with the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and OnStar services. The CT5-V included wireless smartphone charging, Alexa Built-in, and a Bose 15-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system's simplicity and user-friendly controls were highlights, with stereo volume and radio tuning controls conveniently located on the center console. Optional features included an embedded navigation system, head-up display, high-definition surround-view camera, and Performance Data Recorder.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra prioritized safety with its standard SmartSense suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist 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 in all crash tests, though lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5 came equipped with the standard Cadillac Smart System, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The CT5-V added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic rear braking. The optional Super Cruise 1 Package provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways, with automated lane-change functionality. While Super Cruise impressed with its capabilities, drivers still needed to remain attentive, as occasional issues required manual intervention.