The 2022 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most impressive small sedans money can buy. We are seriously impressed by this car’s roomy interior, fuel-efficient powertrains including a hybrid option, and a first-rate cabin that includes an available digital instrument cluster.
The Elantra SE has a very reasonable starting price around $20,000, but even a fully loaded Limited barely breaks the $25,000 mark. Compare that to the $28,000 Honda Civic Touring and $27,000 Mazda3 Preferred, and you get the picture.
As if the Elantra wasn’t already giving the competition gray hair, it goes on to offer a sporty N Line turbocharged model with a feature fast becoming extinct these days: a proper 6-speed manual. There’s also an even sportier Elantra N, tuned on the famous Nurburgring racetrack in Germany. All 2022 Hyundai Elantras come with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited plan.
It’s hard to find fault with the Elantra as it covers all the bases. Even the standard list of safety and driver-assist systems leaves little to be desired. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra SE (Starting at $19,850)
With a starting price of just under $20,000, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra SE impresses with both its styling and performance. It has an acceptable level of features, but if you need heated seats and side mirrors, you’re better off moving to the SEL and its optional packages.
A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) propels SE.
If you’re unfamiliar with a CVT, it’s a gearless transmission that uses a belt-and-pulley-type setup to transfer the engine’s power to the wheels. A CVT can maximize power and fuel economy, but it doesn’t “shift” gears like a traditional automatic. However, because the feeling of a CVT can seem awkward to many buyers, Hyundai has programmed their CVT to feel like it’s shifting gears.
A Drive Mode selector allows the driver to adjust the throttle sensitivity and steering feedback using Normal, Sport, or Smart modes.
The SE includes an Idle Stop & Go system that kills the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop (such as when waiting at a stoplight). As soon as the driver hits the gas, the engine immediately restarts. The system is designed to save fuel and cut down on greenhouse emissions, but some may find it rather annoying. Oddly, the Idle Stop & Go feature is found only on the base SE. All other trims delete it.
The SE comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and remote keyless entry with alarm.
The Elantra SE has all the basics expected of a car these days. The roster includes manual air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, power door locks, and power windows with driver’s auto-down feature.
The front seats manually move fore and aft, with the driver’s seat having a manual height adjustment. Handsome cloth in gray or black is standard, as is a single-piece folding rear seatback.
Rounding out the list of comfort and convenience features are automatic headlights, 4.2-inch color information display, and rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines.
The SE’s infotainment setup includes a 4-speaker AM/FM/HD radio with an 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual USB inputs, and a 12-volt outlet.
As for safety and driver assists, the 2022 Elantra SE doesn’t skimp. It comes standard with complete airbag protection, including side curtain airbags covering both rows, electronic traction and stability controls, hill start assist (keeps the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline), and tire pressure monitoring system.
Standard driver assists include low-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic-high-beam headlights. In addition, lane-keeping assist warns when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, while lane-following assist helps keep the car centered.
The Elantra also includes systems that monitor for inattentive driving and warns exiting passengers of traffic approaching from the rear.
With the $1,005 destination fee, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra SE costs $20,855. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and with no money down, the SE’s monthly payment comes to $375. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra SE models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra SE Includes:
- Automatic emergency braking – Using a windshield-mounted camera, the Elantra monitors vehicles or pedestrians in its path and alerts the driver to a possible collision. If the driver fails to take action, the system can slow and even stop the car before a collision can occur.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – This feature allows wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No more annoying wires dangling in front of the dash controls.
- Cruise control – Allows the driver to set a speed and then remove their foot from the accelerator, a nice feature to have on long drives.
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel – Permits drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable driving position. The tilt portion also makes it easier to exit the vehicle without hitting your knees on the steering wheel.
2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL ($21,100)
The SEL only costs an additional $1,250 over the SE, but it brings more features and opens the door to some highly desirable options.
