2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan segment with its bold and distinctive design, thanks to Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language. The car featured sharp creases and dramatic angles, creating a unique and appealing look. A notable design element was the Z-shaped dent in the doors, which broke conventional design rules to give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's interior varied in quality and technology depending on the trim level, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements. However, lower-grade interiors were less impressive, with noticeable cheaper plastic panels.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its slightly longer and wider dimensions compared to the previous model. The Jetta's design was more dramatic than its predecessor, featuring a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan. Inside, the Jetta maintained an angular design language, creating a spacious and functional cabin. The seats were comfortable, and the interior offered a premium feel with a blend of soft-touch surfaces. The Jetta's layout and function were practical, with a mix of touchscreen functions and real buttons and dials, making it user-friendly.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine generating 276 horsepower. The Elantra N provided a thrilling driving experience with its sport-tuned suspension and advanced features like an electronic limited-slip differential.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a single engine option: a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery and efficiency. The Jetta's steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a blend of smooth and sporty handling. The ride quality was refined, with a soft suspension that absorbed rough roads well. The Jetta's fuel efficiency was commendable, with minimal difference between the manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom, comparable to the larger Sonata sedan, but lacked air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and a grab handle inside the trunk were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk offered 399 litres of space, which was average for the class. The Jetta's interior layout was practical, with a touchscreen positioned for easy access and a larger centre tray for storage. The combination of touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials enhanced usability, making the Jetta a practical choice for those prioritizing functionality.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a premium experience. The Elantra also included a Bose premium audio system and a dynamic natural voice recognition system, although the latter performed inconsistently without an active Blue Link subscription.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-colour digital display that could be personalized to show various information, including navigation. This feature added a modern touch to the Jetta's technology offerings.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most trims included Hyundai's SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems, featuring forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking. The Elantra's Highway Drive Assist provided a smooth and refined driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS due to its headlights.