The 2021 Hyundai Elantra vs. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai’s emergence into one of the leading auto manufacturers has been incredible. Unlike many of the imports, Hyundai didn’t even begin doing business in the United States until the late 20th century.

Thirty-five years after it began selling in the U.S., Hyundai has developed a reputation for high-quality yet affordable vehicles, and continues to press forward in the coupe and sedan markets while others pull back. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Hyundai Sonata are both excellent examples of an affordable modern four-door sedan – but which one is the right fit for you?

Performance

Hyundai is well known for efficiency in its powertrains, and these sedans are prime examples. You’ve got great choices on both models, with three different powertrains available in the Elantra and Sonata, which includes a hybrid powertrain in each.

For the 2021 Elantra, you start with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder pushing out 147 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) it is responsive, without the lurches of gear shifts. What you give up in power, you get back in economy – at 33 MPG city and 43 MPG highway, it is one of the most efficient compact cars on the road! The 2021 Hyundai Sonata starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine giving 191 horsepower. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, it provides 27 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, not class-leading but still above average for its class.

Both models can be upgraded to the same 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With this engine and the selection of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Elantra lays down 201 horsepower while managing a very respectable 28 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. The Sonata, meanwhile, only squeezes 180 horsepower out of the 1.6-liter engine, but it does so while retaining that same 27 MPG city, 37 MPG highway as the base.

The Sonata can also be upgraded to the N Line trim, which features a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that puts down 290 horsepower and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Elantra N, meanwhile, gets an incredibly potent 2.0-liter, 275-horsepower engine paired with your choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Finally, you could also go the hybrid route. In the Elantra Hybrid, this means a 1.6-liter engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, for 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of instant torque. The base trim offers a class-leading 53 MPG city and 56 MPG highway. The Sonata Hybrid, with a 2.0-liter engine combined with an electric motor, makes 192 horsepower while offering 50 MPG city and 54 MPG highway.

Both vehicles offer incredibly responsive steering, suspensions tuned for comfort, and overall rides exactly as you’d expect from a modern sedan. They’re not as cushy as a BMW or Mercedes – but then again, you’re not paying for it either.

Design & Comfort

Start with the obvious – the mid-size Sonata is simply larger than the compact Elantra. However, that’s not always good! For folks with limited space, the 8 inches of extra length on the Sonata could be an issue, particularly when it comes to parking. The design of the Elantra means that even though it’s shorter, it doesn’t suffer reduced interior space compared to the Sonata. Both offer 40 inches of front-row headroom, although the Sonata offers four more inches of legroom. While the Sonata offers 16 cubic feet of trunk space, the Elantra isn’t that far behind at 14.2 cubic feet.

While the interiors are relatively plain, that can be good for a family vehicle. Stain-resistant cloth and plenty of nooks and crannies for storage make the rear seats perfect for the next generations. The design is sturdy, but no-frills in both models - great when you need the added durability. Leather upholstery can be added in the upper trims of both models, along with heated seating and a sunroof. The Sonata can also be equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control. N Line and N editions get their own unique interior looks.

Technology

Both the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated through the standard 8-inch console touch screen. Smartphone integration allows you access to everything you need in your phone, while providing a familiar layout to your control screen. Bluetooth with voice recognition is standard on both models. Both models can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation, and your choice of Bose premium stereo systems with additional speakers – eight speakers in the Elantra, 12 in the Sonata.

Safety

Hyundai has put a ton of effort into making their vehicles some of the safest on the road, and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and Elantra are shining examples of this. Both vehicles feature an extensive safety suite with rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, driver attention warning, and high-beam assist all standard. Blind spot monitoring and safe exit warning are standard on all Elantra models and can be added to the Sonata above the base model. Cyclist detection and adaptive cruise control are also available on both the Sonata and Elantra. Both the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Hyundai Sonata are great choices for your next sedan. There’s no wrong option – do you want the slightly larger and roomier Sonata, or the smaller yet more efficient Elantra? Either way, we think you’ll love the one you choose.