2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold, geometric styling from the previous year, which was a significant departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This design choice was a precursor to the even more angular 2021 model. The Elantra was available in five trims: Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport, with prices ranging from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, which was tested, featured a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements and chrome detailing, resulting in a stylish appearance that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, giving it a more upscale look, although some hard plastics remained, reminding occupants of its compact car status.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SV, and Platinum trims in Canada, started at $30,028 and reached $37,028 for the Platinum trim, excluding $1,930 in fees. The Altima Platinum, equipped with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, boasted a clean and contemporary design. However, some design elements, like the door handles and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing. The interior was praised for its ergonomic simplicity, with a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system and clearly legible climate controls. The materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that replaced the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, known as the "Intelligent Variable Transmission," featured a chain belt and wide-ratio pulley system for improved efficiency and responsiveness. However, real-world testing showed an average fuel consumption of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim offered a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for better ride quality. While the standard Elantra provided a comfortable ride, its torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from handling, making it more of a practical commuter car than a thrilling drive.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's ride and handling were enhanced by Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, which adjusted engine torque and applied brakes for a smoother ride. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it occasionally produced sudden power surges. The Altima's suspension setup, with a strut front and multi-link rear, contributed to its impressive ride quality, making it a more engaging drive compared to the Elantra.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was known for its spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with a fifth person squeezed in for short trips. The test car featured power driver's seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest for added comfort. Upper trims included dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 407 litres of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle.

In comparison, the 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed with NASA-inspired technology for superior comfort, though it lacked a front passenger's seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Standard features included heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and an optional heated steering wheel. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage and a trunk capacity of 436 litres, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle. Rear air conditioning vents were available, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base Essential trim featured a 5-inch screen, while the Preferred trim offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Ultimate trim added a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium Infinity sound system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume/tuning knobs, and the Infinity sound system impressed with its audio quality.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system with door-to-door directions, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology offered various plans, including automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly useful in urban settings. However, the Altima's voice recognition technology required specific commands, limiting its ease of use.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. The Ultimate trim added full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's base S trim included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous technology, offered adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with LED headlights.