2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Overview | |
MSRP$19,650 | MSRP$39,050 |
Listings652 | Listings171 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 Hyundai Elantra Reviews SummaryCompact 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 SummaryThe 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 | |
Engine2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City31 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City31 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.2 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight2725 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height55.7 in | Height56.5 in |
Length184.1 in | Length185.4 in |
Width71.9 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase107.1 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Maximum Payload1133 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $19,650 | $39,050 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 31 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.2 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2725 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 184.1 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 71.9 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 110.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1133 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
















CarGurus highlights

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.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
- You prefer a comfortable and driver-focused interior with ample storage space and a decent trunk.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and a reputation for quality and reliability.
- You are looking for a luxury sports sedan with a reasonable list of packages and options available.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
- You want a wide range of powertrain options, including a high-performance variant and a hybrid powertrain.
- You prioritize advanced technology features such as wireless smartphone integration, a new Bose premium sound system, and Hyundai Digital Key.
- You seek a cost-effective solution with an extensive warranty and service programs.
CarGurus highlights

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.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
Shop Now- You prefer a comfortable and driver-focused interior with ample storage space and a decent trunk.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and a reputation for quality and reliability.
- You are looking for a luxury sports sedan with a reasonable list of packages and options available.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Elantra if:
Shop Now- You want a wide range of powertrain options, including a high-performance variant and a hybrid powertrain.
- You prioritize advanced technology features such as wireless smartphone integration, a new Bose premium sound system, and Hyundai Digital Key.
- You seek a cost-effective solution with an extensive warranty and service programs.

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.






































