2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had a significant design overhaul, shedding its previous dowdy image for a more stylish and upscale appearance. The new Sentra, especially in Electric Blue paint, looked more like a scaled-down Altima, with a lower and wider stance than its predecessor. The car featured elegant creases in the sheet metal, a V-shaped grille, and optional LED headlights that added to its mature and recognizable look. Inside, the Sentra's interior was upgraded with a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs, giving it a feel comparable to entry-level luxury cars. The SV Premium Package further enhanced the interior with quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra adopted Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors was a standout feature, breaking conventional design rules to give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra came in various trims, including SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited, with a hybrid powertrain option available for the SEL and Limited. The interior of the Elantra, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims, featured a driver-focused dashboard, light gray seats, and a modern, upscale look. The higher trim levels offered a more luxurious feel, with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 64-color ambient lighting system.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, partly due to an overly sensitive throttle pedal. However, the CVT mimicked gear changes well, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, making it feel controlled and supportive. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower and achieving up to 54 mpg in combined driving. The sporty Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and an eight-speed wet DCT. The Elantra's various powertrains provided a range of driving experiences, from fuel-efficient to sporty and dynamic.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offered a surprisingly spacious backseat, with ample legroom and headroom for a 5-foot-11 passenger. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushioning, providing comfort on long drives. The Sentra's trunk space measured 14.3 cubic feet, with foldable seatbacks for added utility. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, and dual-zone climate control in the SV trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, provided a roomy interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat offered best-in-class legroom, comparable to the larger Sonata sedan. However, the Elantra lacked air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers. The trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the Elantra no longer featured a grab handle inside the trunk.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. However, the Sentra lacked navigation, wireless charging, and Nissan’s ProPilot semi-automated driving function. Optional features included LED headlights, a Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, offering a significant wow factor. The Limited Hybrid included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Bose premium sound system. Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based access and control of the vehicle, adding a modern touch to the Elantra’s technology suite.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. A driver attention monitor was also standard. While the Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, it was expected to receive top ratings.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform designed to absorb and disperse collision energy. Every Elantra came with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims offered cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.