2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Honda Civic
2021 Honda Civic
$21,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Civic
$21,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Civic scores 7.2 out of 10. Both cars bring impressive features to the table, but the Hyundai Elantra edges out its competitor with a more modern interior, better technology, and a broader range of powertrain options, including a high-performance Elantra N model. Based on these ratings, the Hyundai Elantra is the better choice for 2021.

Overview

MSRP

$19,650

MSRP

$21,250

Average price

$17,810

Average price

$20,723

Listings

984

Listings

991
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple body styles
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Outdated technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Hyundai Elantra Reviews Summary

Compact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it.

2021 Honda Civic Reviews Summary

Honda is ready to retire the 10th-generation Civic, one of the groundbreaking versions in the nameplate's long and storied history. From its polarizing design and three body styles to the arrival (finally!) of the Type R performance variant in the U.S. market, this version of the Civic made its mark. And even though the design is now six years old, and the car is ubiquitous on American roads, the 2021 Honda Civic remains worthy of consideration.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

31

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

41

MPG Highway

38
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Honda Civic
$21,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Civic
$21,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Civic scores 7.2 out of 10. Both cars bring impressive features to the table, but the Hyundai Elantra edges out its competitor with a more modern interior, better technology, and a broader range of powertrain options, including a high-performance Elantra N model. Based on these ratings, the Hyundai Elantra is the better choice for 2021.

Overview
MSRP
$19,650
$21,250
Average price
$17,810
$20,723
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.9
Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple body styles
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Outdated technology
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary
Compact cars are no longer compact. Cheap cars are no longer cheap. And it is no longer necessary to buy a luxury vehicle for performance, technology, and sophistication. The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra proves it.
Honda is ready to retire the 10th-generation Civic, one of the groundbreaking versions in the nameplate's long and storied history. From its polarizing design and three body styles to the arrival (finally!) of the Type R performance variant in the U.S. market, this version of the Civic made its mark. And even though the design is now six years old, and the car is ubiquitous on American roads, the 2021 Honda Civic remains worthy of consideration.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 147 hp I4
2.0L 158 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
31
30
MPG Highway
41
38
Look and feel
2021 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Civic
8/10

You wouldn't have mistaken the 2021 Hyundai Elantra for any other compact sedan. Sporting Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language and parametric surfacing, the Elantra's styling was a vivid collection of sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped indentation on the doors, as explained by senior designer Davis Lee, broke conventional automotive design rules, giving the car a unique character that stood out in the compact sedan market.

Available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, the Elantra looked progressively more stylish with higher trims. A hybrid powertrain option was available for SEL and Limited trims for an extra $2,650, with prices ranging from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. Only about 10% of buyers opted for the hybrid.

The high-performance Elantra N was set to launch early in 2021, promising substantial power and Nurburgring-tuned handling. Expected to be priced below $34,000, the Elantra N was anticipated to be a thrilling addition to the lineup.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard with a clear separation of driver and passenger areas. Higher trims like Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray offered a visually appealing interior with light gray accents that contrasted with the otherwise black cabin. The Limited trims even featured Scandinavian-like stitched fabric door panel inserts, giving the car a modern and upscale feel.

On the flip side, the Elantra SEL with the Premium Package offered a drab black interior with glossy black plastic that felt less luxurious by comparison.

The Civic had a rich history of setting new standards in the compact car segment, with notable models released every decade. The 2021 Civic, part of the 10th-generation Civic that debuted in 2016, continued to carry its daring design. The 2021 Civic was available as a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and performance-tuned Civic Type R. Unfortunately, the two-door coupe was discontinued and the sporty Civic Si was on hiatus for the year.

For 2021, Honda offered the Civic sedan in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $21,250 and reaching up to $28,300, excluding the destination charge of $995. The Touring trim with optional Cosmic Blue Metallic paint cost $29,690 including destination.

The 10th-generation Civic's exterior received mixed reactions initially but had become a common sight on the roads. The Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and handsome 18-inch wheels on the Touring trim made the Civic look sleek and attractive. However, from certain angles and lighting conditions, the design could seem less appealing.

