2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Nissan Altima

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 prices 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 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 the presence of hard and glossy plastic reminded occupants that it was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in base S, sporty SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, featured a Platinum test car equipped with a turbocharged engine, extra-cost paint, a rear spoiler, splash guards, floor and trunk mats, grocery bag hooks, and illuminated doorsill kick plates. The total price was $37,825, including $925 for destination charges. The Altima Platinum, with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, looked impressive, though last year's redesign left a few questionable details.

From the side, the door handles appeared misaligned, and the body-color lower diffuser panel between the exhaust outlets would have looked better in dark gray. The black trim on the rear roof pillars was also a matter of personal preference. Inside, the Altima's clean, contemporary design featured a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, clearly legible climate controls, and a traditional PRNDL transmission shifter. The materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and striated simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

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, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and achieved 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport, with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, featured an independent rear suspension and a seven-speed DCT.

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

The 2020 Nissan Altima, with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT, offered front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The test car featured the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, producing 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, but the test car averaged 26.2 mpg. The Altima's strut front, multi-link rear suspension, dual-pinion electric steering, and 4-wheel-disc brakes provided a satisfying driving experience. The SR and Platinum trims featured 19-inch wheels, with the SR offering sports suspension tuning.

The Altima's ride and handling impressed, thanks to standard Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The VC-Turbo engine delivered quick, sharp, and responsive performance, making the Altima enjoyable to drive in various settings. The CVT, programmed to mimic a traditional automatic, produced sudden power surges when changing ratios, which was neither good nor bad, just different.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting 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 standard on all but the SE and SEL trims, though rear air conditioning vents were unavailable. Interior storage was adequate, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. An interior grab handle inside the trunk lid made it easy to close.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's front and back seats, inspired by NASA, aimed to provide superior comfort. However, the lack of a front passenger's seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was disappointing at the test car's price. The Altima offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control operation, though heated rear seats were unavailable. Rear air conditioning vents were standard. The cabin provided substantial storage space, but a wireless smartphone charging pad was missing. The trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

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, Blue Link Guidance service, and SiriusXM data services. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently.

The Elantra's touchscreen display, positioned high on the dashboard and angled toward the driver, featured shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs for easy use. The voice recognition system was user-friendly, and the Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door directions, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology was free for the first six months, with the Select Plan continuing for three years. The Premium Plan added collision notification, emergency calling, and smartphone alerts, while the Premium Plus Plan included 24-hour destination assistance.

The door-to-door navigation function was particularly helpful in urban settings. However, the Altima's voice recognition technology required specific commands, making it less intuitive.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited and Sport trims included full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package for the Limited trim 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 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base S trim. Other trims received the full suite, including pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. However, the system's audible alerts and lane-centering functionality were not entirely trustworthy.

The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with automatic high-beam LED headlights.