2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

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 enough hard and glossy plastic remained to remind occupants that it was a mainstream compact car.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it represented a $460 savings. The Accord Hybrid was never available with Sport trim. The Accord's design was praised for its proportion, stance, style, and detailing, with minor front styling changes for 2021, including a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color.

The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the drab brightness of typical silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked terrific but were challenging to clean. The Lunar Silver came with a Black interior, while high-contrast Ivory-over-Black two-tone was available with other colors. The Accord's cabin looked remarkably upscale, with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. However, the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a disappointment. The controls were logically arranged and easy to use, with excellent outward visibility.

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 with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport trim had a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, featuring 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 during acceleration, making it feel like a traditional automatic. The CVT employed a chain belt and a wide-ratio pulley system for greater efficiency and improved low-end responsiveness. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg. The torsion beam axle rear suspension design detracted from the ride and handling, making the car feel unsettled. The Elantra Sport's independent rear suspension provided a superior ride and more enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid used a two-motor hybrid system pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The system produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and returned 48 mpg in combined driving, except for the Touring trim, which earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels and tires.

The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode. The refined two-motor hybrid powertrain for 2021 offered improved throttle response and a more natural sound and feel during acceleration. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg, matching the EPA's rating. The 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires provided excellent grip and handling, with a compliant ride. The brake-by-wire regenerative braking system offered excellent feel, modulation, and response. The Accord Hybrid was fun to drive, except when traveling over speed humps.

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. However, rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. Interior storage was well-proportioned, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly as much as some midsize sedans. The interior grab handle inside the trunk lid made it easy to swing shut.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid amazed with its spaciousness, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan space. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and enormous back seat provided excellent leg support. Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with an available wireless smartphone charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the same size as other Accords and larger than any competitor in the segment. The trunk was deep enough to store full-size suitcases on their sides, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded the car's utility.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim featured 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 the first three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology. 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 for the compact car segment.

For 2021, Honda made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on the base Accord Hybrid, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and standard 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with EX trim and higher. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well, but voice commands required specific prompts and pathways. The navigation system struggled to locate the closest hospital, a vital task for a voice-activated system.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured standard Smart Sense, Hyundai’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Starting with SEL trim, the Elantra included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims had full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian detection system, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which noted a concern about rear-door intrusion during the side-impact test.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning the LED headlights and making them standard for every trim. The Accord Hybrid included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system. The Touring model gained low-speed braking control, a front and rear automatic emergency braking system for speeds up to 6 mph. The Honda Sensing collection of ADAS featured refinements to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for smoother operation. A button on the dashboard made it easier to access the Honda Sensing menu. The changes were effective, but the system remained intrusive, and the lane departure warning should be a steering wheel vibration instead of a wobble. The low-speed automatic braking system needed recalibration, as it was overly sensitive with a full load.