2022 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra introduced a bold, dynamic design that was a head-turner among compact sedans. Part of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, the Elantra featured dramatic angles and sharp creases, offering a distinctive and appealing aesthetic. The unique Z-shaped dent in the car's doors, an unconventional design choice, further set the Elantra apart from its peers, giving it a unique character that broke traditional automotive design norms. The Elantra's exterior design improved with higher trims, culminating in the high-performance Elantra N, which was expected to cost under $34,000.

Inside, the Elantra boasted a driver-focused dashboard and center console. Higher trims like the Limited or Hybrid Limited featured a sophisticated, modern interior with light gray seats and trim that contrasted against the predominantly black cabin, creating an upscale and contemporary feel. On the other hand, lower trims like the SEL with Premium Package had darker, less striking interiors.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru WRX sported a more understated design. While it was two inches wider than its predecessor, its front end remained subtle, marked only by its signature hood scoop and hexagonal grille framed by LED headlights. The side profile showcased cleaner lines, though the addition of black plastic cladding drew mixed reactions. Functionally, this cladding improved aerodynamics and paid homage to the vehicle’s rally heritage. The rear-end design featured pronounced plastic bumpers and eye-catching taillights designed to resemble molten lava when illuminated.

The interior of the 2022 WRX saw significant improvements, aligning with modern Subaru models. It featured a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents. The seats, available with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery in higher trims, offered a sporty yet comfortable experience, balancing support with everyday practicality.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, offered in various trim levels, provided a range of powertrains. The standard Elantra SEL had a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination offered decent urban agility and efficiency, although it struggled with highway merging and passing power, noting a fuel economy of 31.4 mpg in combined driving.

The Elantra Limited Hybrid, with its 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, generated 139 horsepower and achieved 42.2 mpg in combined driving amidst mountainous terrain, slightly below its EPA rating due to elevation changes. It featured instant electric torque and a six-speed DCT, enhancing its driving dynamics.

For sportier pursuits, the Elantra N Line provided a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower, combined with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT, delivering engaging performance with a 23.1 mpg fuel economy in spirited driving.

The pinnacle of the lineup was the Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine achieving 276 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed DCT. This performance sedan delivered extraordinary driving experiences, with responsive powertrain, adaptive suspension, and impressive braking, although it averaged only 19.4 mpg in mixed driving.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing a slight improvement over its predecessor. Standard AWD and a choice between a six-speed manual or CVT transmission highlighted its performance capabilities. The six-speed manual offered precise handling and an enjoyable driving experience, ideal for those craving an engaging connection with the car.

The CVT-equipped models adopted Subaru’s Performance Transmission, delivering faster shifts and improved responsiveness. The WRX’s transition to the Subaru Global Platform enhanced its suspension characteristics, offering better body control and improved ride quality on uneven surfaces. Despite the incremental power increase, the WRX promised a balanced performance suitable for both daily commutes and spirited driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA and offered a roomier cabin compared to its compact competition. It featured a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Front-seat comfort was enhanced by available heated and ventilated seats in higher trims, though the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat was a downside. The rear seat provided ample legroom and a high bottom cushion for good support, though it lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. The Elantra's trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, complemented by a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, redesigned for the new model year, offered a smaller trunk at 12.5 cubic feet but compensated with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for extra cargo flexibility. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery options across different trims, making it a practical choice for daily commutes. Standard AWD added to the vehicle’s functional appeal, providing additional traction and stability in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra excelled in technology offerings. The base trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with physical knobs and buttons for ease of use. Higher trims like the Limited featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, offering a seamless, high-tech interface similar to luxury vehicles. This system included advanced voice recognition, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and the innovative Hyundai Digital Key.

The 2022 Subaru WRX made significant strides in technology with its 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen in Premium trims and above, offering a modern and visually impressive interface. Physical controls for essential functions ensured ease of use, though the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was less refined compared to competitors. Base trims featured a unique setup with dual 7-inch screens, providing functional, if not aesthetic, simplicity. An available 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system further enhanced the WRX’s tech appeal in higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra boasted an array of standard safety features under its SmartSense suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Advanced options such as adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist provided higher levels of safety and convenience, showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to driver assistance technologies.

In the 2022 Subaru WRX, safety features varied based on transmission choice. CVT models came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and additional enhancements for emergency situations. However, manual transmission models lacked EyeSight, limiting their advanced safety features. Nonetheless, the WRX included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in higher trims, along with a robust safety structure thanks to the Subaru Global Platform.