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The 2022 Hyundai Elantra puts real pressure on big names from Honda, Toyota, and Mazda thanks to great new technology and power.
2022 Hyundai Elantra – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2022 Hyundai Elantra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra?
Introduced only last year, the seventh generation Elantra won’t get many changes for the 2022 model year. What it does get though is a very special trim level that tops the range called the Elantra N. More on that a bit later.
The Breakdown
Elantra N is seriously good
Best warranty in the market
Design punches above its weight
Rear seats are drab
Weak base engine
No wireless connectivity for larger infotainment
AWD would be nice
2022 Elantra Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 14.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Base infotainment has wireless connectivity
- 5-Star rating from NHTSA
- 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain coverage
2022 Hyundai Elantra Powertrain
Few cars have such a wide performance gap between trims as the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. At the bottom end, it’s a serviceable car that can get the job done. It’s not fun, but it provides average feedback through the wheel and pedals. The 2.0-liter engine is objectively underpowered and the CVT is slow to respond. The hybrid powertrain is even slower and less engaging, but it does provide outstanding fuel economy.
The Hyundai Elantra N Line flips the script and provides sincere enjoyment behind the wheel. The suspension is upgraded with more aggressive tuning. The CVT is swapped out for a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the engine is upgraded to a turbocharged 1.6-liter unit that produces 201 horsepower. It’s quick and fun to drive.
The new 2022 Hyundai Elantra N almost deserves its own review entirely. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (same as the one found in the Hyundai Veloster N) and can be had with a six-speed stick or an eight-speed DCT. It’s downright amazing. Braking and handling are much improved over the standard car as well. We can’t wait to see if it’s good enough to beat the Honda Civic Type R, but we bet it is.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra provides more fuel economy than most drivers will need, and what’s great is that even the powerful Elantra N boasts 28 mpg combined. Go with the base 2.0-liter engine and that score jumps to 35 or 37 mpg combined depending on the configuration. Opt for the Hybrid powertrain and it can grow to a maximum of 54 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Take a seat in the Hyundai Elantra and one of the first things you’ll note is the outstanding visibility. It’s also bigger than most would expect. It’s full of cubbies and storage spaces too. There’s even good legroom in the back seats. Only the tallest of passengers will be scrunching down back there. Ride comfort is very strong in all but the two sporty trim levels where it’s a bit harsher.
Road noise is understandably higher than cars above this price point but, compare it to its contemporaries, and only Mazda and Honda are quieter. The grab bar for the passenger is a bit odd, but aside from that, the design inside is great. Both screens are big and bright (more on those in a moment), and the layout of the controls both for the driver and passenger are very sleek. Hyundai has been using a very unique four-spoke steering wheel as of late and for the first time, it really seems to blend nicely in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. From the driver’s seat, this feels like a much more expensive vehicle.
Entertainment & Technology
Overall, we like the technology in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. Each infotainment screen is snappy and well laid out. Interestingly enough, the larger 10.25-inch option found in the Limited trim requires a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity whereas the smaller 8-inch version is wireless. Beyond that tiny annoyance, the system is very good. The 10.25-inch driver information screen is outstanding and provides important info in excellent resolution and clarity. We also love features like the “Digital Key” which allows owners to open the Elantra with an NFC key card or their Android mobile device.
Safety Features
Every 2022 Hyundai Elantra will come equipped with lane-departure warning and forward collision mitigation. Other features like adaptive cruise control are optional. We love small features like the blind-spot camera that feeds into the gauge cluster screen when a turn signal is engaged. The NHTSA has given the Elantra a 5-star crash test rating and the IIHS has selected this generation as a Top Safety Pick.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Trims & Pricing
SE – $20,885
For just a shade over $20k, the base 2022 Hyundai Elantra comes with a 147-horsepower 4-cylinder engine paired to a CVT that powers the front wheels exclusively. It also gets cloth upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, four speakers, and a slew of safety equipment. That includes lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, rear automatic braking, and safety exit warning.
SEL – $22,105
Bump up to the SEL and you’ll get two more speakers for a total of six, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, as well as satellite radio. SEL buyers can also add optional packages. The premium package adds a Bose Premium audio system with eight speakers, LED headlights and taillights, a sunroof, and Hyundai’s Digital Key system. The convenience package adds the larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Blue (Hybrid) – $24,755
The Blue trim level is the lowest hybrid Elantra trim level available. It features heated seats and mirrors, LED tail lights, and a six-speed automatic. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 139 horsepower. It’s nearly identical to the SEL, but does not have access to the packages SEL buyers can select from.
N-Line – $25,255
Buyers who want a bit more fun can opt for the N Line, the lower-tiered sporty Hyundai Elantra. It gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making just over 200 horsepower. It routes power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. It also gets 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires and independent sport-tuned rear suspension.
Limited – $26,605
As the most opulent Elantra, the Limited comes standard with the larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, leather-trimmed seats, rear parking sensors, and enhanced voice recognition.
Limited Hybrid – $28,250
The Limited Hybrid uses the same hybrid engine as the Blue, but adds ventilated front seats as well as memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors.
N – $29,250
New for 2022, the Elantra N is a serious performance bargain with 286 horsepower and a ton of real performance parts. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that routes power to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed DCT. It does so through 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin PS4 tires. Additional performance additives include an eLSD, 14.2-inch front brakes, and more aggressive suspension tuning.
Warranties
No other company save for Hyundai’s partner Kia comes anywhere close to the warranty coverage provided here. The powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles while the limited warranty goes as long as 5 years or 60,000 miles. Hyundai also provides up to 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2022 Hyundai Elantra – hyundainews.com | Shop 2022 Hyundai Elantra on Carsforsale.com
For the money, it’s hard to beat how many facets of the market the 2022 Hyundai Elantra can shine in. Whether you’re looking for an extremely economical sedan or one that can lap a racetrack on a budget, the Elantra can do it and provide some of the best safety and warranty coverage on the market.
