2019 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2019 Hyundai Elantra
2019 Hyundai Elantra
$17,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Hyundai Elantra
$17,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, offering a balance of quality, value, and essential features.

Overview

MSRP

$17,200

MSRP

$54,050

Average price

$13,588

Average price

$38,560

Listings

791

Listings

342
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Difficult-to-use technology

2019 Hyundai Elantra Reviews Summary

Customer satisfaction is dependent on multiple factors. For example, let's say you go out to a new restaurant. Even if the service is great, or the bill is inexpensive, or the restaurant has a lovely ambiance, you probably won't go back if the food doesn't taste good. The updated and upgraded 2019 Hyundai Elantra is like that—unless you buy the turbocharged Sport trim.

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews Summary

A Mercedes-Benz is a physical indulgence that gives as much or as little pleasure as your checking account allows. The 2020 E-Class starts off well-equipped in ways a $55,000 Mercedes wasn't just a few years ago, and it becomes decadent and power-drunk once you start adding options. For 2020, a new base engine joins this car's stellar design, technology, and effortless demeanor.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

32
2019 Hyundai Elantra
2019 Hyundai Elantra
$17,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Hyundai Elantra
$17,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice for its higher overall rating, offering a balance of quality, value, and essential features.

Overview
MSRP
$17,200
$54,050
Average price
$13,588
$38,560
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.2
4.8
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Difficult-to-use technology
Summary
Customer satisfaction is dependent on multiple factors. For example, let's say you go out to a new restaurant. Even if the service is great, or the bill is inexpensive, or the restaurant has a lovely ambiance, you probably won't go back if the food doesn't taste good. The updated and upgraded 2019 Hyundai Elantra is like that—unless you buy the turbocharged Sport trim.
A Mercedes-Benz is a physical indulgence that gives as much or as little pleasure as your checking account allows. The 2020 E-Class starts off well-equipped in ways a $55,000 Mercedes wasn't just a few years ago, and it becomes decadent and power-drunk once you start adding options. For 2020, a new base engine joins this car's stellar design, technology, and effortless demeanor.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 147 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
26
23
MPG Highway
36
32
Look and feel
2019 Hyundai Elantra
7/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
9/10

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, redesigned two years prior, featured a tailored look inspired by the Genesis G80 sedan. For 2019, it received new styling elements forward of the windshield and front doors, redesigned wheels, and a new trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper. The design was described as kaleidoscopic, and some felt it was less appealing than the previous year's model. Inside, subtle changes improved the interior, with new air vents, a carbon-texture finish on some plastic housings, new gauges, and revised controls on the dashboard. The interior quality was high, with a robust and solid shifter, although some materials felt inexpensive. The Elantra was available in two models: the 5-door hatchback "GT" and the 4-door sedan in SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, and Limited trims. Prices for the sedan started at $17,100, plus $885 for the destination charge. The Limited trim, with the Ultimate Package, added advanced safety features and a navigation system, bringing the total cost to $26,690.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, new for 2017, featured a rounded, smooth body reminiscent of the E-Class from two generations ago. The design was streamlined, resembling the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class, making it recognizable within the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers. The sedan looked especially rich with the hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, while most models had the sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. LED lighting was delicate, and the proportions were visually appealing. The cabriolet's fluid form worked best, with a contrasting soft top revealing a sumptuous interior. The interior featured multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood, with two feet of high-res digital screens stretching across the dash. The ambient lighting offered 64 colors, and the interior was designed for comfort and solitude. Even the base E-Class felt several cuts above other cars in its segment.

Performance
2019 Hyundai Elantra
5/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
8/10

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, relied on a 6-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels. Acceleration was acceptable, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart. Sport mode made the Elantra feel livelier but added unwelcome weight to the steering. The EPA estimated 32 mpg in combined driving, and the car returned 29.3 mpg on a testing loop, with a trip computer reading 32.4 mpg after a week of driving. Handling was decent, with no significant praise or criticism for the steering and brakes. The ride quality could be busy due to the inexpensive torsion-beam rear-axle suspension. Overall, the Elantra was a nice car exuding quality and value, but its driving dynamics did not inspire desire.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 replaced the E300, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo and shorter intake runners provided quicker response. In Comfort mode, the E-Class was relaxed, while Sport and Sport+ modes kept the engine in its power band. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, offered effortless performance. The AMG E53, with a hybrid setup, produced 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ranged from 19 to 23 mpg city and 26 to 32 highway, depending on the powertrain and body style. The E63 S showed 16/23 mpg in the lab.

Form and function
2019 Hyundai Elantra
8/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
6/10

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offered good front-seat comfort for a compact car, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. Most trims included heated front seats, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Backseat comfort was less impressive, with hard plastic front seatbacks and no air conditioning vents or USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a good-size center-console storage bin, a sizable glove box, and a tray forward of the shifter. The Limited trim included a wireless charging pad. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free Smart Trunk release feature.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complicated COMAND infotainment system on its huge screens, which were not touchscreens. The system required multiple steps for various functions, making it highly distracting. However, the E-Class felt functional with seat and seat climate controls on the door panels and plenty of space in every dimension. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The digital dash could be reconfigured, and the gauges were clear and high-res. The front passenger seat slid forward to make extra room when the rear seats folded down, and a net in the front passenger footwell was helpful for water bottles.

Technology
2019 Hyundai Elantra
10/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
9/10

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, except for the base SE, came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Limited trim included an Infinity premium sound system, and the Ultimate Package added an 8-inch display screen, navigation system, and SiriusXM Data Services. The infotainment system was easy to use, with the right number of knobs and buttons. The Limited's Infinity audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the instrumentation glowed white at night, with secondary switchgear illuminating in blue. The Value Edition and Limited trims included a free 3-year trial subscription to Blue Link services, offering a long list of safety and convenience functions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured advanced tech, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and multi-contour seats. The Burmester stereo had surround-sound modes, and the front camera activated automatically when pulling up to a space. The Energizing Comfort Package adjusted climate settings and lighting to preset moods. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for race track guidance. The tech was overengineered with useful features and some novelties.

Safety
2019 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
10/10

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra included important driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems starting with the SEL trim, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-monitoring system. The Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and a Safe Exit system. The Elantra received top marks from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for LATCH child-seat anchors. The NHTSA gave the car a 4-star overall rating, with 4-star frontal-impact and side-impact protection ratings for rear-seat occupants.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon scored a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were considered equally safe. Innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during a side collision, and steering and brake adjustments for crosswinds. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Other driver-assist features were optional.

Cost Effectiveness
2019 Hyundai Elantra
10/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
6/10
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