2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This design set the stage for the upcoming 2021 model's angular look. Available in five trims—Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, tested in black, highlighted the car's angular features and chrome detailing, resulting in a stylish appearance. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, though it still featured some hard plastics, reminding drivers of its mainstream compact status.

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Impreza, stood out with its aggressive styling, including a wider stance, lower front splitter, and rear deck spoiler. The STI version added even more aerodynamic components. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was somewhat understated. Available in base, Sport, Sport-tech, and Sport-tech RS trims, the WRX offered features like a six-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims added options like a CVT, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system, making the WRX a blend of performance and practicality.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new CVT, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, known as the "Intelligent Variable Transmission," offered simulated gear shifts for a smoother driving experience. Despite Hyundai's claims of improved fuel efficiency, real-world tests showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of expectations. The Elantra Sport trim, with a 1.6-litre turbo engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a more engaging drive with its independent rear suspension. However, the standard Elantra's torsion beam axle detracted from ride quality, making it more of a commuter vehicle than a performance car.

The 2020 Subaru WRX boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split, enhancing responsiveness. The WRX delivered minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy on winding roads. The STI version, with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 horsepower, featured Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for sharper handling. However, this came at the cost of a rougher ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered spacious accommodations for four adults, with a fifth fitting for short trips. The test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest. Upper trims included dual-zone climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk provided 407 litres of space, comparable to some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating was spacious, and rear-seat space was adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX offered 340 litres of cargo space, modest for a compact sedan but comparable to other performance vehicles.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base trim featured a 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The Ultimate trim included an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and a responsive voice recognition system.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to 7 inches, with the Starlink system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, allowing easy navigation between menus. The WRX also included a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

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

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite, optional on the WRX, included features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.