2019 Hyundai Elantra vs 2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign, featuring new styling elements forward of the windshield and front doors, along with updated wheels, trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper. This kaleidoscopic design was a departure from its previous conservative look, which some found less appealing. Inside, the Elantra saw subtle improvements, such as new air vents, carbon-texture finishes, updated gauges, and revised dashboard controls, enhancing the cabin's excitement. The interior quality was generally high, with a robust shifter feel, though some materials felt inexpensive. The Elantra was available in various trims, with the Limited model offering advanced features through the Ultimate Package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a navigation system.

The 2019 Toyota Prius, known for its distinctive design, continued to make a statement with its boomerang-shaped profile and hatchback style. However, the fourth-generation Prius, introduced in 2016, had a design that some believed hindered sales. Despite this, the Prius remained a practical choice for daily driving. The 2019 lineup included L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trims, with optional AWD-e. The XLE AWD-e test car featured an Advanced Technology Package, adding a head-up display and other enhancements. The Prius's interior was unique, with centralized controls and a joystick-style gear selector. While the design was unconventional, it functioned well, though the gloss black trim attracted dust.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. While acceleration was adequate, the Elantra offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes. Sport mode added liveliness but also increased steering weight, leading to a preference for Normal mode. The EPA estimated 32 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 29.3 mpg on a modified loop and 32.4 mpg over a week. Handling was decent, though the ride quality was affected by the torsion-beam rear-axle suspension, making it less rewarding to drive.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery, powering the rear wheels up to 43 mph. AWD-e reduced fuel economy, with a standard Prius achieving 52 mpg and AWD-e models getting 50 mpg. The Prius featured a CVT, with transmission controls on the dashboard. The Prius's driving dynamics were improved, offering a good ride and decent handling. In Power mode, the electric motors provided instant torque, while the CVT's drone was noticeable on hills. The Prius excelled in urban environments, offering quiet operation and a no-hassle driving experience.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offered good front-seat comfort, with height-adjustable seats in all trims. Most models included heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The backseat was less comfortable, with hard plastic front seatbacks and no air conditioning vents or USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a sizable center-console bin, glove box, and door panel bins. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free Smart Trunk feature for easy access.

The 2019 Toyota Prius provided comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat. The rear seats offered good thigh support and legroom, though air conditioning vents were absent. The Prius XLE and Limited trims featured SofTex leatherette upholstery, which could trap sweat in hot weather. The Prius's hatchback design allowed for 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made the Prius a practical alternative to small crossover SUVs, though it lacked ground clearance for off-road adventures.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, except for the base SE, came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim offered an Infinity premium sound system, with an 8-inch display and navigation available through the Ultimate Package. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quality switchgear and impressive sound quality. Value Edition and Limited trims included a 3-year trial of Blue Link services, offering safety and convenience functions.

The 2019 Toyota Prius reserved its top infotainment system for the Limited trim, featuring an 11.6-inch display, navigation, and a JBL sound system. The XLE AWD-e test car had a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a CD player. The Prius's instrumentation was housed in a strip below the windshield, with a mix of modern and outdated displays. The Advanced Technology Package included a head-up display and adaptive headlights. The Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it offered wireless smartphone charging.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra included driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems starting with the SEL trim, such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a Safe Exit system. The Elantra received top marks from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for LATCH anchor accessibility. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating, with 4-star frontal and side-impact ratings.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered standard Toyota Safety Sense, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. The Prius received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star front passenger protection rating. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, with an Acceptable rating for small overlap front passenger protection.