2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

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 car's angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing, resulting in a stylish small car, though not universally appealing.

Inside, the Elantra's restyled exterior was complemented by an updated interior with a more upscale look. Silver trim on various elements, such as the air vents, climate control panel, engine start button, and steering wheel, dressed up the Elantra Limited. However, the presence of hard and glossy plastic reminded occupants that it was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, traditionally not known for its looks, underwent a significant transformation. The new model, resembling a scaled-down Altima, felt bigger than it was. The Sentra's new design, 2 inches lower and wider than its predecessor, featured detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille motif, giving it a mature and recognizable appearance. The SV Premium Package added 17-inch wheels, while the SR trim included 18-inch wheels and fog lights. The Electric Blue paint on the test car enhanced its visual appeal, making it a stylish choice.

Inside, the Sentra's interior stepped up in class, with only a few drawbacks like hard plastic upper panels on the rear doors and flimsy window and mirror switches. The flat-bottom leather steering wheel and white-stitched leatherette dash added a touch of luxury. The climate knobs had a fine tactile feel, and the circular air vents featured silver brightwork. The larger touchscreen and expanded screen in the instrument panel were worthy upgrades, and the SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade tan leatherette on the console, doors, and dash. The fit and finish were comparable to the Mazda3, making the Sentra's interior close to the classiest non-luxury compact interiors.

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 an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 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, provided a satisfactory driving experience. The CVT, called an "Intelligent Variable Transmission" by Hyundai, 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, giving the car an unsettled feeling. The Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension offered a superior ride and more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, sent power to the front wheels via a CVT. The CVT mimicked gear changes of a conventional automatic, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, with flat cornering and agreeable ride quality. The steering was quick with good on-center feel, making the Sentra feel in control and supportive.

Fuel economy for the Sentra was EPA rated at 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, with the SR trim delivering slightly lower figures. The test car averaged about 30 mpg during mixed driving over 300 miles.

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 system. Heated front seats were available on all but the SE and SEL trims. 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 Nissan Sentra's backseat was surprisingly spacious, accommodating a 5-foot-11 passenger without knee or headroom issues. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, but the rear window's rake and headrests partially blocked the view. The rear-view mirror was also fuzzy when adjusted to a tinted night view. The driving position and controls were easily accessible, with knobs for volume and tuning. Trunk space measured 14.3 cubic feet, slightly less than the outgoing Sentra, but still large for a small car. The seatbacks folded for additional cargo space.

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 touchscreen display was high on the dashboard, canted toward the driver, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs for easy use. The Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra did not offer ProPilot, navigation, or wireless charging, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi were standard on the mid-level SV. The SV also included two additional USB ports (including USB-C) and larger screens. Bright LED headlights were available in the SV Premium Package or the SR trim. The SV came with dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. A full suite of driver-assist features was standard. The Sentra's interior was basic but functional, with knobs for volume and tuning, and a straightforward layout.

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 for the Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS when equipped with full LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a concern about rear-door intrusion during the side-impact test.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but CarGurus expected top ratings. The Sentra included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard features.