Inside, the Civic had aged gracefully since its debut in 2016. The cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. However, the maximum infotainment screen size of 7 inches felt a bit small by 2021 standards. While the stylish design was initially dramatic, it now seemed familiar but maintained its role as a trend-setter.

Performance
2021 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Civic
7/10

For our review, we tested several powertrain combinations of the Elantra, including the high-performance Elantra N. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, this setup delivered a fuel economy of 31.4 mpg in combined driving, below the EPA rating of 35 mpg. Around town, it felt nimble, though it struggled with highway passing power.

The hybrid version combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a small battery, producing 139 horsepower. It used a six-speed dry dual-clutch transmission and managed an average fuel economy of 42.2 mpg, short of the EPA rating due to challenging driving conditions.

The Elantra N Line, with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, offered 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT, it provided an engaging driving experience, averaging 23.1 mpg.

Finally, the Elantra N stood out with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed wet DCT, it offered an exhilarating drive, deftly handling the twists and turns of Latigo Canyon Road. It averaged 19.4 mpg in a mix of driving conditions.

The 2021 Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate, it paled in comparison to the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which boasted 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided more spirited performance.

While the turbocharged engine was enjoyable and the Civic’s sophisticated suspension provided a composed ride, the CVT dampened the driving experience. The transmission droned and felt ineffective despite paddle shifters and a Sport mode. However, the CVT contributed to excellent fuel economy, with a test loop yielding 34.8 mpg, slightly better than the EPA estimate of 33 mpg in combined driving.

Form and function
2021 Hyundai Elantra
7/10
2021 Honda Civic
8/10

The new Elantra felt spacious, earning a midsize car classification from the EPA. All test cars featured a height-adjustable driver's seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel for comfort. Higher trims, like the Limited Hybrid, included heated and ventilated front seats. However, the height-adjustable front passenger seat was inexplicably omitted.

Rear-seat legroom was among the best in its class, nearly matching the larger Sonata sedan. The backseat offered ample leg clearance and foot space, though the backrest lacked upper back support. Rear-seat amenities were minimal, with no air conditioning vents or USB charging ports.

The Elantra offered practical storage solutions, including adjustable cupholders. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet and had a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility, though it lacked a grab handle.

The Civic sedan sat low to the ground, necessitating a bit of effort to enter and exit. Once inside, the driver’s seat was highly adjustable, offering eight-way power adjustments in most trims. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which affected ease of entry and exit.

The Civic’s rear seat offered excellent legroom and thigh support, similar to a decade-old midsize car. However, it lacked rear air conditioning vents, which could make the back seat less comfortable on hot days.

The Civic’s center console was highly practical, with multiple storage solutions including trays, cupholders, and a deep center bin with a padded armrest. The sedan’s trunk was spacious, offering 15.1 cubic feet, though Touring trims with a premium sound system had slightly less at 14.7 cubic feet.

Technology
2021 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Civic
5/10

The Elantra offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The system featured physical knobs and buttons for easy use. SEL and N Line trims added satellite radio and Blue Link connected services, with the N Line also including wireless smartphone charging.

The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen. This setup, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, offered navigation, natural voice recognition, and a Sounds of Nature feature. However, it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Elantra also offered a new Bose premium sound system and the Hyundai Digital Key, which allowed an Android-based smartphone to unlock or start the car.

The Civic’s technology felt dated. The base LX trim included a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a basic USB port. The Sport trim added a 7-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a more powerful USB port.

EX trims featured HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation with voice recognition, digital traffic, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Civic’s voice recognition system required specific prompts and felt unsophisticated compared to competitors.

Safety
2021 Hyundai Elantra
9/10
2021 Honda Civic
7/10

Hyundai equipped the Elantra with SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning.

Additionally, the Elantra featured blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Optional safety upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Hyundai’s Level 2 ADAS, called Highway Drive Assist.

Every Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a multi-angle reversing camera.

The Civic also offered LaneWatch, a right-side camera system available starting from the EX trim. However, LaneWatch's functionality was limited, and the Civic lacked a traditional blind-spot warning system.

The 2021 Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings in all NHTSA assessments.

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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.

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