After a striking makeover last year, the Hyundai Elantra reasserts itself as a leading compact sedan. It provides one of the most spacious cabins in its class, generous standard features, and a wide variety of engines, including performance and hybrid models. The Hyundai Elantra is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 7 trim levels. The most popular style is the SEL IVT, which starts at $22,125 and comes with a 2.0L I4 engine and Front Wheel Drive. This Elantra is estimated to deliver 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.

Pros

• More interior room than rivals
• Excellent standard safety features
• Great warranty

Cons

• Lacks versatile hatchback body style
• Wi-Fi hotspot not available

The 2022 Elantra is available in six trim levels: SE, SEL, Hybrid Blue, N Line, Limited, and Hybrid Limited, while a seventh, the enthusiast-oriented Elantra N, will join the lineup later in the model year. The SEL is the most popular model, and it’s also our pick for best value. We’ll explain why.

SE

Priced at $20,855 (including a $1,005 destination fee), the entry-level SE gets intermittent windshield wipers, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and power windows with automatic lowering for the driver’s window. It also includes upscale features, such as an audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

SEL

The SEL ($22,105) includes 15-inch alloy wheels and a more feature-filled 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also has a much wider variety of options, such as a sunroof and wireless charging. We recommend this trim as it allows feature customization at a modest price.

Hybrid Blue

The Hybrid Blue ($24,755) is the closest equivalent to the SEL trim but with the hybrid powertrain. Features include an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

N Line

The N Line ($25,255) offers a sportier appearance, with more aggressive styling cues inside and out. But unlike some of its competitors, it backs up its looks with a big increase in horsepower. Sport seats with leather bolsters and 18-inch alloy wheels with optional performance tires are also available.

Limited

The well-equipped Limited ($26,605) includes heated leather-covered front bucket seats, a 60/40-split fold-down seatback with cupholders in its center armrest, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an integrated navigation system.

Hybrid Limited

Priced at $29,255, the Hybrid Limited is similarly equipped to the non-hybrid Elantra Limited model. It gets the upgraded interior with the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and integrated navigation system.

N

Hyundai has not yet announced pricing for the new range-topping Elantra N, but it’s expected to start around $30,000. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 276 hp, the N boasts a huge bump in power over its siblings. It also features other performance-enhancing goodies, such as 19-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, and an available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with launch control.

By comparison, the all-new 2022 Honda Civic sedan starts at $22,715. It is available as a sedan, with a hatchback configuration expected later this year. But it doesn’t have a hybrid model. The lowest-priced 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan costs $21,100. The base Corolla Hybrid is $24,675, and the Corolla Hatchback has a base price of $21,840.

Combining sharp styling, surprising roominess, and great value, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra stands out in the competitive compact-sedan segment. It’s slotted between the subcompact Hyundai Accent and the midsize Hyundai Sonata in the South Korean automaker’s lineup. While the Elantra’s standard four-cylinder engine provides a good balance of performance and economy, buyers can also opt for one of the two available hybrid models, which are rated at 50-plus mpg. Driving enthusiasts have their pick of two sportier models: the 201-horsepower N Line and the 276-hp Elantra N, which is new for 2022.

All Elantras receive a generous suite of safety tech. High-end luxuries, such as adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone charging, are also available. Despite its tidy proportions, the Elantra provides more interior room than most other cars in its class. However, unlike the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, it is not available as a hatchback.