2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 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. This redesign introduced a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling, while reminiscent of the midsize Sonata sedan, boasts its own unique personality, with distinctive creases and folds on the doors creating a "Z" shape. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw improvements in material quality, offering a slightly above-average experience for the compact car class. While some hard plastics were present, the overall package, including advanced tech features, was considered a fair tradeoff for its starting price. The Elantra was available in four trim levels in Canada, with the N Line offering sporty styling elements and a black interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima aimed to maintain its presence in the family car segment with updated front styling, a revised grille design, and new wheel designs. The higher trim levels, featuring 19-inch wheels, enhanced the Altima's visual presence, though the wheels appeared vulnerable to curb damage. The Altima continued to stand out in the Canadian market as the only mid-size sedan with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). However, the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. The Altima's interior, while appealing, featured an abundance of hard plastic, and the new simulated wood dashboard trim failed to impress. Despite these drawbacks, the Altima's interior was comfortable, with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats providing exceptional support. The Altima's trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, though it lacked a grip or handle for easy closure.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, with the Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line trim, designed for driving enthusiasts, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provided a dynamic driving experience, though it could be clunky at low rpm. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and revised powertrain mounts enhanced its ride and handling dynamics, making it a compelling package for those seeking a sporty drive.

In comparison, the 2023 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The standard AWD system delivered power to the rear wheels as needed. While the Altima's power was adequate, its performance was merely satisfactory, with disappointing fuel economy. The CVT, however, did a decent job of mimicking a traditional automatic. The Altima's ride was firm, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps and rough roads. Rear visibility was poor, necessitating reliance on the reversing camera and rear cross-traffic alert system. In mountainous terrain, the Altima displayed commendable grip but lacked engaging steering dynamics.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, with its compact size aiding in navigating tight spaces. The interior offered clear instrumentation and controls, along with ample storage options. While the N Line's low seating position required extra effort to enter and exit, the Elantra provided excellent outward visibility. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults would prefer the front seats due to limited headroom. The Elantra's trunk, with 402 litres of cargo space, was adequate for most needs, though the narrow trunk opening posed a challenge. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents was a minor inconvenience.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered a simple and comfortable interior, with controls laid out logically and easy-to-read analog gauges. Nissan's Zero Gravity seats provided exceptional comfort, though the sticky leather upholstery could hinder entry and exit. The Altima featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit more challenging. Interior storage was reasonable, with door panel trays and a centre armrest storage bin. The Altima's trunk, with 437 litres of cargo space, was smaller than some competitors but usefully shaped. The floor mats' design posed a potential safety hazard, as they were difficult to release without damaging the carpet.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, including an 8-inch display audio touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose premium 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 Apple CarPlay integration, though the six-speaker audio system's performance was only adequate.

In Canada, the 2023 Nissan Altima came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L service. The SR Premium and Platinum trims featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker premium audio system, available with higher trims, delivered mixed performance. The 12.3-inch infotainment system represented a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and graphics. Voice recognition technology performed well, though it couldn't adjust the climate system.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra prioritized safety with a suite of driver-assist technologies, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. Higher trims offered features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist. 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 2023 Nissan Altima featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.