2022 Nissan Altima vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Nissan Altima had evolved significantly since its debut in 1993. Initially featuring bland, rounded styling, it transformed into a sportier, sharper design by its third generation in 2002. By 2022, the sixth-generation Altima continued this trend with a low, wide stance, tall doors, creased body lines, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim added gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, and a moonroof, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a diverse lineup, from the budget-friendly SE to the upscale Limited trim. The Elantra Hybrid variants achieved impressive fuel economy, while the sporty N Line and performance-tuned Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts. The Limited trim featured a stylish interior with light gray leather seats and upscale fabric accents. Despite some hard plastic panels, the Elantra's cabin impressed with its high-tech displays, ambient lighting, and overall design. The exterior styling was somewhat controversial, but the interior's comfort and quality were undeniable.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine making 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. Both engines featured direct injection and were paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The base engine was available with either FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. The VC-Turbo engine could change its compression ratio for better performance or efficiency, offering V6-like power with four-cylinder efficiency. However, the base engine's performance was mediocre, with uninspiring acceleration and noticeable engine noise. The Altima's suspension provided a smooth, composed ride, and the cabin was impressively quiet.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest specs, the Elantra Limited's driving dynamics were surprisingly good. It wasn't fast, but it was peppy, and the CVT was one of the best in its class. The Elantra Limited averaged 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating of 34 mpg. The car's ride and handling were impressive, with a compliant ride, well-calibrated brakes, and suitable steering effort. The Elantra Limited displayed remarkable composure on twisty roads, with a flat cornering attitude and stable handling. However, the steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed some shuddering under heavy use.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was a competent midsize sedan, offering comfortable seating for four (five for short distances), easy-to-use controls, and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions were average compared to competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, smaller than the Accord and Sonata but larger than the Camry. The Altima's high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items when closing the lid.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra combined style with practicality, offering a roomy interior for a compact car. The Limited model featured a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat occupants might find the backrest too reclined and the lack of rear air vents and USB ports inconvenient. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free trunk release feature and 60/40-split folding back seats for added utility.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. The SL trim and above included a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, navigation, and remote engine start. The Altima also offered active noise cancellation, traffic sign recognition, and an Around View Monitor. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided advanced driver assistance features.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited featured 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, standard on the Limited and available in the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, connected services, dynamic voice recognition, navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported a wireless connection, requiring a USB connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Elantra Limited also had a Bose premium audio system, though its sound quality was not as impressive as in some rivals. Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were also available.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic high-beam headlights, driver-attention warning, Rear View Monitor, rear door alert, and hill-start assist. The SV trim and above added Nissan's Safety Shield 360, which included rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a rear sonar system. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra also offered a generous package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and a safe exit warning system. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year.