2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus IS
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$19,650

MSRP

$39,050

Listings

652

Listings

171

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 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 powertrain options

  • Great handling

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Irritating transmission

  • Outdated technology

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 Lexus IS Reviews Summary

The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

31

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

41

MPG Highway

31
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Elantra
$19,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus IS
$39,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$19,650
$39,050
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.6

Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 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 powertrain options

  • Great handling

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Irritating transmission

  • Outdated technology

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.
The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 147 hp I4
2.0L 241 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
241 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
31
21
MPG Highway
41
31
Look and feel

2021 Hyundai Elantra

9/10

2021 Lexus IS

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra as 9 out of 10. The latest recipient of Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, the 2021 Elantra's styling is a collection of sharp creases and dramatic angles that produces a distinctive and appealing look. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS as 8 out of 10. The IS is athletically proportioned and has a great stance. It features a new version of the Lexus signature “spindle” grille filled with an attractive diamond mesh, and narrow headlights give the IS an assertive squint.
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Picture of 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Performance

2021 Hyundai Elantra

9/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 9 out of 10. The Elantra offers various powertrain options, including a high-performance Elantra N, a hybrid powertrain, and an Elantra N Line with a turbocharged engine. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The IS offers a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a turbocharger and a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, with various power outputs.
Form and function

2021 Hyundai Elantra

7/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 7 out of 10. The Elantra offers a roomy interior, with useful storage space, and a spacious rear seat. However, it lacks certain features like rear-seat air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The IS offers a comfortable driver position, ample storage space, and a decent trunk space.
Technology

2021 Hyundai Elantra

9/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 9 out of 10. The Elantra offers an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a new Bose premium sound system. CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10. The IS finally offers a touchscreen infotainment system that runs both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with various connected services and a Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Safety

2021 Hyundai Elantra

9/10

2021 Lexus IS

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Hyundai Elantra 9 out of 10. The Elantra is equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), and various safety-related upgrades. The 2021 Lexus IS comes with standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes a comprehensive suite of safety features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra emerges as the more highly rated vehicle with an overall score of 8.8 out of 10, compared to the 2021 Lexus IS which scores 7.3 out of 10. Therefore, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a well-rounded compact car with a wide range of powertrain options, advanced technology features, and a cost-effective ownership experience.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra emerges as the more highly rated vehicle with an overall score of 8.8 out of 10, compared to the 2021 Lexus IS which scores 7.3 out of 10. Therefore, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a well-rounded compact car with a wide range of powertrain options, advanced technology features, and a cost-effective ownership experience.

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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.

Popular vehicle comparisons

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