2020 Honda Accord vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Honda Accord and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 9 out of 10 for their look and feel, highlighting their appeal in the sedan market. The 2020 Honda Accord stands out as one of the most stylish iterations in its lineage, despite some potential reservations about its front styling and rounded roofline. It distinguishes itself with a blend of mainstream appeal and fastback elegance, particularly when equipped with 19-inch wheels available on the Sport and Touring trims, although smaller 17-inch wheels on other versions offer long-term value due to lower replacement costs. The Accord Touring's Radiant Red paint and Ivory interior create a luxurious ambiance, enhanced by quality materials and thoughtful touches throughout the cabin. Conversely, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra adopts Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, marked by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This bold design, inclusive of a distinctive Z-shaped dent, gives the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra’s interiors are most impressive in the higher trims, such as the Limited or Hybrid Limited, offering a modern and upscale feel with thoughtful design and material choices. ---

CarGurus rates the 2020 Honda Accord 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 9 out of 10 for performance. The Accord’s performance is characterized by a selection of turbocharged engines, including a standard 1.5-liter engine and an impressive hybrid option that averages 42.6 mpg. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers exhilarating acceleration but could benefit from an all-wheel-drive option to manage its power more effectively. Its adaptive dampers and 19-inch tires contribute to an engaging driving experience, balancing fun with practicality. The Elantra’s performance spectrum varies widely, with its standard 2.0-liter engine providing adequate urban agility but limited highway passing power. The Elantra Hybrid impresses with its fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, courtesy of its six-speed dual-clutch transmission and electric motor. The sporty N Line and high-performance Elantra N offer thrilling driving experiences, with the latter boasting 276 horsepower, sophisticated driving aids, and an engaging drive that’s both dynamic and refined. ---

The 2020 Honda Accord earns a form and function rating of 9 out of 10, thanks to its generous interior space and practical design. The rear seat offers ample legroom, akin to what one might expect from a full-size sedan, while the trunk provides a substantial 16.7 cubic feet for luggage, aligning well with the needs of families or those requiring significant cargo space. Although the Touring trim level introduces a range of upscale features, such as heated and ventilated front seats, it notably omits a height adjuster for the passenger seat. The Accord's thoughtful interior layout, combining ergonomic controls with practical storage solutions, underscores its design efficiency and user-friendliness. In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, with a form and function rating of 7 out of 10, is recognized as a midsize car that offers a respectable level of space and comfort. Key comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats, but the car falls short in providing adequate rear-seat support and essential amenities such as air conditioning vents or USB ports for backseat passengers. The Elantra's trunk capacity is slightly less generous at 14.2 cubic feet, indicating some compromises in utility when compared to the Honda Accord. This difference in cargo space may influence considerations for potential buyers who prioritize luggage capacity and rear passenger comfort. ---

Technology ratings for both vehicles stand at 9 out of 10. The Accord's infotainment system is praised for its user-friendliness, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with comprehensive connectivity options and a high-quality sound system in higher trims. Despite its advantages, it lacks advanced voice recognition features. The Elantra steps up with a range of tech offerings, including a standard 8-inch and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Limited trim. It impresses with its digital cockpit, advanced voice recognition, and premium sound system. Hyundai’s Digital Key adds convenience, albeit with some limitations. ---

Safety ratings are 8 out of 10 for the Accord and 9 out of 10 for the Elantra. The Accord is recognized for its safety, earning top marks from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It includes a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) features as standard, though some refinements could improve its systems' responsiveness and accuracy. The Elantra is built on a new platform designed for enhanced collision safety and comes equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS suite across all trims. It offers a wide range of safety features, including some typically found in higher segments, contributing to its higher safety rating. ---

CarGurus rates the Accord 7 out of 10 and the Elantra 10 out of 10 for cost effectiveness. While the Accord offers substantial quality and durability that may justify its price, it lacks competitive financing and warranty offerings. The Elantra, on the other hand, boasts an exceptional value proposition, including an industry-leading warranty, complimentary maintenance, and a comprehensive suite of connected services. ---