2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the all-new 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting sharply with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The result was a stylish small car, though not universally appealing. The interior received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, but enough hard and glossy plastic remained to remind occupants that it was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, new for 2017, featured a rounded, smooth body reminiscent of the E-Class from two generations ago. While some felt it could benefit from additional edges, its resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class made it recognizable within the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers. The sedan looked particularly rich with the hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, a nod to Mercedes tradition. Most models featured the sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. LED lighting was delicate, with twin running lamps and a grainy film effect on the tail. The proportions, whether on the Luxury model's higher-riding suspension or the sportier versions, were visually appealing.

The cabriolet's fluid, creaseless form worked best, with the contrasting soft top revealing a sumptuous interior. Specified correctly, the E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, with industrial elements like circular air vents and knurled silver toggles offsetting the touchpads and thumbpads controlling the car's features. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors, added to the luxurious feel. Heated armrests, massaging seats, and smooth textures made the E-Class a place for solitude. Even the base model felt several cuts above other cars in its segment.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, an independent rear suspension, and a seven-speed DCT.

The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience. Hyundai's CVT, called the “Intelligent Variable Transmission,” simulated gear shifts effectively, making it feel like a traditional automatic. The CVT employed a chain belt and a wide-ratio pulley system for greater efficiency and improved responsiveness. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg. The Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride and handling, giving the car an unsettled feeling. The Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension offered a superior ride and more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E350 replaced the E300, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The revised turbo and shorter intake runners provided quicker response, and the E350 held its gears longer. In Comfort mode, the E-Class was relaxed, while Sport and Sport+ modes kept the engine in its power band. However, the E350's performance above 40 mph was lacking, making passing maneuvers uncomfortable. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offered a more balanced and effortless driving experience.

The AMG E53, with a hybrid setup and 429 horsepower, and the AMG E63 S, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower, provided extreme performance. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, except on the E350 sedan and E450 coupe/cabriolet, where it was optional. Fuel economy ranged from 19 to 23 mpg city and 26 to 32 highway, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered comfortable accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person squeezed in for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. Every Elantra included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging. Heated front seats were available on all but the SE and SEL trims, but rear air conditioning vents were not available. Interior storage was well-proportioned, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly as much as some midsize sedans. An interior grab handle inside the trunk lid made it easy to close.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued with the complicated COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on the car's huge screens. The lack of touchscreens was a significant drawback, making it difficult to change settings while driving. The system required multiple steps for various functions, which could be distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in other areas, such as seat and seat climate controls mounted on the door panels and the front passenger seat sliding forward to make extra room when the rear seats folded down. The E-Class offered plenty of space and excellent sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat with its own rear window controls, and the wagon featured a rear-facing jump seat for small children. A net on the front passenger footwell was helpful for securing water bottles.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim upgraded to a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary subscription to Blue Link Connected Car and Remote plans for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and added navigation and Blue Link Guidance service. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs. The Infinity sound system impressed for a compact car.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system that could steer, change lanes, slow down for curves, and sense obstacles. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive list of features. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with nearby Mercedes models, reconfigurable digital dash, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multi-contour seats engaged side bolsters before leaning, and the Burmester stereo provided surround-sound modes. The front camera activated automatically when approaching a space. The Energizing Comfort Package adjusted climate settings and lighting to match preset moods. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for race track guidance. Overall, the E-Class was overengineered with useful tech and some novelties.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) standard on all trims. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Starting with SEL trim, the Elantra added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims included full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion during side-impact tests.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received 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, which played a "pink noise" during a crash to protect eardrums, and side bolsters that inflated during a side collision. The steering and brakes countered crosswinds, and rear side airbags were available. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Other driver-assist features were optional.