When looking for a new car, gas mileage is a big priority for most drivers. You’ll get great gas mileage with either car, but the Hyundai Elantra will make each gallon of gas stretch a little farther. With the standard Civic, you’ll get an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 city/40 highway MPG. The Hyundai Elantra gets an EPA-estimated 32 city/41 highway MPG.^*

Beyond its standard efficient powertrain, the Elantra also offers a sporty and exciting driving experience with its N Line trim level. In fact, its upgraded turbocharged engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

At most, the Honda Civic creates 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The Elantra and the Civic are similarly sized, with cabins that provide passenger volume of 99.4 cubic feet and 99 cubic feet respectively. Both models also have trunks with cargo volume in excess of 14 cubic feet.

The chart below shows specific measurements for headroom and legroom in these two compact cars:

With slightly more space inside its cabin, the Elantra also provides more room for you and your passengers with extra headroom found in both rows—and more legroom in the back row— compared to the Civic.

Both the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic come standard with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, which allow you to access navigation, apps, messages, and music on their interactive touchscreen displays. You may find the standard 8-inch touchscreen in the Elantra more user-friendly than the smaller 7-inch screen in the Civic, though.

The Elantra also offers an available 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen. It’s seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, so everything you need to know will be right within eyeshot. On the other hand, the Honda Civic is only available with a 9-inch touchscreen.

Hyundai and Honda equip their models with safety suites designed to help protect drivers and passengers: Hyundai SmartSense and Honda Sensing® respectively. When it comes to their standard safety features, the Elantra and the Civic have several similarities. For example, both models come with brand-specific versions of:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• High Beam Assist

Using cameras and sensors, these features can automatically provide alerts and, in certain situations, provide steering and braking assistance as needed.

Despite these similarities, there are some features that are only offered in the Elantra, such as Junction-Turning Detection and Safe Exit Warning.

Plus, while the Elantra comes standard with Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Civic will need to be upgraded if you want the same systems.