Hyundai Elantra: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
Most significant changes: A performance-focused Elantra N arrives later with a 276-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Other upgrades include a sport-tuned suspension and steering, multilink independent rear suspension, larger front brake rotors and 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, plus various cosmetic tweaks.
Pricing: A base Elantra SE starts at $20,875 including destination charges, an increase of $200 over model-year 2021. Other trims’ prices rise by $150-$200, topping out at $29,275 for a Limited Hybrid with destination, which has increased by $20 across the board.
On sale: Now for most variants; late availability for N
Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? With no notable changes other than a price increase on all trims other than the N Line, the best bet would be to look for a 2021 model. But if you’re interested in the more potent performance model, you might want to wait.
The Hyundai Elantra compact sedan enters the 2022 model year with relatively few significant changes, but the introduction of a new performance N model gives shoppers looking for a zesty alternative to the Honda Civic Type R something to consider.
Related: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N: Your Move, Honda
Features and Safety Tech
Base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims add a larger 10.25-inch multimedia system with navigation and voice recognition, but lose the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of a tethered connection. Other available niceties include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof and leather seats.
Standard safety features include forward collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning with intervention, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, automatic high beams, rear-seat occupant alert and a driver attention monitor. Available safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning detection; dynamic cruise control with full-stop capability; semi-autonomous highway driving assist; and parking assist.
Engine
Regular Elantra SE, SEL and Limited trims use a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The sport-oriented N Line is powered by a turbo four-cylinder with 201 hp and a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The performance-oriented N uses a 276-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Hybrid models match a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a battery-electric hybrid system for a total of 139 system hp, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Interior
The Elantra interior is well built and roomy for the category, with seating for five. The overall look and feel trails class leaders such as the Honda Civic and Mazda3, however. Base trims use cloth upholstery; leather is available on higher trims.
More From Cars.com:
- 2021 Hyundai Elantra: 6 Things We Like (and 3 Not So Much)
- Redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra Starts at $20,645; Here’s What You Get
- 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line: More Go, More Show
- What Is a Compact Car?
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