2021 Lexus ES 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, with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. Additionally, Hyundai offered an Elantra GT hatchback 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.

For the 2021 model year, the Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), priced the same as the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). Available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES 250 and ES 350 offered a range of options. The ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid, provided significant fuel economy gains and came in Standard, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, with extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, and numerous luxury features, had a $54,070 MSRP, including the destination charge. F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black headliner. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 1,500 units, featured black wheels, side mirrors, and a black and white interior, along with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. The ES’s dramatic grille required some acclimation, but the overall design was long, lean, and artfully detailed. The black and white interior of the test car offered striking contrast, aligning with the dramatic cabin design.

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 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, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving.

The Elantra Sport trim featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. The Sport trim’s seven-speed DCT replaced the manual gearbox. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience, with the CVT offering simulated gear shifts for a traditional automatic feel. 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 Sport’s independent suspension a superior choice for driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, though testing averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, with the front tires easily breaking loose. The car’s firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The ES 350 F Sport provided genuine driving enjoyment, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, though it could benefit from a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES’s dynamic performance exceeded expectations, making it a competent and enjoyable car to drive.

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 for added comfort. All Elantras 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 standard on all but the SE and SEL trims. Interior storage was well-proportioned, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. A thoughtful interior grab handle inside the trunk lid made it easy to close.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort and thigh support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, a supportive bottom cushion, and a comfortable backrest angle. Rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade added to the comfort. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured with nooks and crannies rather than wide trays and large bins. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, 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 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 infotainment system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and shortcut buttons for easy navigation. The Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen while navigating the cursor, which could be distracting. However, the climate controls and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. Free trial periods ranged from three to ten years, with a three-month Wi-Fi Connect trial. The 12.3-inch display added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist connected services. The standard 10-speaker premium sound system sounded good, while the optional 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system likely sounded even better.

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. 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, a pedestrian detection system, 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 the side-impact test.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0) as standard, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a road-sign recognition system, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ADAS proved effective, though the lane-centering technology occasionally struggled. The ES earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.