2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Dodge Charger

The 2021 Dodge Charger, in its seventh generation since 2011, continued to captivate buyers with its array of variants, including the top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye. Despite the subtle differences among models, the Charger maintained a consistent design, appealing to the "brotherhood of muscle" with its widebody options and distinctive Hellcat badging. The car's exterior featured a range of tire, wheel, brake, and color options, with halogen projector headlights standard and HID projector lights optional. However, the Charger’s decade-old design could be both a blessing and a curse, making it hard to determine the model's age at a glance.

Inside, the Charger had seen updates over the years, but it still lacked in comfort and convenience features. The fit and finish improved, yet the gauge cluster and climate controls revealed the car's age. Hard plastic and rubberized surfaces were prevalent, and while cloth seats were standard, higher trims offered Nappa leather. Power-adjustable seats varied by trim, and options for heated and ventilated seats were available. However, for models priced over $70,000, buyers expected more premium accommodations and technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, underwent a dramatic redesign for the 2021 model year, transforming from a rental-car look to a striking four-door-coupe silhouette. The seventh-generation Elantra featured a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a unique personality distinct from the midsize Sonata. The exterior's creases and folds created a "Z" shape, adding character and differentiation from rivals.

Inside, the Elantra's material quality and design improved significantly, with some hard plastics present but outweighed by the overall quality. The 2022 Elantra came in four trims: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with the Hybrid available in Blue and Limited trims. The N Line, tested in Scarlet Red Pearl, featured sporty styling elements and a black interior with N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Despite some drawbacks, such as the low seating position and lack of lumbar support, the Elantra's interior was a significant upgrade from previous generations.

The 2021 Dodge Charger excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Charger R/T featured a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, with a 1,000-pound towing capacity.

The Charger Scat Pack models boasted a 6.4-liter HEMI V8, generating 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The SRT Hellcat variant came with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, offering 717 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier SRT Hellcat Redeye had a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI high-output V8, producing an impressive 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the Redeye managed to be both manageable and responsive, though it was the least fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The Charger’s automatic transmission provided smooth upshifts but could be clunky on downshifts. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on certain models. Configurable drive modes and Performance Pages for SRT models allowed for in-depth vehicle settings adjustments. The Charger offered a connected driving experience, with Brembo brakes providing adequate stopping power for street driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

The N Line trim catered to driving enthusiasts with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT. The DCT, while clunky at low rpm, provided crisp shifts at higher speeds. Drive Mode Select offered Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing the driving experience. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and multi-link independent rear suspension improved handling, while larger front brake rotors provided better stopping power.

Overall, the Elantra N Line delivered a compelling package with its peppy powertrain and sport-tuned dynamics, though the sport seats could be uncomfortable on long drives.

The 2021 Dodge Charger, a four-door, five-passenger sedan, balanced speed and power with family-friendly features. The spacious back seat and comfortable accommodations made it a practical choice for families. The instrument cluster varied by model, with speedometers ranging from 140 mph to 220 mph. The steering wheel offered easy-to-reach buttons, and paddle shifters were available on all but the base model.

A 60/40 split-folding rear seat expanded the trunk space, which was average compared to other large cars. The Charger’s interior, though dated, provided functional and straightforward controls.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra, despite its compact size, was easy to navigate in tight spaces and offered clear instrumentation and controls. The N Line's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, the Elantra provided excellent visibility. The back seat accommodated three children comfortably on long trips, though taller adults might find the sloped roof limiting headroom.

Cargo space was 14.2 cubic feet, adequate for a compact sedan. The trunk's narrow opening made accessing the rear area challenging, but with some effort, it could hold a surprising amount of gear. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and rear air vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2021 Dodge Charger came with basic standard features, including push-button start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a six-speaker audio system, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, keyless entry, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades included a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, premium audio systems, HD Radio, navigation, and a WiFi hot spot. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly but had some deeply buried functions.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered impressive technology for its price. The base SE included an 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added more speakers, satellite radio, and Blue Link connected services. The Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging. Hyundai Digital Key was available on select trims, allowing keyless access via an Android smartphone.

Pairing an iPhone with the Elantra's infotainment system was quick and seamless, with perfect Apple CarPlay integration. The six-speaker audio system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2021 Dodge Charger received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, rear park assist, rain brake support, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic headlights were available on some models.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with the standard SmartSense suite offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.

The Elantra received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating, while the Limited trim with LED headlights received a "Good" rating.