Building on the SE’s standard equipment, the SEL deletes the Idle Stop & Go but adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speaker stereo with SiriusXM and Blue Link capability. Also in the mix are a proximity key fob with push-button start and hands-free trunk release, driver auto-up power window, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Blue Link is the name Hyundai chose for its connected services, allowing owners to monitor and control several features via their smartphones. For example, Blue Link can unlock doors, remotely start the vehicle, or set the desired climate control temperature. In addition, it can provide monthly vehicle status reports or be used to locate a stolen vehicle. Blue Link Connected Care and Remote packages come with a 3-year complimentary trial, after which they incur a $99 yearly fee.
The SEL’s proximity key allows vehicle unlocking and start without the need to actually insert a physical key. With the key fob in pocket, one need only press a small button on the door handle to unlock the car and gain entry. Once inside, all that is required to start the car is a push of a button. Stand behind the Elantra for a few seconds, and the proximity key fob pops open the trunk lid.
SEL buyers have the option to upgrade their vehicles via two package options.
The SEL Convenience Package ($900) adds Junction Turning Detection that warns the driver against making a left turn when approaching traffic is too close. The system will even employ the brakes if it senses an accident is unavoidable.
Also included are a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and adaptive cruise control that can automatically slow or stop the car, then resume speed once traffic begins to move.
Rounding out the Convenience Package are heated front seats, heated side mirrors, wireless smartphone charging pad, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and electric parking brake.
The SEL Premium Package ($2,100) requires the Convenience Package and brings 17-inch alloy wheels, dark finish exterior trim, 8-speaker Bose Premium audio with center channel and subwoofer, and power sunroof. In addition, the rear seat gets upgraded with a 60/40 split-folding seatback, and the driver gets a power seat with power lumbar support.
Hyundai’s Digital Key allows access to the vehicle by using either an Android phone (sorry, Apple users) or a wallet-sized card similar to a hotel key. The keys are tied to user profiles, letting the vehicle recognize the driver and adjust settings accordingly. Keys can also be shared via smartphone. So theoretically, if a friend in New York needed to borrow your car, and you were in San Diego, you could send them a digital key via email or text message to unlock and start the vehicle.
With the $1,005 destination fee, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL costs $22,105. With no money down on a 60-month loan at 3% financing, the monthly payment comes to $397, or just $22 more than the SE. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL Includes:
- Proximity key – Allows entry to the vehicle and trunk simply by having the remote key fob close. The proximity key fob also enables the push-button starter.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Features three auto settings with various fan speeds, another unexpected perk at this price point.
- 16-inch alloy wheels – Look great and help improve handling with a lower-profile tire.
- Available adaptive cruise control – Automatically maintains a safe distance between the Elantra and the vehicle ahead, slowing and speeding up with traffic flow without driver assistance.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Blue ($23,750)
The Blue trim is the hybrid version of the SEL and therefore contains most of the same equipment.
The SEL’s 2.0-liter engine is replaced by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor, giving it a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 54 mpg. The SEL’s CVT also gets shown the door, replaced by a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic.
The Blue also comes with heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, LED and bulb combination taillights, and electric parking brake. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra Blue models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line ($24,250)
The N Line is the unexpected Elantra trim, adding a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters is available.
The N Line builds off the SEL trim, bringing aboard features aligned with the car’s sporty image but missing the mark on others. N Line upgrades include larger front brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels on summer tires, chrome exhaust tips, and power sunroof.
Also included are N Line exterior styling treatments, heated side mirrors, and full LED taillights.
Inside, the driver gets a power seat, and both front occupants sit on sport seats clad in leather and cloth. A wireless charge pad, Hyundai’s Digital Key, and heated front seats make the cut, as do an analog gauge cluster, alloy pedals, black headliner, and leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.
While we applaud Hyundai for offering a high-performance engine and a manual transmission, there should be an option for upgrading to the Bose audio system at this level. After all, driving enthusiasts love an excellent sound system too, which is why you can get both Bose and a manual on the Mazda3 hatchback.
With the destination charge, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line costs $25,255. On a 60-month loan with no money down and 3% financing, the monthly payment comes to $454. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line Includes:
- Sport seats – Clad in leather and sport cloth, these seats include firm side bolsters to hold occupants in place.
- 18-inch alloy wheels – Unique wheel designs fit perfectly with the N Line styling treatment and wear more aggressive tires.
