2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in several trims, including standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it offered a $460 saving. The Accord Hybrid was not available in Sport trim. The car was praised for its excellent design, with a well-proportioned and stylish appearance. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, had a dark undertone that enhanced its appearance. The interior, available in Black, was upscale with simulated matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents, though the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a letdown. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display was user-friendly, with excellent outward visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign in 2021, transforming its appearance with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, resulting in a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling was unique, with a "Z" shape created by creases and folds on the doors. The interior was improved, with material quality slightly above the norm for the compact car class, despite some hard plastic. The Elantra was available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with the Elantra Hybrid offered in Blue and Limited trims. The test car, a Scarlet Red Pearl 2022 Elantra N Line, featured sporty styling elements, including N Line design front and rear fascias, chrome twin-tip exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, N Line sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals added to the sporty feel. However, the low seating position and lack of lumbar support made long-distance drives less comfortable.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a generator/starter motor, and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, except for the Touring trim, which earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode to tailor the drivetrain. The refined powertrain offered improved throttle response and a more natural sound. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg and featured 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires, providing excellent handling and a compliant ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.32-kilowatt-hour battery pack, producing 139 hp and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid used a six-speed DCT for a more engaging driving experience. The N Line had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's DCT was clunky at low rpm but delivered crisp shifts at higher speeds. Drive Mode Select offered Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, with Sport mode providing more steering feedback and engine responsiveness. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension enhanced handling, while larger front brake rotors improved stopping power.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and large back seat provided ample room, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with wireless charging, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the largest in its segment, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra combined stylish design with practicality. Its compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and the controls were clearly marked. The Elantra offered comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position made entry and exit challenging. The car provided excellent visibility and didn't feel cramped. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults preferred the front due to limited headroom. The Elantra's 14.2 cubic-foot trunk was adequate, though the narrow opening made access challenging. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of rear USB ports and air vents was a drawback.

For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim added wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and quick-charge USB ports for rear passengers. EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, and the navigation struggled with certain tasks.

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 services. Limited trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai Digital Key was standard on N Line and Limited trims, allowing keyless operation via an Android smartphone. The infotainment system was easy to pair with smartphones, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed for a Top Safety Pick+ rating by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. It included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and low-speed braking control on the Touring model. The Honda Sensing suite offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though the systems were not entirely seamless. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra featured the SmartSense suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist were available on higher trims. The Elantra received five stars from NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from IIHS in crash tests. However, lower trims with halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating from IIHS, while the Limited trim with LED headlights earned a "Good" rating.