2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

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 model year did not introduce any significant visual changes, maintaining the angular aesthetic that set the stage for the upcoming 2021 Elantra. The Elantra was available in six versions, ranging from the base SE to the sporty Sport trim, with prices starting at $19,300. The Limited trim, which was tested, featured a black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements and chrome detailing, resulting in a stylish appearance that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated to offer a more upscale look, with silver trim accents enhancing the overall aesthetic, although some hard plastics reminded occupants of its compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was a relatively new addition to the BMW lineup, marking the brand's first foray into front-wheel-drive sedans in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a traditional trunk, lacking the utility of its sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series was available in 228i and M235i models, with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The test vehicle, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, featured the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and other premium options, bringing the MSRP to $48,595. The Gran Coupe's design included visual tricks to balance its front-drive proportions, such as large LED headlights and a tapering roofline, culminating in a busy rear end. Inside, the 2 Series adhered to BMW's modern design language, with a digital instrumentation display and upscale materials, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). This CVT replaced the previous six-speed automatic, contributing to a $1,100 price increase for the base SE trim. The Elantra Eco model featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter 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. The Elantra Sport trim boasted a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for improved handling. The Elantra Limited test car, equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT, offered a smooth driving experience, although real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the EPA's 34 mpg estimate. The torsion beam rear suspension detracted from ride quality, making the Elantra feel unsettled over rough surfaces.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the 228i xDrive model, featured a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW claimed a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds for this model, providing a lively driving experience. The Gran Coupe's performance was enhanced by features like brake-fade compensation, cornering brake control, and multiple driving modes. The M Sport Package added M Sport steering, which was sharp and direct, enhancing the driving experience. The suspension was firm but well-tuned, providing a planted feel on the road, although the run-flat tires could be noisy at the limit. The 228i xDrive averaged 27.9 mpg during testing, slightly exceeding the EPA's estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was known for its spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited trim featured power-adjustable leather seats and a sliding center console armrest for added comfort. All Elantras came with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, although rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, comparable to some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle for easy closing.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, while practical for two passengers, presented challenges for rear-seat occupants. The sport-bolstered front seats were comfortable, but entry and exit were not effortless due to the car's low-slung design. Rear-seat access was tight, and taller passengers found headroom and legroom limited. The Gran Coupe's trunk provided 15.2 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the car's fast roofline did not offer the same cargo flexibility as a sportback design.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port as standard. The base SE trim featured a 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package further enhanced the tech offerings with an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and additional connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a responsive voice recognition system.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe featured Live Cockpit Plus with a 5.1-inch display between analog gauges, while the Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro with a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 technology, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with multiple control options and responsive software. The test car also had a premium sound system and an optional head-up display, although Gesture Control for the stereo was inconsistent.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with Hyundai Smart Sense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. 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 noted concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and parking assistance, although the test car did not have this upgrade. It did include the Active Driving Assistant suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and active blind-spot warning. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be overly aggressive. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, but it missed a Top Safety Pick designation due to subpar headlight performance and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.