2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing. Its sharp creases and dramatic angles created a distinctive and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to help the Elantra stand out and break conventional automotive design rules. The Elantra came in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option available for the SEL and Limited. Prices ranged from $19,650 to $25,450, excluding destination charges. The high-performance Elantra N, debuting early in 2021, was expected to cost less than $34,000.

Inside, the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering a more upscale and high-tech cabin. 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 Subaru WRX, often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, had a more subdued look compared to the racier WRX STI. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with plenty of hard plastics contributing to its less refined feel compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The base model included 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen, with the option of an automatic transmission and EyeSight driver assistance features. The range-topping Limited trim offered leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights, with an options package for navigation and a premium stereo.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, from the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower to the high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 276 horsepower. The Elantra SEL, priced at $25,015, featured a 2.0-liter engine paired with a CVT, delivering 31.4 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Limited Hybrid, priced at $29,095, used a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor, achieving 42.2 mpg. The sporty Elantra N Line, priced at $26,245, had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and a six-speed manual gearbox, offering a fun driving experience. The high-performance Elantra N, expected to cost around $34,000, provided a thrilling drive with its 276-horsepower engine and advanced features like an electronic limited-slip differential and electronically controlled suspension.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The WRX's manual transmission was less precise, with a vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for driving enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offered a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Limited Hybrid trim included heated and ventilated front seats. The Elantra provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom, with ample space for adults, though the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra lacked a height-adjustable front passenger’s seat and a grab handle inside the trunk.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered 12 cubic feet of trunk space, less than the Civic Si sedan and far behind the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging was less clever, with limited in-door bottle-holders and center console cupholders that could obstruct shifting. The WRX provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear seat space, accommodating four adults with ease.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, providing a significant wow factor. The Limited Hybrid's voice recognition system performed inconsistently, but a Hyundai spokesperson demonstrated better results in a different car. A new Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key were also available.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's tech felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Every Elantra came equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety features like cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other safety features like adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.