2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Hyundai Elantra

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra received a significant facelift, featuring new styling elements forward of the windshield and front doors, redesigned wheels, and a revamped trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper. The design was described as kaleidoscopic, with a focus on geometric patterns that may not have been as universally appealing as the previous year's model. Inside, subtle changes improved the interior, including new air vents, a carbon-texture finish on some plastic housings, updated gauges, and revised dashboard controls. The interior quality was high, with a robust and solid shifter, although some materials felt inexpensive, which is typical for a compact car.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and a large functional air intake. The STI version took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite these racy touches, the non-STI version could be considered a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin styling was straightforward and practical, with easy-to-use controls and plenty of storage compartments. Visibility was excellent, thanks to the large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows in the front doors.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. While acceleration was acceptable, the driving dynamics did not inspire much excitement. The car offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Sport mode adding unwelcome weight to the steering. The Elantra achieved an EPA rating of 32 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing returning 29.3 mpg on a modified loop and 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.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. The manual transmission provided a continuous all-wheel-drive system with a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio. The manual transmission was preferred for its precise feedback and smooth clutch pedal. The WRX excelled in power delivery, with minimal turbo lag and excellent cornering capabilities. The WRX STI version featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine with 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper handling. However, the ride quality was stiff, especially on imperfect roads, and road and wind noise were significant.

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 sizable center-console storage bin, glove box, and door panel bins. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free Smart Trunk feature on most trims.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. Front-row seating space was generous, with adequate rear-seat space for full-size adults on most trips. The WRX offered 12 cubic feet of cargo space, which was low compared to other compact sedans but similar to other performance cars.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio on all trims except the base SE. The Limited trim included an Infinity premium sound system, with an 8-inch display screen, navigation system, and SiriusXM Data Services available through the Ultimate Package. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a good balance of knobs and buttons. The Limited trim also offered a free 3-year trial subscription to Blue Link services, providing a range of safety and convenience functions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an available 7-inch touchscreen. The Starlink infotainment system was easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra included important driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems as standard equipment on most trims, 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 Elantra a 4-star overall rating.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.