2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold, geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This design choice was a precursor to the more angular styling of the upcoming 2021 model. The Elantra was available in six versions, ranging from the base SE to the sporty Sport trim, with prices starting at $19,300 and going up to $24,150. The Limited trim, with the Ultimate Package, brought the price to $27,630. The Elantra's black paint job highlighted its angular design elements, creating a striking contrast with the chrome detailing. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated to offer a more upscale look, with silver trim accents, though it still featured some hard plastics typical of a mainstream compact car.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was visually similar to other models in the Accord lineup, with subtle "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch wheels as the only distinguishing features. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles. The Accord Hybrid was available in four trims: Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring, with prices starting at $25,620. The Hybrid Touring trim was priced at $36,070, slightly cheaper than the non-hybrid Touring due to the hybrid powertrain. The interior of the Accord Hybrid was noted for its upscale feel, especially with leather upholstery and simulated matte-finish wood trim, providing a sophisticated look and feel.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. This change contributed to a $1,100 price increase for the SE trim. The Elantra Eco featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 128 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport, with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a more engaging driving experience with an independent rear suspension. However, the Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride quality, and real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 29.3 mpg.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two-motor hybrid powertrain, delivered 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode. The car achieved 42.6 mpg in real-world testing, slightly below the EPA estimate of 48 mpg. The Accord Hybrid's ride and handling were generally composed, though it could lose composure on undulating roads. The electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration, but the overall driving experience was enjoyable.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a roomy interior for a compact car, comfortably accommodating four adults. The Limited trim featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras came with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, comparable to some midsize sedans.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained the same spacious interior and trunk as the standard Accord, with a massive backseat and 16.7-cubic-foot trunk. The front seats were comfortable, though taller drivers might find the lack of front-seat track travel limiting. The Touring trim added front seat heating and ventilation, as well as rear seat heating. The trunk was large enough to accommodate four full-size suitcases, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard touchscreen infotainment system, with screen sizes ranging from 5 to 8 inches depending on the trim. The Limited trim included wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy navigation.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, starting with EX trim, featured a Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, and a WiFi hotspot. HondaLink services offered features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages and remote vehicle access. The infotainment system was intuitive, though voice recognition could be improved.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with Hyundai Smart Sense, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was smoother and more refined than previous versions. The Accord Hybrid received top ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.