2022 Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra sleek and modern styling is a standout in the class, and even at its affordable price, it comes with an impressive list of standard features. A baseengine and an overabundance of hard plastic inside kept it from claiming the distinction as the Top-Rated small sedan, but it's still a competitive choice among rivals such as the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Mazda 3.

Happily, if you decide to go with the Elantra, you are not locked into the standard engine. There's the N Line model, which has a 201-horsepower turbocharged engine that's pretty strong forthis classofcar. Oriffuel economy is a priority, there's the Elantra Hybrid that gets up an estimated 54 mpg in combined driving. Then there's the new Elantra N. We originally thought it would come out for 2021 but its arrival got pushed to this year. Under the hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out a stout 276 hp. This motor, along with a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, makes the N an absolute blast to drive on curvy back roads.

How does the Elantra drive? The base 2.4-liter fourcylinder engine is lacking when itcomes tospeed. Elantra reached 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, which is slower than average compared to rivals. Its power is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission that Hyundai tunes for optimal fuel economy, so it too is not very impressive for spirited driving. But in typical situations, the transmission delivers a smooth experience, and there's only a little of the notorious droning noise that CVTs are known for.

Elsewhere, the Elantra is pretty middle-of-the-road. It handles corners decently well for a small sedan, behaving predictably, and it's not easily upset over bumps. But for a sporty drive, you'll want to get the N Line, which comes with a sport-tuned suspension.

How comfortable is the Elantra? The Elantra delivers a smooth ride. There's enough plushness to soak up bumps in the road well, but it also settles relatively quickly. The seats are also comfortable for the most part. The driver's seat bottom feels just a touch flat, and itmight not provide enough support on road trips more than a few hours long. There isn't much in the way of side bolstering to keep you planted when cornering either.

The climate controls are easy to use, with big dials to work the available dual-zone climate control. The heated seats, when equipped, activate quickly. There is noticeable wind noise as you increase speed, but that is typical for the class, and passengers can more or less carry-on conversations at normal volume.

How’s the interior? The Elantra cabin is well-thoughtout, with plenty of space and good outward visibility in the front row. We're also pleased to see the back seat gained 2 inches of legroom over the previous generation, allowing for quite generous accommodations for taller passengers. Their heads might still graze the ceiling, but the Elantra is among the most spacious in this class.

Our Elantra Limited test vehicle came with a poweradjustable driver's seat. It has a wide adjustment range, so it should suit short and tall drivers alike. The steering wheel also has an ample amount of adjustment, making it simple to find your ideal driving position.

How’s the tech? The Elantra Limited's twin display screens, one for the gauges and one for the infotainment, are pleasing to use. The infotainment screen has easy-tofollow menus and quick and clear directions. The Elantra also scores extra points for including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though they only come with the standard 8-inch infotainment screen. Confusingly, the larger 10.25-inchscreenrequiresacordtoruneithersmartphone integration system. Another bright spot is the Limited's improved voice activation system that responds accurately to web searches, addresses and even climate control commands. The available full suite of advanced driving aids is one of the best modern systems, with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering. We experienced no false warnings during our testing.

How’s the storage? Trunk space is slightly above average for the class, at 14.2 cubic feet, which is the same size as in the previous-generation Elantra. The rear seats fold flat with remote release latches in the trunk some may find them more convenient than the releases on the seats themselves. Cupholders and storage cubbies for front passengers are nothing out of the ordinary. A wireless smartphone charging pad on the Limited trim is a nice touch.

In the back, there are two anchors on each rear outboard seat to fasten child safety seats into place. The anchors are easy to find between the cushions. The spacious back seat means you should be able to load rearfacing seats without having to scrunch into your driving position.

How’s the fuel economy? Depending on the model, the Elantra with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 35-37 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Either way you're looking at excellent fuel economy. We easily verified the EPA's estimate and even exceeded it on our mixed-driving 115-mile test route, achieving an impressive 41.8 mpg.

Is the Elantra a good value? Now you've entered the Elantra's sweet spot. It simply runs away from the competition with five years/60,000 miles of limited warranty coverage, 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. We also find the pricing attractive, especially considering the long list of features that comes standard on every model. Our only complaints: the amount of hard plastic in the cabin and a back seat nearly barren of any design.

The Elantra has some wow factor with its effusive exterior styling, large bright screens, and excellent voice controls. But it makes no claim to driving excitement and it's easy to see why. Hyundai made an excellent allarounder, not a passion purchase. That's what the N Line version is for. MSRP range: $20,200 - $33,650