2021 Subaru WRX 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 price 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 sharply 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.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, looked tamer compared to the racier WRX STI, which featured a race-ready rear wing. The WRX had a wedge-like front end and a very short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop enhanced this look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade. Introduced as a 2015 model, the WRX's interior looked dated compared to the fresher VW GTI. The cockpit was function-first, sacrificing fit and finish, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its immature reputation.

The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model included 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, manual seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a pair of USB ports, along with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, heated seats, pushbutton start, auto on/off headlights, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen. The range-topping WRX Limited featured leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights, with an options package including navigation, a premium stereo, and additional driver-assistance features.

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, 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, dubbed an “Intelligent Variable Transmission,” employed a chain belt and a wide-ratio pulley system for greater efficiency and improved responsiveness. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg. The simple 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 2021 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to maximize performance. The CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband with paddle shifters. The manual transmission, however, felt vague and required frequent shifting to maintain optimal revs.

The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, modulating torque distribution and applying slight braking on the inside wheels in a corner for precise handling. The well-weighted steering made winding roads enjoyable, but the stiff ride compared to the Civic Si and GTI detracted from comfort.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy 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 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 as much as some midsize sedans. An interior grab handle inside the trunk lid made it easy to close.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI with its rear seats folded. The WRX's age showed in its interior packaging, with limited in-door bottle-holders and a center console cupholder that could obstruct shifting with the manual transmission. The WRX provided a commanding driving position with excellent visibility and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably.

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 and higher trims 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 and SiriusXM data services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted display and shortcut buttons for easy navigation. The Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited test model featured an available option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's tech felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trim levels, 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, pedestrian detection, 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 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were options on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.