2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its claim of having all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast. The eighth-generation GTI was longer and lower, maintaining the same wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving the nimbleness and quickness characteristic of earlier models. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, featuring a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and the signature red accent line across the front. Optional features like a light bar added drama to the front end, especially at night. Aerodynamic enhancements, such as redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling, were subtle yet effective. The GTI came with red brake calipers and wheel sizes varying by trim, with a range of staple and vibrant colour options. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats as standard on base and Autobahn trims, with leather upholstery on the Performance trim, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse lineup catering to various preferences, from the budget-friendly base model to the more upscale Luxury trim. The Elantra Hybrid option offered impressive fuel efficiency, while the sporty Elantra N Line Ultimate and performance-tuned Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts. The exterior design was somewhat polarizing, appealing to some but not all. Inside, the Elantra Luxury's cabin was a standout, featuring light grey leather seats contrasting with a black cabin, ambient lighting, and high-tech displays, though marred by hard plastic on the upper door panels. The Elantra's interior was anything but entry-level, offering a comfortable and stylish experience, albeit with some minor disappointments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the 1983 GTI, boasted a significant power increase to 241 horsepower from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This updated EA888 engine, with integrated exhaust headers, delivered peak horsepower at 5,000 rpm and an impressive 273 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,750 rpm. The GTI's power was transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city and 7.0 L/100 km highway with the automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension, with lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs, combined with electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential and various drive modes, provided exceptional handling and a comfortable ride. The top-tier Performance trim offered the DCC adaptive damping system for enhanced driving dynamics.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite modest power figures, the Elantra Luxury delivered a peppy driving experience and achieved a fuel economy close to its official rating of 6.7 L/100 km. The Elantra's driving dynamics were surprisingly composed, with a communicative ride, well-calibrated brakes, and quiet highway performance. The 17-inch alloy wheels and suspension contributed to a stable and predictable ride, though the steering lacked sharpness. The Elantra Luxury's driving dynamics exceeded expectations, offering a pleasant surprise despite its modest specs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, as the original hot hatch, balanced performance and practicality with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was generous, providing comfort for passengers, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra combined style with practicality, offering a spacious interior for a family of four. The test vehicle featured proximity-sensing keyless entry, a comfortable leather-wrapped driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free release feature on some models, and a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims, offering Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Performance trim boasted a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access features, though touch-capacitive controls were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition had limitations. The Elantra Luxury included a Bose premium audio system, though sound quality was not as impressive as in some rivals. Digital Key technology allowed a compatible smartphone to function as the vehicle's key.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, including Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive package of standard features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Elantra Luxury added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.