2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Accord

2020 Hyundai Elantra
2020 Hyundai Elantra
$19,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Elantra
$19,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of style, performance, comfort, technology, and safety.

Overview

MSRP

$19,300

MSRP

$24,970

Average price

$14,961

Average price

$24,786

Listings

1435

Listings

2029
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

9.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology

2020 Hyundai Elantra Reviews Summary

Hyundai isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to the compact car segment, where value is of utmost importance. And though a completely redesigned 2021 Elantra is coming soon, the automaker bestows several value-enhancing improvements upon the outgoing 2020 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. They include free scheduled maintenance, improved fuel economy ratings, and new standard safety features.

2021 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

31

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

41

MPG Highway

38
2020 Hyundai Elantra
2020 Hyundai Elantra
$19,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Elantra
$19,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of style, performance, comfort, technology, and safety.

Overview
MSRP
$19,300
$24,970
Average price
$14,961
$24,786
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.8
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

9.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology
Summary
Hyundai isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to the compact car segment, where value is of utmost importance. And though a completely redesigned 2021 Elantra is coming soon, the automaker bestows several value-enhancing improvements upon the outgoing 2020 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. They include free scheduled maintenance, improved fuel economy ratings, and new standard safety features.
For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 147 hp I4
1.5L 192 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
31
30
MPG Highway
41
38
Look and feel
2020 Hyundai Elantra
8/10
2021 Honda Accord
8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Hyundai Elantra as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Accord as 9 out of 10, suggesting that the Accord has a slight edge in terms of design and overall appeal. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last boldly restyled for 2019, carries forward its geometric-influenced appearance, offering a distinctive look with its angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs complemented by chrome detailing. This design, while stylish, may not appeal to everyone. The Elantra's interior, updated alongside the exterior restyle, incorporates silver trim and maintains a more upscale look despite the presence of hard plastics, reminding occupants of its status as a mainstream compact car. The 2021 Honda Accord, following a mid-generation refresh, showcases a wider, restyled grille leading to a flatter, more sculpted facade that enhances its appearance. LED headlights and fog lights, new alloy wheel designs, and a fresh Sonic Gray Pearl paint option elevate the Accord's sophistication. Inside, the Accord offers a mix of comfort and luxury, with varying upholstery across trim levels, improved interior design, and thoughtful features like a power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats in certain models, indicating Honda's commitment to a balance of style and practicality.
Performance
2020 Hyundai Elantra
6/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
Experts from CarGurus give the 2020 Hyundai Elantra a performance rating of 6 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord receives a 9 out of 10. The Elantra's base 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine and its new CVT highlight Hyundai's effort to improve efficiency, though real-world fuel economy may fall short of expectations. Specialty models like the Eco and Sport offer alternative engine choices for those prioritizing efficiency or performance, respectively. However, the Elantra's ride and handling suffer due to its rear suspension design, impacting overall driving enjoyment. Conversely, the Honda Accord provides a choice between a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, both designed to offer a balance of efficiency and enjoyment. The Accord's CVT and 10-speed automatic transmission, along with upgrades to the braking system and no option for AWD, show Honda's focus on creating a versatile driving experience that caters to both daily commutes and more engaging drives, setting it apart in terms of performance.
Form and function
2020 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
In the realm of form and function, CarGurus rates both the 2020 Hyundai Elantra and the 2021 Honda Accord highly, with each receiving a score of 9 out of 10. This high rating reflects their ability to blend comfort, convenience, and practicality into their respective designs. The Elantra is praised for its spacious interior, which comfortably accommodates up to four adults, and manages to squeeze in a fifth for shorter journeys. Its interior is further enhanced by features like power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest that collectively elevate passenger comfort. Hyundai also equips every Elantra with a dual-zone automatic climate control system that includes a Clean Air ionizer and an automatic defogging system, ensuring a pleasant environment regardless of external conditions. Additionally, the 2020 Elantra offers 14.4 cubic feet of luggage capacity, making it nearly as practical as some midsize sedans when it comes to cargo space. On the other hand, the Honda Accord showcases its design for daily usability with an equal emphasis on style and practicality. It ensures comfortable seating for five, with ample room for adults in the rear seats, and doesn't skimp on head, hip, or legroom, even for larger occupants. The Accord standardizes convenience with dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down power windows, push-button start, and 12-volt power outlets both front and rear. The interior appointments, in-cabin technology, and engine options vary across trim levels, offering customization based on user preference. Notably, the Accord surpasses the Elantra in cargo space, providing 16.7 cubic feet for luggage, which is impressive for the midsize sedan category. This, along with features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel in Sport trims and upwards, heated seats in top-tier models, and a well-thought-out cabin design, underscores the Accord's commitment to blending functionality with luxury. Both vehicles stand out for their thoughtful designs that cater to the everyday driver, balancing the need for comfort, technological convenience, and cargo space. However, the Honda Accord takes a slight lead in practicality with its superior luggage capacity, making it a preferable choice for those who prioritize space alongside comfort and functionality.
Technology
2020 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
In technology, both cars receive a 9 out of 10 rating from CarGurus. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra comes equipped with a range of standard and available tech features, including various touchscreen sizes, wireless charging, and premium sound systems, ensuring a modern and connected driving experience. The Honda Accord matches this with its standard 8-inch touchscreen, comprehensive connectivity options, and additional features like wireless smartphone integration and a head-up display in higher trims, making both vehicles competitive in their tech offerings.
Safety
2020 Hyundai Elantra
8/10
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
Safety ratings from CarGurus show the 2020 Hyundai Elantra at 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Accord at 9 out of 10. The Elantra includes a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features across all trims, though its overall safety ratings and the performance of its ADAS may lag behind the industry leaders. The Accord, on the other hand, not only comes equipped with an extensive array of standard safety features but also boasts top ratings from safety organizations, highlighting Honda's commitment to safety.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Hyundai Elantra
10/10
2021 Honda Accord
10/10
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.