2021 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold 2019 restyle, which introduced a geometric-influenced design that set the stage for the upcoming 2021 model's angular styling. Available in five versions—Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Elantra Ultimate test vehicle showcased a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting with chrome grille and detailing. Inside, the Elantra's interior was updated with silver trim accents, adding an upscale touch, though some hard plastics remained, reminding occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past generic image by incorporating numerous styling details. While some elements like flared wheel arches and thin headlights enhanced its appearance, the SE and XSE trims featured fake vents that added visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims offered a cleaner, albeit massive, grille. Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Camry shared its underpinnings with other Toyota models. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of trim elements and materials that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite this, the Camry's interior offered comfort and support, with excellent outward visibility.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured 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, dubbed "Intelligent Variable Transmission" by Hyundai, provided simulated gear shifts for a traditional automatic feel. Despite claims of improved fuel efficiency, real-world testing showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim offered a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. The standard Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride and handling, making it less enjoyable to drive compared to the Sport model.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's base powertrain was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft. A 3.5-litre V6 engine with 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque was also available, as was a hybrid powertrain with a total output of 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition test car, equipped with the base four-cylinder and AWD, offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience, with a responsive engine and balanced chassis tuning. The Camry's steering was precise, though lacking in feel, and the car was enjoyable to drive, even without the sporty TRD package.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra provided roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person 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 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.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space measured 428 litres, average for a midsize sedan but less than the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, improving ease of use, though some controls were a long reach from the driver’s seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

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

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on XSE and XLE trims. The system featured a single USB media port, two USB charge ports, and a 12-volt outlet. While functional, the touchscreen's graphics were plain, and the system lacked standout features.

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 grade added full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a noted concern about rear-door intrusion during side-impact tests.

The 2021 Toyota Camry received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Camry featured the TSS 2.5+ package as standard, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. New features included enhanced adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning capabilities, as well as a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as standalone options.