Hyundai is one of just a few automakers that offer sporty performance-oriented versions of its small cars, and one of its newest is the 2022 Elantra N. Based on the redesigned and sharply styled Elantra small sedan, the N has a high-output engine, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and other enhancements. It’s a bona-fide sport sedan priced under $35,000.
Volkswagen, for its part, has the similar-in-concept Jetta GLI. But it’s the long-running Golf GTI that’s the traditional benchmark for compact car performance. The redesigned 2022 GTI is actually the base version of the Golf now because VW has discontinued the regular Golf. But it still has the expected upgrades such as a strong turbocharged engine and buttoned-down handling. Both cars could be a good fit if you’re looking for a compact vehicle that gets you where you’re going with gusto. Which one should you buy? Edmunds’ experts compared them to find out.
