2022 Toyota Camry vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in its TRD variant, made a striking impression with its bold Cavalry Blue paint, a new addition exclusive to this model. This eye-catching hue, along with the aerodynamic body kit and sporty design elements like matte-black 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers, set the TRD apart from other Camry versions. Despite its aggressive styling, the Camry's design was not universally appealing, with some finding it an acquired taste. Inside, the Camry TRD featured a driver-oriented centre console and an unusual dashboard layout, though the red gauge illumination and accents were considered tacky by some.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a design that was both stylish and practical, appealing to a broad audience. The Elantra's exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but its interior was praised for its originality and upscale feel, especially in the Luxury trim. The light grey leather seats and high-tech displays provided a sharp contrast against the black cabin, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. However, the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor letdown in an otherwise impressive interior.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Camry TRD offered a spirited driving experience, enhanced by a Sport mode and paddle shifters. Despite its performance-oriented setup, the Camry TRD managed a fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the official rating. The car's track-tuned dynamics, including stiffer suspension and larger brakes, contributed to its solid and planted feel, though the lack of all-wheel drive was noted as a drawback.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, while not as powerful, provided a surprisingly engaging drive. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Despite its modest power, the Elantra Luxury was peppy and achieved a fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km during testing. The car's handling was composed and predictable, aided by 17-inch alloy wheels and a well-tuned suspension. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some shuddering under heavy use.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD offered a sporty driving position with comfortable front seats, though they lacked additional bolstering. The rear seat accommodated two adults comfortably, but the fixed rear seatback limited cargo flexibility. The trunk provided 428 litres of space, smaller than some competitors, but the Camry compensated with ample in-cabin storage.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior for a compact car. The Luxury model featured comfortable leather seats and dual-zone climate control, though rear-seat amenities were lacking. The trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility. The Elantra's proximity-sensing keyless entry and hands-free trunk release added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The TRD model upgraded to a 9-inch display with a JBL premium audio system, though it lacked advanced navigation and voice recognition features. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy access.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital displays, available in higher trims. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system, though only Bluetooth supported wireless connections. The voice recognition system had mixed results, and the Bose audio system fell short of expectations. The Elantra also featured Digital Key technology for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Camry received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra boasted an extensive array of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with only a slight dip in frontal crash protection.