We just finished driving the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N last week. And though we were enamored with its power, handling, looks and interior, we couldn't give it a full recommendation without having the final price. Now we have it. The new Elantra N model will start at $32,925 with manual transmission and $34,425 with the eight-speed dual-clutch option. Those include a $1,025 destination charge.
As a quick refresher, the hardest core Elantra comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The manual transmission is standard, as is the N Corner Carving Differential and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. It's so loud it needs to work special tricks to get around the law.
The Hyundai Elantra competes with the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, VW Golf GTI, Toyota Corolla and a few others. Obviously this N model wouldn't go up against the base models in these vehicles, so let's look at the speed demons.
The 2022 Honda Civic Si, which just came out, is a good bit cheaper at $27,300, but also less powerful with just 200 hp. The last year's Civic Type R came in at $38,000 with 306 hp, for the record. The new Mazda 3 2.5T makes 250 hp, which is close, and comes with all-wheel drive for about $32,000. Nissan doesn't really have a hot enough Sentra to compete, though it did get a new Midnight Package, and we're still waiting on a GR Corolla. The VW GTI, which is a hot hatch but also competes, will set you back $30K. The Elantra N is in a small competitive class.
Small, especially when considering all the standard driver assist systems. The big ones include forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane following and keeping and parking sensors. It also has a full selection of front, side and roof-mounted airbags.
When we wrote about this car, we said we'd wait for the price to make a final judgement. Now we have it, and we have. It's a fantastic vehicle and up there with the most fun to drive front-wheel drive vehicles along with the Civic Type R and VW GTI. It really is a good time for cheap speed.