2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan category, thanks to its bold and distinctive design. It embraced Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles that gave it a unique character. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to break conventional automotive design rules and add to the Elantra's individuality. The Elantra's interior varied in quality depending on the trim level, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with its light gray seats and contrasting black cabin. However, lower-grade interiors were less impressive, with drab black finishes and noticeable glossy plastic.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic had a more familiar design, reminiscent of a scaled-down Honda Accord. While it didn't push the boundaries of compact car design, it remained a popular choice with its four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats. The Civic's styling was polarizing, with some loving its daring look and others less impressed. Inside, the Civic's cabin was less dramatic than when it first debuted, but it still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, added a touch of elegance to the Civic's appearance.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, each catering to different driving preferences. The standard Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While it provided adequate power for city driving, it felt underpowered on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with its 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption varied due to terrain. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a sportier driving experience. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine generating 276 horsepower, was a driving enthusiast's dream, delivering exhilarating performance and precise handling.

The 2021 Honda Civic provided two engine options. The base models featured a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for everyday driving, the CVT's droning was a drawback. The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, available in the Touring trim, offered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's independent suspension and responsive steering contributed to its composed and enjoyable ride. However, the CVT's performance was less satisfying, despite its contribution to the Civic's commendable fuel economy.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior. The driver's seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort for the driver. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, though the backrest shape and angle were less supportive. The trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Honda Civic, while sitting low to the ground, provided a roomy interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Civic's centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Ultimate trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, though it sacrificed wireless smartphone integration. The Elantra's technology package included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the Civic's voice recognition system was unsophisticated, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided familiar interfaces and navigation capabilities.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most Elantra models came equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai's suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist, offering impressive smoothness and accuracy.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, a collection of ADAS including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.