2022 Hyundai Elantra: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

The Elantra offers buyers a few different paths to follow. Stick with the standard gas engine and three trims are available. Going for N means gaining access to the turbo engine. And efficiency-minded Elantra Hybrid buyers can choose from two trims, one of which is shared with the gas engine. If you've been doing the math, that's five distinct trims available over three models.

The cheapest Elantra is the SE, which starts at about $20,000. Hybrid Limited models anchor the upper end of the range and sticker close to $30,000.

The most popular powertrain will no doubt be the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. A CVT and front-wheel drive round out this unexciting but practical option.

Those who want Prius-like gas mileage should go with the optional hybrid, which mates a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and a six-speed transmission to make a combined 139 horsepower. For fuel efficiency, expect up to 56 mpg on the highway.

If you're more power-hungry than fuel-sipping, the N Line gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter making 201 horsepower. A six-speed manual will be standard; a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is optional.

Front-wheel drive remains the only drivetrain on all trims and models. All-wheel drive isn't common in this segment, though a few options – such as the Mazda 3 – do offer it. Sticking with front-wheel drive offers better fuel economy, however, and helps keep the price down.

All Elantras seat five, though three across the back seat might be a bit of a squeeze. Still, rear legroom is an impressive 38 inches – that's more akin to mid-size sedans than compacts.

The trunk will hold 14 cubic feet of cargo; on higher trims the seatbacks fold down for accommodating bulkier objects.

Hyundai is generous with standard safety gear. Among the included features are automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, and automatic headlights.

The NHTSA gave the Elantra a five-star overall crash test rating, while the IIHS named models with the optional headlights a Top Safety Pick.

Even base Elantras get heaped a full plate of infotainment tech. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard – a segment first. Bluetooth, two USB ports, and HD radio are part of the setup as well.

Want more? Hyundai offers the 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims as well. It loses wireless smartphone integration, but in return, buyers get twice the number of speakers (from four to eight), wireless device charging, navigation, and Bose audio. It's a lot of swanky stuff for a compact car, and goes to show how democratized in-car technology has become lately.

The base SE opens the range, but there isn't much to suggest its bottom-tier position on the roster. On the outside, the SE wears 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, and body-color trim.

Interior features include cloth upholstery, a driver's seat with six-way manual adjustment, remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch driver information system in the gauge cluster.

The base Elantra isn't offered with any options or packages.

Moving into the SEL buyers a few upgrades, including SiriusXM radio, Hyundai cloud services, dual-zone climate control, a proximity key, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

We imagine most SELs will also be leaving the factory with the $950 Convenience Package. It bundles heated seats, a 10.25-inch fully digital gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control, a wireless charging pad, and a leather-wrapped wheel. We'd say the upgrade is a must, considering the modest price. We feel as if Hyundai misplaced the decimal point there.

You can also order the $2,100 Premium Package. It includes everything aforementioned as well as little details like a passenger seatback pocket, premium Bose audio, a split-folding rear seatback, a power driver's seat, and a sunroof.

The cheapest Hybrid model is the Blue, which also happens to get the best gas mileage of any Elantra: 53 mpg city, 56 highway, 55 combined. Standard features are akin to an SEL with the Convenience Package.

Hybrids don't have any option packages, so what you see is what you get.

Pivoting back to the gas-engine lineup, the N-Line is next up on the price ladder. Its calling card, of course, is the 201-horsepower turbo engine, but the N-Line also sports a unique appearance package with unique fascias, dark chrome trim, and twin chrome exhaust outlets.

Inside there's combination leather/cloth upholstery wrapping sportier bucket seats. It also gets a unique gauge cluster and steering wheel, sport pedals, heated seats, a sunroof, and wireless device charging.

No options are available.

The Limited is available in two flavors: both a gas-engined model and a hybrid model. Naturally, the hybrid is the pricier of the two. Both come with the same set of features, though, including everything that was optional on the SEL.

There's also full leather upholstery, the 10.25-inch touchscreen, full LED exterior lighting, and ambient lighting for the cabin. Additional safety features include exit warning, reverse emergency braking, and highway drive assist.

Compare Elantra Trims Side-By-Side

Features aplenty. It’s hard to find fault with the Elantra’s list of standard and optional features. Every trim is packed with features and offers an impressive list of optional equipment that all offer strong value. Even the base Elantra offers an impressive case of features that include an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, four audio speakers, and an HD Radio.

Our pick of the lineup is the SEL that adds six audio speakers, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and satellite radio. The SEL also opens the door to be equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, Hyundai’s Digital Key, and a Bose audio system.

Despite coming well-equipped with features, the Elantra starts at just $20,875 with destination. That’s a competitive price for the compact class. Hyundai continues to lead the industry with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that only Kia can match. When it comes to giving drivers a lot for their money, the Elantra is one of best the compact sedans.

Efficient to thrilling. With the base engine, the Elantra isn’t an exciting compact vehicle, but it is efficient. Opt for the new-for-2022 Elantra N, and the compact sedan delivers thrilling performance.

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 147 horsepower and can get up to 37 mpg combined. With this engine, the Elantra doesn’t have sharp acceleration but is impressively efficient for the class. While the Elantra has plenty of power around town, it feels sluggish when trying to pass on the highway.

The available Elantra Hybrid has an incredible 54 mpg combined figure. The Elantra Hybrid comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 139 hp. While the Elantra Hybrid has less power than the regular Elantra, it feels peppier off the line thanks to the electric motor.

For more power, there’s the Elantra N Line. It comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 201 horsepower. Updated suspension, larger brakes, summer tires, and 18-inch alloy wheels help the N Line feel far sharper around corners than the regular Elantra. The N Line is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

New for 2022 is the Elantra N. It’s the most performance-oriented trim in the lineup, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, an available eight-speed dual-clutch, an electronic differential, a performance exhaust system, upgraded brakes, and adaptive suspension. With 276 hp on tap, the Elantra N is an absolute riot on the track.

Spacious, but uncomfortable. When it comes to interior space, the Elantra nearly matches the midsize Sonata. In the back, passengers get a generous 38 inches of rear legroom. The issue with sitting in the back, though, is the tight rear headroom that makes it uncomfortable for adults. Additionally, the Elantra offers up to 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, which is competitive for the class.

While the Elantra has a comfortable amount of interior space, its seats are uncomfortable for long drives, as the seats need more padding. Support around corners is also lacking. On lower trims that come with cloth upholstery, the fabric feels cheap.

Final thoughts. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra manages to improve on the all-new model that came out in 2021 thanks to a new high-performance N model. The sedan’s aggressive styling, impressive tech features, and excellent fuel economy are all reasons to fall in love with the Elantra. And, of course, there’s no denying that the Elantra is an excellent value option.

There’s a lot to like with the Elantra, but it does leave some room for others to offer more. The all-new Honda Civic is the most obvious rival. It comes with a 158-hp four-cylinder engine, a more comfortable interior, and similar tech features. A new Civic Type R will go on sale shortly, which we expect to offer even more performance than the Elantra N.

For a truly upscale experience, there’s the Mazda3. Mazda’s option features a lavish cabin that feels and looks nearly as high-end as some luxury vehicles. The Mazda3 is available with a 250-hp turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a hatchback body style.

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