POWER AND PERFORMANCE
Powering the Elantra N is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 276 horsepower. Cleverly,
The Golf GTI’s powertrain is similar: It’s also a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that powers the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. On paper, the
But in real-world driving, these two cars post near identical acceleration. At Edmunds’ test track, a manual-equipped Elantra N went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds; a manual GTI was right beside it at 6.5 seconds.
Edmunds also pitched these two cars in its exclusive U-Drag race that combines drag racing with maximum braking and handling. This was also very close, though the GTI performed just a bit better.
This could go either way. The Elantra is a little sharper to drive, but the Golf feels a little more refined.
Winner: tie
INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY
The Elantra N is among the most spacious in the small sedan class, and up front you’ll find a sharp-looking 10.25-inch center touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Volkswagen’s Golf GTI doesn’t have as big of a touchscreen but it lets you connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. You have to use a USB cord in the Elantra. The GTI also comes with traffic-adaptive cruise control, which
Some of the GTI’s touch-sensitive controls are frustrating to use, but the extra features and cargo space keep it in the lead here.
Winner: GTI
FUEL EFFICIENCY
On paper, the Volkswagen GTI seems to be the most fuel-efficient option here, with an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined in either the manual or automatic configuration. In Edmunds’ testing, it achieved a slightly better figure at 30.8 mpg with the automatic.
The Elantra N with the six-speed manual gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in mixed driving, and as an automatic, that estimate drops to 23 mpg. This would seem like a loss for the Elantra N, but in Edmunds’ testing, it posted an impressive 33.1 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route, plus reasonably good fuel economy during the rest of our test. It has the potential to be a pretty frugal car — provided that you avoid the temptation to be a lead foot.
Winner: Elantra N
PRICING AND VALUE
Let’s just put it out there: The GTI will take a bigger bite out of your wallet than the Elantra N. The base model GTI S starts at
Inside, the GTI’s cockpit looks and feels premium although somewhat cold. With its blue N button and jaunty stripe down the gear shifter, the Elantra N makes up for some hard plastics with personality.
Along with attractive pricing, the Elantra N also comes with a superior warranty: 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.
Winner: Elantra N
EDMUNDS SAYS:
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI will delight fans with its Germanic poise and utility, but the value of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N can’t be denied. It earns Edmunds’ vote for the superior sport compact.
Author bio: This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Related links:
Edmunds review of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N:
Edmunds review of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI: https://edmu.in/3Bo9uyb
Edmunds video of Elantra N and Golf GTI U-Drag: https://bit.ly/3SsxdCZ
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