2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Accord

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 was intended to pave the way for the 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 Elantra Ultimate, our test vehicle, showcased a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements, contrasting with chrome detailing. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, though it still featured some hard plastics, reminding occupants of its compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh to stay competitive in a crowded market. It was offered in six trims, including the Canada-exclusive SE, Sport, EX-L, Touring, Sport 2.0, and Touring 2.0. The Accord Sport 2.0, our test vehicle, featured a wider, restyled grille and smaller fog light openings, giving it a sophisticated appearance. All Accords came with LED headlights and new alloy wheel designs, with 19-inch wheels standard on most trims. The Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models. Inside, the Accord's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, with cloth or leather-trimmed seats depending on the trim level. The interior design was sophisticated, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing 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 handling. While the standard Elantra provided a comfortable ride, it lacked the engaging driving experience of the Sport model.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four. The 1.5-litre engine was paired with a CVT, while the 2.0-litre engine came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, and the 2.0-litre engine rated at 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with pointed steering and easy maneuverability. Paddle shifters were available on the Sport and Touring trims, enhancing the driving experience. The upgraded braking system provided smooth and measured performance.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra was known for its roomy interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with a fifth person fitting in 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 automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The Elantra offered 407 litres of trunk space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included a convenient interior grab handle for the trunk lid.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering ample space for five adults. The front and rear seats provided good head-, hip-, and legroom, even for larger occupants. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and centre armrest, allowing pass-through from the 473-litre trunk. The cabin was well-designed, with all essential controls within easy reach. While small-item storage was limited, the front centre console offered a small cubby for convenience.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard 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 included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume/tuning knobs for easy navigation.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

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

The 2021 Honda Accord came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assists, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite included lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also featured two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.