- Wireless charge pad – Allows charging of any smartphone with wireless charging capability.
- 12-inch front brake rotors – Improve stopping performance with larger rotors providing more surface for the brake pads to grip.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited ($25,600)
The Limited trim is surprisingly well-equipped for the price, making it one of the best values in the Elantra lineup.
The Limited includes all the equipment found in the SEL Convenience and Premium Packages, then goes on to wow us with features like LED headlights, 64-color ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, and 10.25-inch infotainment screen with navigation.
Sadly, the upgraded infotainment system deletes the wireless ability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but both work just fine once plugged into a USB port. In addition, the Limited’s upgraded infotainment system includes Dynamic Voice Recognition, meaning the system understands simple voice queries such as “find me the nearest Thai restaurant.”
On the driver-assist side, the Limited gains rear parking sensors, rear automatic emergency braking, and Highway Drive Assist (HDA). HDA incorporates navigation elements with the lane-centering and lane-keeping systems and can also adjust vehicle speed to the posted limit on approved highways.
With the $1,005 destination charge, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited comes to $26,605. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the Limited’s monthly payment comes to $478. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited Includes:
- Ambient lighting – Allows for customization of the interior lighting, with up to 64 possible color choices.
- 10.25–inch navigation – The larger touchscreen is easier to read and provides improved resolution for the navigation and audio screens.
- Leather upholstery – Soft to the touch AND easy to maintain, the Limited’s leather seats add a touch of elegance to an already handsome interior.
- Parking Collision Avoidance Reverse – Basically a fancy name for rear emergency braking. The system can automatically stop the Elantra from backing into cars or objects directly behind it.
2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid ($28,250)
The Elantra Limited Hybrid uses the same powertrain as the Elantra Blue and features the same feature set as the Elantra Limited.
From there, the Limited Hybrid adds ventilated front seats and a memory driver’s seat. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra N ($32,925)
The new Hyundai Elantra N blends everyday practicality with true racetrack ability, thanks to more than 40 significant modifications.
Its 2.0-liter turbo engine sends 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic with dual wet clutches. Overall vehicle agility is enhanced by electronically adjustable suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and grippy 245-width Michelin summer tires.
Further improving the new Elantra N are large 14.2-in front brakes with aggressive pads, plus durable new drive axles inspired by those used in the World Rally Championship. By integrating the driveshaft, wheel hub, and bearing into a single unit, they cut nearly 4 pounds from the weight of the Elantra N’s driveline.
In addition to sport suspension tuned at Namyang in South Korea and at the Nurburgring in Germany (thus explaining Hyundai’s use of the letter N), the new Elantra N will have a distinctive exhaust note that pops and crackles on over-run, just like the Veloster N does.
Inside, the new Hyundai Elantra N is equipped with N-specific sport seats and an exclusive graphic interface. While this interface is designed to make drivers feel like they’re in a racing game, it’s a serious affair that effectively presents all the vital pressures and temperatures you’d want to monitor while lapping aggressively.
On the visual front, the Elantra N is distinguished by a unique front fascia with a matte-black grille, a lip spoiler, and a low red strip that wraps around the front and continues back into the side valances. Nor can you miss the N’s prominent rear wing and diffuser.
With the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N starts at $34,425.
Factoring in the $1,005 destination charge, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N comes to $33,930. On a 60-month loan at 3% and with no money down, the Elantra N’s monthly payment is $610. See 2022 Hyundai Elantra N models for sale
2022 Hyundai Elantra N Includes:
- N sport seats – The N’s illuminated leatherette-covered seats are aggressively bolstered for cornering support. They’re lighter than the stock seats and mounted lower in the cockpit for improved cornering performance and better headroom. This will help a bit at track days, where helmets are required.
- 19-inch alloy wheels – The Elantra N’s unique wheels are shod with grippy 245/35R-19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.
- Launch control – Launch control lets the driver enjoy maximum acceleration from a stop by precisely controlling engine torque and clutch engagement.
- 14.2-inch front brake rotors – These are much bigger than the standard Elantra’s brakes, and they’re supplemented by high-friction brake pads.
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