2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2024 Honda Civic

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse lineup catering to various preferences, from the budget-friendly SE to the upscale Limited trim. The Elantra Hybrid models offered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 and 54 mpg, while maintaining the same aesthetic as the standard Elantra. For driving enthusiasts, the turbocharged Elantra N Line and the high-performance Elantra N provided sporty options. The Elantra's exterior design was polarizing, but its interior, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its stylish and high-tech features, despite some hard plastic elements.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Civic Si maintained a stealthy yet sporty appearance, reminiscent of early pocket rockets. It featured LED headlights, a gloss-black lip spoiler, and 18-inch matte-black wheels. The interior was more expressive, with red accents and a metal mesh trim. The Civic Si's cabin was equipped with gloss black surfaces, polished metal detailing, and a user-friendly digital instrumentation system. The sporty seats and aluminum shift knob added to the car's engaging driving experience, while the Blazing Orange Pearl paint option made it stand out.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, was not designed for speed. However, its driving dynamics exceeded expectations, offering a peppy ride and impressive handling. The CVT, or Intelligent Variable Transmission, was considered the best in its class. The Elantra Limited achieved 33 mpg during testing, close to its EPA rating. While not as fun as the Elantra N Line or N, it provided consistent handling and a comfortable ride, though the steering lacked sharpness.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, offered a more engaging driving experience. Its close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential enhanced performance. The Civic Si excelled in urban and suburban settings, with a responsive turbocharged engine and firm suspension. On highways, it provided good passing power but was noisy. The Civic Si shone on twisty roads, with excellent steering and grip, though its brakes showed signs of overheating during testing. It averaged 29.5 mpg, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra balanced style with practicality, offering a spacious interior for a compact car. The Limited model featured comfortable leather-wrapped seats, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free trunk release. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of air vents. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si combined performance with practicality, featuring sport-bolstered front seats and a manual transmission. The interior offered a comfortable driving position, though entering and exiting required effort due to its low stance. The Civic Si lacked some amenities like heated seats and rear air vents but compensated with a roomy back seat and generous legroom. Cargo space was 14.4 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for versatility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, available in the SEL Convenience package and standard in the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth supported wireless connections. The voice recognition system had mixed results, and the Bose audio system fell short of expectations. Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were notable features.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for volume and tuning. The 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, thanks to early collaboration with Honda. Overall, the Civic Si's technology was simple yet satisfying.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Elantra Limited added cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The driving aids were smooth and subtle, enhancing trust in the technology. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda Civic Si featured the Honda Sensing suite, with forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the system was less refined, with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control causing irritation. The Civic Si earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but received an Acceptable rating in some IIHS crash tests.