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    A Comprehensive Car Comparison Of Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra

    Image Source: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock

    The 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Honda Civic are among the most favored compact vehicles, providing a broad array of configurations to accommodate everything from economical commuting to serious performance.

    Both of these collections excel in delivering substantial value for the price, aesthetics that are far from ordinary, cutting-edge technology, and interior comforts that not long ago would have belonged to premium models.

    While four-door sedans serve as the core of both lineups, the Civic is also widely available as a five-door hatchback. Although the Elantra comes in a single body style, it does have a high-efficiency hybrid variant.

    The Elantra N was included in the Best Car To Buy 2022 shortlist by the affiliated site Motor Authority, whereas the Civic Type R emerged as the 2023 winner. Both represent high-performance vehicles that offer a thrilling driving experience.

    Continue reading to find out how the top-selling variants of the Civic and Elantra—and their respective lineups—compare against each other.

    Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra pricing and features

    • Elantra begins at approximately $23,000, while the Civic starts at about $25,000.
    • Elantra Hybrid ranges from about $26,000 to over $30,000.
    • The high-performance Civic Type R is priced roughly $10,000 higher than the Elantra N.

    What is the price of a Honda Civic?

    The Honda Civic is available in both hatchback and sedan forms. Hatchbacks come in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Sport Touring variants, ranging from around $25,000, including the necessary destination charge, up to roughly $32,000. Sedans can be obtained in LX, Sport, EX, and Si configurations, priced between approximately $27,000 and $31,000. The high-performance Type R hatchbacks start at over $44,000.

    Aside from engine and power variations, there are minimal options available, but upgrading through trim levels provides fancier wheels and additional comfort features. The entry-level Civic LX is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, while the Sport variant adds alloy wheels. Stepping up to the EX sedan or EX-L hatchback introduces blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, and heated front seats, among other enhancements.

    What is the price of a Hyundai Elantra?

    The Hyundai Elantra is exclusively a sedan, but one of the primary distinctions is whether you prefer a standard engine or a hybrid variant. The standard model comes in various trims for the U.S.: the SE, SEL Sport/Convenience, Limited, and N Line, starting just over $23,000, with the N Line approaching $29,000. High-performance Elantra N models are priced around $35,000.

    If you are not considering a Hybrid or an N version, there appears to be little rationale to upgrade beyond the base Elantra SE, which is a steal as it includes 15-inch wheels, power locks, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SEL Convenience models introduce automatic climate control, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen, and a digital gauge cluster, while Limited models come with leather seats and adaptive cruise control, with optional Bose sound system and a sunroof.

    Elantra Hybrids commence with the Blue model at nearly $26,000, escalating to the Limited at over $30,000.

    Advantage: The Elantra, as it offers more features for the price.

    Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic dimensions, seating capacity, and cargo space

    • Civic and Elantra are nearly identical in overall dimensions
    • Elantra’s roofline and door openings can make rear-seat accessibility somewhat more confined
    • Elantra’s real-world legroom tends to feel more comfortable

    When comparing the two in sedan configuration, the Civic and Elantra are remarkably similar in size and proportions. The Elantra measures approximately 184 inches in length, 72 inches in width, and 56 inches in height, resting on a 107-inch wheelbase; the Civic is also 184 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 56 inches high, positioned on a 108-inch wheelbase.

    Passenger volume for the Civic is 99.0 cubic feet, with cargo capacity at 14.8 cubic feet, whereas the Elantra provides 99.4 cubic feet for passengers and 14.2 cubic feet for cargo.

    Both models are within an inch of each other in official front and rear legroom; however, the roofline and seating arrangements may influence personal preferences based on individual requirements. Access to the Elantra’s back seat may be trickier due to the door cuts, but once inside, the contours feel more suitable for adults, and there is additional legroom compared to the Civic, assuming the front seats are adjusted for similarly sized individuals. With regards to child seat installations, the Civic would be favored. However, be aware that neither back seat offers substantial headroom.

    Advantage: The Civic provides a hatchback alternative along with easier seat access.

    Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra performance

    • Civic’s 1.5-liter turbo-4 offers superior power and drivability
    • Civic includes a manual transmission in Sport variants
    • Elantra Hybrid prioritizes efficiency over sluggishness

    Both the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra come with various powertrain options catering to diverse needs. Some versions in their collections are budget-friendly, fuel-efficient commuter cars, while others deliver thrilling performances—if such a term still applies.

