Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic

Start Your Engines

Within their base configurations, the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic start on an equal playing field. Each sedan is powered by a 2.0L engine and offers around 147 horsepower (HP) and 132 lb-ft of torque. This output adds pep to every commute, making even the morning trip to the office an exciting event.

Each sedan also features an intuitive transmission system. Rather than being confined to pre-set gears, the transmissions in the Elantra and the Civic intuitively adapt to your driving input. The result is a more dynamic drive with less hesitation when upshifting or merging onto a fast-moving highway.

While similar in many ways, the Elantra has a notable advantage over the Civic with its Drive Mode Select system. This standard feature adds three selectable drive modes: Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Civic has a similar system, but it only includes two standard modes. Drivers who want to experience the precision-tuned capabilities of Sport mode will have to upgrade to higher trim levels.

Performance Upgrade

Within their base trims, the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic are top competitors. Looking beyond their standard trim levels, everything changes. The Elantra N Line trim level adds an injection of aggression to every commute, thanks to these available upgrades:

• 1.6L engine
• 201 HP
• 195 lb-ft of torque
• 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

The added intensity from the N Line trim makes driving the Elantra an exhilarating experience. It’s an upgrade in power that only the Elantra offers, making it an appealing car for those who want to add adrenaline to their drive. With just one engine configuration across all trim levels, the Honda Civic may leave drivers wanting more.

Always Connected

Life doesn’t slow down when you’re driving. The Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic allow you to remain connected and entertained safely, thanks to their infotainment technologies. Each vehicle lets you pair your smartphone to your sedan, allowing you to access your phone’s playlists, messages, and more without ever touching your device.

While many amenities are comparable, the Elantra goes the extra mile in its standard and available offerings.

It’s clear the Elantra is designed for ease. Without cables, syncing is easy, and the cabin remains organized. Plus, the larger screen enhances visibility, so you can easily glance over to view information while maintaining focus.

A Little Help Is Always Around

Safety is a top priority. This sentiment is echoed by the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic. Each incorporates sophisticated monitoring technology that alerts you to hazards you may have missed. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, you’ll have access to features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

The Elantra takes safety a step further with its additional standard features, including:

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Warning

While standard on the Elantra, these features are only available on select Honda Civic trim levels. In some cases, these features are skipped altogether, making the Elantra the more confident choice.

Your Mobile Oasis

You can appreciate comfortable design the moment you feel it. A well-designed seat lets you sink in and start your drive refreshed. The Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic include comparable front seat designs, including multi-way adjustments and available heating capabilities. Additionally, each includes an optional dual automatic climate control system.

• Solar glass: Blocks UV rays to increase your health and keep the cabin cool.
• Customizable interior lighting: Lets you change the cabin's aesthetic based on your mood.

While these features may seem small, the impact they have on your commute is significant. Sadly, neither is offered with the Civic.

Your Commute, Simplified

Within your dynamic life, there’s a lot to consider. The Hyundai Elantra works hard to simplify your commute with several convenience features, including:

• 4 USB ports
• Available hands-free smart trunk release
• Available wireless charging pad

Thanks to the extra convenience and functionality, you and your passengers can enjoy more with every trip in the Elantra. While some features are offered with the Honda Civic, its capabilities aren’t as streamlined. For example, the Civic offers no second-row USB ports, meaning not all riders can charge their devices at the same time.