2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI 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. Our Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, totaled $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. Inside, the Elantra received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, though hard and glossy plastics reminded occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a descendant of the original 1983 Rabbit GTI, continued to define the hot hatch genre. The seventh generation of the GTI ended with the 2021 model, making way for the 2022 eighth generation. The GTI shared most basics with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip on the grille, and painted brake calipers. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear spoiler completed the look.

Inside, the GTI built on the Golf’s already-good interior with sporty touches like red ambient lighting, a black headliner, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching. The instrument cluster was unique to the GTI, and the foot pedals had a shiny, aluminum-look surface. Heated front sport seats were standard, with Clark plaid cloth in S trim and leather in SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI exuded quality inside and out, with first-rate paintwork and high-quality interior materials.

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 model 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 handling. The Sport trim also used a seven-speed DCT. Our 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 feel. However, real-world fuel economy fell short, averaging 29.3 mpg compared to the expected 34 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a performance-oriented hot hatch, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Our test model, an Autobahn trim, came with a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was standard. The GTI’s four-wheel independent suspension, variable-ratio steering, and Golf R front brakes provided excellent handling and braking performance. However, the performance setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads.

The GTI’s engine delivered a lusty exhaust note and required regular unleaded fuel, achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the DCT. Premium unleaded fuel was recommended to match the stated horsepower and torque figures.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. Our Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. 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. Heated front seats were standard on all but the SE and SEL trims, though rear air conditioning vents were unavailable. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included an interior grab handle for easy closing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its hatchback form, offered impressive utility for passengers and cargo. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions, the GTI was 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall. It provided 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row accommodated taller drivers comfortably, while the second row was suitable for two average-sized adults or three juveniles. The GTI’s tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and sharp steering made parking and maneuvering easy.

Inside, the GTI featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and grippy center console cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, though a bit of a throwback, interfered slightly with the driver’s reach to the cupholders.

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 upgraded to a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary Blue Link subscription for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system, with the Ultimate Package increasing the screen size to 8 inches and adding navigation and Blue Link Guidance service.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with the S trim using a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn trims getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. All MIB touchscreens supported tablet-like gesture controls and capacitive-touch sensors. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink were standard, along with Bluetooth and two USB ports. SE models included a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals, with Amazon Alexa integration and a deep feature set.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra included Hyundai Smart Sense as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited and Sport trims included 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.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top “Good” scores from the IIHS, except for an “Acceptable” score in the small overlap front passenger side test and headlights. The GTI included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.