2020 Subaru WRX vs 2019 Hyundai Elantra

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign, featuring new styling elements forward of the windshield and front doors, along with redesigned wheels, a new trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper. This kaleidoscopic design was a departure from its previous conservative yet upscale look, which was inspired by the Genesis G80 sedan. While the exterior changes were not universally praised, the interior saw subtle improvements that enhanced its appeal. The air vents received a design update, some plastic components were given a carbon-texture finish, and the gauges and dashboard controls were revised. These changes added excitement to the cabin, which was previously considered dull. The interior quality was high, with a robust shifter and tightly assembled parts, although some materials felt inexpensive, which is typical for a compact car.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX maintained its aggressive styling, with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The STI variant took it further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite these sporty touches, the non-STI version retained a sleeper appeal, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX's cabin was straightforward, with a simple dash layout and easy-to-use controls. Visibility was excellent, thanks to the large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows. The first-row seating offered ample space, while the rear seats provided adequate room for adults on short trips. However, the cargo space was limited to 340 litres, which was comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission powering the front-wheel drive. While the Elantra's acceleration was acceptable, its driving dynamics did not inspire excitement. The car offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Sport mode adding liveliness but also unwelcome steering weight. The Elantra's fuel efficiency was rated at 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with my testing returning a similar 7.3 L/100 km. Handling was decent, though the ride quality was affected by the torsion-beam rear-axle suspension.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to symmetrical all-wheel drive through a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. The manual transmission provided a precise and smooth driving experience, while the CVT offered responsive power delivery with paddle shifters. The WRX excelled in cornering, with precise steering and minimal body lean. The WRX STI variant featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering capabilities. However, the taut handling resulted in a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offered good front-seat comfort, with height-adjustable seats in all trims. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, and higher trims included a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. The rear seats provided a proper seating position, but hard plastic front seatbacks and the absence of air conditioning vents and USB ports detracted from comfort. Interior storage was decent, with a centre-console bin, glove box, and door panel bins. The Elantra's trunk offered 408 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free Smart Trunk feature on most trims.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windows. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The first-row seating offered generous head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on short trips. However, the WRX's cargo space was limited to 340 litres, which was typical for performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an 8-inch display, Infinity premium sound system, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls complementing the touchscreen. The Elantra also provided a five-year trial of Hyundai Bluelink services, offering safety and convenience functions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink system was intuitive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offered driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning from the Preferred trim. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and a Safe Exit system. The Elantra received top marks from the IIHS, except for an Acceptable rating for LATCH anchor accessibility. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite, available on the WRX, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.