2022 Honda Civic vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was less flashy, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored and grown-up look. The interior of the Civic was redesigned with a focus on simplicity, featuring a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard was adorned with a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a bold and somewhat controversial exterior design that might not appeal to everyone. However, the interior of the Elantra Luxury model was a different story, featuring light grey leather seats and high-tech displays that created a modern and upscale atmosphere. The cabin was well-illuminated with ambient lighting, although the use of hard plastic on the upper door panels was a minor letdown. Overall, the Elantra's interior was anything but entry-level, providing a stylish and comfortable environment for its occupants.

The 2022 Honda Civic came with two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The base engine, a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder, produced 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine in the Touring trim was the star, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency, with a broad torque range that enhanced driving pleasure. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was agile and enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, although its fuel efficiency fell slightly short of expectations during spirited driving.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Luxury, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While not particularly fast, the Elantra's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) was one of the best in its class, providing a peppy driving experience. The Elantra Luxury achieved a fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km during testing, close to its official rating. The car's handling was composed and predictable, with a compliant ride and quiet cabin. The Elantra's 17-inch alloy wheels and suspension setup contributed to its stable and confident performance, although the steering lacked sharpness and the brakes showed some signs of heat-induced shuddering.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats that offered excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position, while the rear seats provided ample legroom and thigh support. However, the Civic's low seating position made entry and exit challenging for some, and the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a notable oversight. The trunk offered 408 litres of cargo space in the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated a family of four. The Luxury model featured a leather-wrapped driver's seat with manual adjustments, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat passengers might find the seating position too reclined, and the absence of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports was a drawback. The Elantra's trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free release feature and a 60/40-split folding back seat for increased versatility.

The 2022 Honda Civic impressed with its digital instrumentation and infotainment systems. The Touring trim featured a 10-inch display panel with customizable options and a Vehicle Activity display that enhanced safety by indicating the status of the car's lights. The infotainment system included a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering a rich audio experience. The voice recognition technology was notably improved, although the system's load time was slightly slow.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital displays, offering them in various trims. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad, although only Bluetooth supported wireless connectivity. The voice recognition system was generally effective, though it struggled with certain commands. The Elantra Luxury featured a Bose premium audio system, but its sound quality fell short compared to rivals. The test vehicle also included Digital Key technology, allowing a smartphone to function as the vehicle's key.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic also featured a new blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the previous LaneWatch system. The car's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard across all trims.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Luxury added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The Elantra's driving aids were smooth and subtle, providing a reassuring driving experience. The 2023 Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.