2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering a thrilling driving experience. With its naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, it echoed the spirit of the original IS F. The car's design was subtly aggressive, featuring a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, while the interior offered a blend of luxury and sportiness. Despite its high price tag, the IS 500 provided a balance of emotional excitement and everyday comfort, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant transformation with its 2021 redesign, emerging with a bold and distinctive look. The seventh-generation model boasted a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a sleek four-door-coupe silhouette. Inside, the Elantra's cabin was a step above its predecessor, offering improved material quality and a modern design. While some hard plastics were present, the overall interior experience was enhanced by advanced technology and a user-friendly layout. The Elantra's design and features made it an attractive option for those seeking style and practicality in a compact sedan.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, featuring a 5.0-litre V8 engine that delivered 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan was equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offering a dynamic driving experience. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and impressive stability. Despite its weight, the IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, showcasing its performance capabilities. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For those seeking better fuel economy, the Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N Line variant featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, making it a fun and engaging drive.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats provided excellent support and a snug fit, while the rear seats were adequate for average-sized adults. However, the IS 500's trunk space was limited, measuring just 305 litres. The control layout was intuitive, with clearly marked buttons and knobs, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin for a compact sedan. Despite its low seating position, the Elantra provided excellent visibility and ample storage options. The rear seats accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, though the narrow opening could be challenging for larger items. Some drawbacks included the lack of rear USB ports and air conditioning vents, which could be inconvenient for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The 8-inch touchscreen came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was a standout feature, providing accurate and efficient responses to voice queries.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its technology offerings, especially considering its price point. The base Essential trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims, such as the Ultimate and N Line, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was easy to use, and the wireless device charging added convenience. However, only wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the larger touchscreen.

The 2022 Lexus IS came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. While the system generally performed well, some features, like the low-speed automatic braking, could be overly sensitive in certain situations. The IS received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a robust set of safety features, with automatic emergency braking standard across all trims. Other driver-assist technologies, such as lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring, were standard on most trims. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking. The Elantra received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests.