2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

In the past, the Hyundai Elantra's design was unremarkable, blending into the background without drawing much attention. However, the 2021 redesign transformed the Elantra into a striking vehicle with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a dramatic four-door-coupe silhouette. The new design featured unique creases and folds on the doors, creating a distinctive "Z" shape that set it apart from its competitors. Inside, the Elantra's interior saw significant improvements in material quality and design, offering a more premium feel despite some hard plastics.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, offered a variety of options for buyers. The E-Class featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the E350 model and a more powerful turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology in the E450. The AMG E53 model provided even more power and performance. Our test car, an AMG E53 Cabriolet, came with a luxurious interior, including high-resolution digital displays, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. The exterior design, especially with the AMG styling and matte-blue paint finish, looked sensational and exuded luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, a 32-kilowatt electric motor, and a 1.32-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 139 horsepower and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The N Line trim provided a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, steering, and larger front brake rotors enhanced its driving dynamics.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable all-wheel drive (AWD) system delivered power to the pavement. The E53 Cabriolet could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, provided a dynamic driving experience. The E53 Cabriolet offered a dual personality, serving as a quiet and comfortable cruiser or a spirited performer on twisty roads.

The Hyundai Elantra's compact size made it easy to navigate tight spaces, and its instrumentation and controls were user-friendly. The Elantra's interior offered good visibility and comfortable seating, though the N Line's low seating position made entry and exit a bit challenging. The rear seat provided adequate space for children, but taller adults might find headroom limited due to the sloped roofline. The Elantra's trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, though the narrow trunk opening made it challenging to access the area closest to the seatbacks. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and air conditioning vents in the rear were minor inconveniences.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible with comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced turbulence in the cabin when the top was down. The E-Class Cabriolet focused on driver and front passenger comfort, offering heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rapid-heating front seats, and heated armrests. The Airscarf neck-warming system and sun-reflective leather added to the comfort. The multi-contour front seats with massage and the Air Balance interior fragrance system enhanced long drives. The trunk provided 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the top raised, but this volume was halved when the top was dropped.

The Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a surprising level of technology for its price. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display audio touchscreen, HD Radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, Blue Link connected services, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Limited trims included an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, a fully digital instrument cluster, dynamic voice recognition, and wireless device charging. The N Line and Limited trims also offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android-compatible smartphones. The infotainment system was easy to use, and the Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included two 12.3-inch screens—a touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The MBUX system offered swipe and scroll functions, voice recognition, and customization options. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while upgrades included WiFi service, augmented reality navigation, and a head-up display. The test car came with a Burmester surround-sound audio system with metal speaker grilles. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though the digital assistant could be accidentally activated by saying "Mercedes."

The Hyundai Elantra's standard SmartSense suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance. Additional standard features included driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all crash tests.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. The Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared the cabin and occupants for a collision and protected hearing during an impact. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were also standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus. The test car's driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist, performed impressively.