2019 Volvo S60 vs 2019 Hyundai Elantra

Volvo had managed to completely transform its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade. The 2019 S60, a scaled-down version of the flagship S90 sedan, competed with luxury models like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 featured straight lines and precise angles, with an athletic stance thanks to its rear fender and C-pillar. The design was so appealing that it invited closer inspection, even if it didn't always prioritize function.

The 2019 S60 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum included a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other features. The R-Design, which was tested, added fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. The top-tier Inscription offered genuine leather upholstery and 4-zone climate control, along with the optional Advance Package, which included features like a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

Hyundai had redesigned the Elantra two years prior, giving it a tailored look inspired by the Genesis G80 sedan. The 2017 model looked upscale and conservative, but the 2019 Elantra introduced new styling elements that were more geometric and less appealing. The interior saw subtle improvements, such as redesigned air vents and a carbon-texture finish on some plastic housings, which added excitement to an otherwise dull cabin.

The 2019 Elantra was available in SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, and Limited trims. Prices started at $17,100, plus a $885 destination charge. The Limited trim, tested here, had a base price of $23,485 and included the Ultimate Package, which added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and a navigation system, among other features. The test vehicle's total cost came to $26,690, including destination charges.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to front-wheel drive. The T6, which was tested, had a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, sent to all-wheel drive. The range-topping T8 was a plug-in hybrid with a combined 400 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 21-mile all-electric range.

The T6 provided plenty of acceleration, with instantaneous throttle and transmission responses. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the S60 felt like a firmly planted rear-wheel-drive sedan, staying flat through corners. The T6's fuel economy was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, with a real-world average of 23.2 mpg. The T5 had better fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 36 highway, and 28 combined.

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. However, Smart mode was not very perceptive, and Sport mode added unwelcome weight to the steering, making Normal mode the preferred choice.

The EPA estimated the Elantra's fuel economy at 32 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the car returned 29.3 mpg on a modified loop and 32.4 mpg after a week of driving. Handling was decent, with no major criticisms or praise for the steering and brakes. The ride quality could be busy due to the inexpensive torsion-beam rear-axle suspension, making the car neither particularly rewarding nor aggravating to drive.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior took a form-over-function approach. While it offered sensible steering-wheel-mounted controls and ample cubby space, some physical controls were awkwardly placed. The starter's location between the front seats and the drive-mode selector's roller design were inconvenient. However, the conventional shifter was a smart choice, providing a familiar P-R-N-D layout. Backseat space was decent, and the S60's 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra provided good front-seat comfort for a compact car, with height-adjustable seats in all trims. Most trims also included heated front seats, a leather-wrapped 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 bin, a sizable glove box, and a tray for smartphones. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, and most trims included a hands-free Smart Trunk release.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation and graphics. While it looked great, many features were tucked away into the screen, making simple tasks like changing the temperature cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged and even froze, which could be frustrating. However, it did include a Volume dial, Play/Pause button, and a Home button for easier navigation.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra, except for the base SE, came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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, navigation, and SiriusXM Data Services. The infotainment system was easy to use, with the right number of knobs and buttons to limit screen interaction. The Limited's Infinity audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and the car provided a free 3-year trial subscription to Blue Link services.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also included driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Advance Package added a head-up display, headlight washers, a 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system with smart cruise control.

Most versions of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra included driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems as standard equipment. Starting with the SEL trim, the car featured forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, 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 anchor accessibility. The NHTSA gave it a 4-star overall rating.