    The majority of the Civic sedan and hatchback lineup features a 1.5-liter turbo-4 producing 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, while entry-level Sport variants contain a 2.0-liter inline-4 generating 158 hp and 138 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and the turbo-4 offers a smoother experience with better drivability in this combination. Civic Hybrid Sport models are available with a 6-speed manual transmission, and the more rev-friendly base engine pairs well in this configuration. Sporty Si variants feature a 6-speed manual with a version of the turbo-4 producing 200 hp and 192 lb-ft.

    The Elantra offers a similar range of options under the hood—though the Hybrid variant is a notable exception. Base Elantra models are equipped with a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4. Hybrids utilize an Atkinson-cycle, 1.5-liter inline-4 coupled with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, including a motor/generator located at the transmission’s input, yielding a total output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure matches the N-Line’s 1.6-liter turbo-4, although the N-Line generates 201 hp.

    Each of these models features performance-oriented variants that can reach 60 mph in the low five-second bracket. The Civic Type R hatchback is completely centered on performance, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine producing 315 hp and 310 lb-ft when using premium fuel, accompanied by a 6-speed manual transmission and an adaptive damping system, as well as a firmer suspension setup, enhanced brakes, and summer performance tires.

    The speedy Elantra N is powered by a robust version of the 2.0-liter turbo-4, generating 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, also utilizing premium fuel. It can be paired with either an 8-speed wet-sump DCT or a 6-speed manual transmission (the sole model in the lineup offering a manual option).

    Advantage: Civic has a slight advantage.

    Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic driving experience

    • Elantra and Civic both feel agile by contemporary standards.
    • Even the Elantra Hybrid has a weight of under 3,000 pounds.
    • Civic’s steering is superior.

    Elantra Hybrid excels in drivability, especially regarding mpg.

    Remember compact automobiles? The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra both offer a reasonably pleasant ride, featuring a low, almost sports car-like driving stance, coupled with a handling nimbleness that stands out in today’s marketplace. As vehicles have become larger and heavier, this is a welcome change.

    Both of these cars feel light to drive. The base Civic remains under 3,000 pounds, and even the Elantra Hybrid stays beneath that weight limit, so individuals accustomed to SUVs or EVs may find the driving experience lively and engaging—although both models do allow considerable road noise to infiltrate the cabin.

    Regarding powertrain responsiveness, it’s a close call. Both of these compact cars, in their standard versions, respond adequately at urban speeds but may not be as lively on highways. The Elantra Hybrid might be the biggest surprise; it feels more dynamic than the power and fuel economy ratings would imply, with minimal lag in its responses compared to earlier hybrids from the same brand.

    All Civic variants feature a strut front suspension alongside a multi-link rear configuration and variable ratio electric power steering, whereas the Elantra has strut setups in front and a torsion beam layout at the rear for most of its variants. If there’s one advantage for the Civic in this area, it’s the steering performance. The Honda simply navigates better on the road, especially on winding backcountry routes.

    Advantage: Provided we exclude mpg considerations, the Civic takes the crown.

    Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic fuel economy

    • Elantra Hybrid variants achieve up to 54 mpg combined.
    • Civic sedans can manage 36 mpg combined at best.
    • A Civic Hybrid model is expected to be released soon.

    The majority of the Hyundai Elantra lineup achieves EPA ratings of 30 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined. Elantra Hybrids are the efficiency champions with ratings of 51 mpg in the city, 58 mpg on the highway, and 54 mpg combined for the base Blue trim, or 49/42/50 mpg in the Elantra Hybrid Limited. The performance Elantra N model is the least efficient, featuring ratings of 23 mpg combined with the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic or 24 mpg combined with the 6-speed manual.

    Most of the Honda Civic range achieves combined ratings in the 30s, with the most prevalent Civic CVT sedans landing at either 31 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, 34 mpg combined, or 33/42/36 mpg for the base trims. The latter is the highest-rated variant in the lineup, while the Civic Type R is the most fuel-hungry, averaging 22/28/24 mpg on premium petrol.

    Advantage: Elantra—in Hybrid form.

    Image Source: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock

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