With the recent advent of the new Elantra generation, Hyundai has really stepped up their game. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is a sleek, attractive-looking vehicle both inside and out. However, good looks will only get a vehicle so far. Luckily, Hyundai has put their money where their mouth is, making the 2021 Elantra one of the best compact sedans on the market. But how does it fare against the tried-and-tested Honda Civic? Let’s take a look.
Today, we’re comparing the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE and the 2021 Honda Civic Sedan LX compacts sedans. We’ve chosen the entry-level trims for each model to get the best comparison for each vehicle. Below, you’ll find a table that shows off starting prices, performance specs, and fuel economy. Underneath that, we dive deeper into fuel economy and hybrid variants, as well as standard tech.
2021 Hyundai Elantra SE | vs |
2021 Honda Civic Sedan LX |
$19,650 | MSRP | $21,050 |
2.0L 4-cyl | Engine |
2.0L 4-cyl |
147 hp / 132 lb-ft | Horsepower / Torque |
158 hp / 138 lb-ft |
CVT | Transmission |
CVT |
FWD | Drivetrain |
FWD |
33/43/37 | Fuel Economy |
30/38/33 |
Even from the get-go, the 2021 Elantra is more fuel efficient than the 2021 Honda Civic Sedan. However, the 2021 Elantra has a hybrid variant; the 2021 Honda Civic does not. The entry-level 2021 Elantra Hybrid Blue gets 53/56/54 mpg, thanks to a 1.6L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor system. The hybrid is also more powerful than the 2021 Civic Sedan, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. If you want to save at the pump, get the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.
The 2021 Elantra, despite costing less than the 2021 Honda Civic Sedan, has much better standard tech. The 2021 Elantra comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, voice recognition capability, two USB ports, and a four-speaker stereo system. The 2021 Honda Civic Sedan? It has Bluetooth, a USB port, a 5-inch infotainment display (which is not a touchscreen), and a four-speaker stereo. We know which vehicle we prefer.
For more details on the 2021 Elantra, give Mathews Hyundai a call.