2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring Parametric surfacing that created a distinctive and appealing look. Sharp creases and dramatic angles defined its exterior, making it unmistakable among compact sedans. The Z-shaped dent in the doors, a controversial design cue, added unique character and helped the Elantra stand out. Available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, the Elantra offered a range of options, including a hybrid powertrain for the SEL and Limited trims. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early in 2021, promised serious power and Nurburgring-tuned handling.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering more luxurious and high-tech cabins. The Limited or Hybrid Limited in Gray was particularly favored for its modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and trim contrasting against the black cabin. The Elantra SEL with the Premium Package, however, had a drab black interior with glossy black plastic that was less appealing.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, sported an athletic exterior with crisp bends and lines. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a bold look. Available in eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic, the Sentra offered a visually appealing design. SR trims could even sport two-tone paint schemes for added flair. The Sentra's bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches contributed to its agile and fun appearance.

Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel added a sporty touch, and the second row offered ample space, though better suited for two passengers. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. It delivered adequate performance for urban driving but felt underpowered for highway merging. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, produced 139 horsepower and offered better fuel efficiency, though it fell short of EPA estimates in mountainous driving. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine making 201 horsepower, provided a fun driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension and manual transmission. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 276 horsepower, delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its advanced features and dynamic performance.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an Xtronic CVT, the Sentra offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was respectable, with S and SV models achieving 33 mpg combined, and SR models achieving 32 mpg combined. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-rounded choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a spacious interior. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel made it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The rear seat provided ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle were less supportive. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added utility. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a well-organized interior with a user-friendly layout. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned at the top of the center stack, with neatly grouped controls below. The Sentra included traditional gear selector levers, open cupholders, and ample storage space. USB ports and a 12-volt port were conveniently located, though a covered compartment would have been preferable. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long rides, and the available six-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support added to the overall comfort. The Sentra's interior was practical and well-suited for everyday use.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on SE, SEL, and N Line trims, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, offering a high-tech and visually impressive setup. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system had some inconsistencies, but the overall technology package was impressive. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key for added convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the S trim, with SV and SR trims upgrading to an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. The SR trim offered an optional Bose premium sound system and NissanConnect services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions. The Sentra's technology package was comprehensive, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist, providing a high level of safety and driver assistance.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sentra also offered intelligent cruise control and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.