2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, minor exterior styling tweaks, and enhanced infotainment options. The Jetta Highline trim, in particular, showcased these changes with a more aggressive profile, thanks to its redesigned front fascia and grille adorned with chrome accents. The exterior updates were so subtle that they were almost unnoticeable at first glance. Inside, the Jetta offered a refined cabin with new cloth seat patterns and contrast stitching, adding a premium touch. The Highline trim boasted a two-tone leather interior option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard across the lineup, with the Highline trim featuring the more advanced 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a more striking and somewhat controversial exterior design. The Elantra Luxury trim, our focus, exuded an upscale feel with its light grey leather seats and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated cabin atmosphere. Despite its stylish appearance, the Elantra maintained practicality and utility, offering ample space for a family of four. The interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, although rear-seat passengers might find the seating position less comfortable. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature available on some models. Overall, the Elantra combined style with functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and practicality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaced the previous 1.4-litre turbo-four, offering a slight increase in horsepower. The Jetta came with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as the standard configuration. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km in the city and 5.5 on the highway for the manual transmission, and slightly better figures for the automatic. However, the Jetta's powertrain had its drawbacks, with a touchy throttle and some turbo lag. The driving experience was somewhat tepid, with steering feedback feeling detached, although Sport mode offered a slight improvement.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Elantra's driving dynamics were surprisingly peppy, despite its modest power output. The Elantra achieved a fuel economy rating of 6.7 L/100 km, coming close to its official NRCan rating during testing. The Elantra's ride and handling were commendable, with a compliant ride and suitable steering effort levels. On the highway, the Elantra was notably quiet for its segment. While not as sporty as the Elantra N Line Ultimate or Elantra N, the Luxury trim offered consistent handling qualities, making it a pleasant surprise in terms of driving dynamics.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was driver-centric, with well-placed controls for climate, audio, and seat functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. However, the centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was an unusual omission. Overall, the Jetta's interior was practical and comfortable, with thoughtful ergonomics.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra, while stylish, did not compromise on practicality. The Elantra offered a roomy interior, suitable for a family of four. The Luxury model featured a leather-wrapped driver's seat with manual adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat passengers might find the seating position less comfortable, and the Elantra lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature available on some models. The Elantra's interior combined style with functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Highline trim offered the more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display and additional widgets for navigation and driver-assist systems. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink integration. The Jetta Highline also featured premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In 2023, Hyundai expanded the availability of the Elantra's 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays to the Luxury, Hybrid, and N Line Ultimate trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB connection for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Elantra Luxury came with a Bose premium audio system, although its sound quality was not as impressive as expected. The Elantra also featured Digital Key technology, transforming a compatible smartphone into the vehicle's key, adding a modern touch to its technology suite.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. However, the Jetta fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the updated side crash test. The NHTSA awarded the Jetta a five-star overall safety rating.

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-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added features like a safe exit warning system, cyclist detection, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra's driving assist systems were smooth and subtle, providing a reassuring driving experience. The 2023 Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.