Are There Compact Sedans that are Right for you? Let’s Compare

When you think of comparing compact sedans, the first conversation that typically comes to mind is a Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla comparison. That is not where the list should stop, though. There are several compact sedans in the market that could be right for the driving experience you want to have when you’re headed out on the road. With this thought in mind, let’s take a look at some of the models that have been some of the leaders in the compact sedan class to see how they stack up with the Elantra.

Hyundai Elantra vs Honda Civic Compact Sedans

If we start with the base price of these two cars, you’re going to see the Elantra is the more affordable model, coming in at nearly $2,000 less to start with. Both cars have four doors and seating for five people to enjoy the drive.

You’ll find a little more power coming out of the engine of the Honda Civic with 158 horsepower compared to 147 horses for the Elantra. The fuel mileage isn’t even close; the Hyundai Elantra bests the Civic by four miles per gallon, giving you 37 mpg combined versus the 33 mpg combined you’ll find in the Civic.

When you look at the wheels of the Hyundai Elantra vs Honda Civic, you’ll find the Civic has larger wheels, but the Elantra has wheels made of aluminum, making the Elantra a little lighter and more agile on the road. The rear suspension is where you find another difference between the Civic offering a multi-link system versus the torsion beam of the Elantra. This gives the Honda a smoother drive when you’re behind the wheel.

The Verdict

Looking at the Hyundai Elantra vs Honda Civic comparison, you’ll find the Civic gives a spacious cabin, good value, and decent fuel mileage. At the base level, the Elantra is more efficient, has a lower starting price, adds a sleeker shape, offers more rear legroom, and boasts a sporty N Line model that you can drive.

Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3 Compact Sedans

Once again, starting with the base price, the Hyundai Elantra is nearly $1,000 cheaper than the Mazda3. This means a bit of a saving for you, but we need to get down to some of the details to see what these two cars offer.

Both the Elantra and the Mazda3 are offered with four doors, seating for five, and cabins that are relatively spacious, especially in the compact sedan class. The Mazda gives you a little more power with 155 horsepower coming from the SkyActiv engine, while the Hyundai brings 147 horsepower for the base powertrain.

When it comes to fuel mileage, the Elantra takes the win again. With 37 mpg combined, the Mazda3 doesn’t come close, making it to only 31 mpg combined for your drive.

As you continue to review the various aspects of these two cars, you’ll find the Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3 conversation turns to the number of colors offered. The Elantra can be had in nine different colors, while the Mazda is only offered in two.

A huge difference in the driving experience for these two cars comes in the transmission. The Hyundai uses a CVT, while the Mazda is attached to a six-speed automatic transmission for the drive you want to enjoy. This, along with the SkyActiv technology, gives you a sportier feeling on the road.

The Verdict

There’s no denying the stylish build of the Mazda3 and the impressively controlled handling offered. This car also offers an upmarket interior that could be ideal for your time on the road. The Hyundai Elantra brings you a sleeker shape, the legroom you need, and the option of a sporty N Line model. The comparison is close when you’re looking at the Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3.

Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla

When comparing the Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla, likely, this is the closest comparison in the compact sedan class, giving you a pair of cars that are chosen more than any others. The Elantra is once again the leader when it comes to price, coming in at $400 less than the Corolla.

Both the Hyundai and the Toyota give you the seating expected with five seats and four doors to make it easy to use either car for your daily driving tasks. When it comes to power for the Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla comparison, the Hyundai leads the way. The Elantra is more powerful by eight horsepower and is more efficient, besting the Toyota by four mpg combined.

Looking down the list of qualities you can compare, you’ll find the Elantra offered in nine different colors compared to four for the Corolla and a difference in the wheels. The Hyundai gives you a set of aluminum wheels, while the Toyota has styled steel wheels, which might be just fine for your drive.

The Verdict on these Compact Sedans

We don’t have to tell you a third time what the Elantra has over the other cars on this list. When it comes to the Corolla, you’ll find a car that feels alive in your hands, offers a restrained but handsome style, and has the Toyota reliability you trust. If you’re making a list with the Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla comparison, you’ll find these two cars are extremely close when you get to the end.

Hyundai Elantra vs Volkswagen Jetta

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the Volkswagen Jetta is nearly $3,00 more at the base level than the Hyundai Elantra. The Jetta brings a strong reputation for driving excellence to the road, but the Elantra is no slouch either.
Looking at these two cars, you’ll quickly see a difference in the cabin area where the Elantra is simply much larger than the Jetta. Score one point for Hyundai on your Hyundai Elantra vs Volkswagen Jetta list.

Both of these cars use impressive four-cylinder engines that give you the power you want during your time on the road. The Jetta stands out with 184 horsepower compared to the 147 for the Elantra. Even so, the Hyundai Elantra is still more efficient, giving you 37 mpg combined compared to 33 mpg combined for the Volkswagen Jetta.

The style of the Elantra is sportier than the Jetta, but the VW does bring a significant European flair to the road to give you a look that stands out on the road. This might be what you’re looking for when you want to drive a compact sedan.

The Verdict on these Two Compact Sedans

If you’re looking for a car that stands out, offers the most power in the class, and has a unique offering, the Volkswagen Jetta could be right for you. There aren’t two cars as different for your list as when you put the Hyundai Elantra vs Volkswagen Jetta on your list. The Jetta gives you good value, but if you want a roomier car that’s more efficient, you should stick with the Elantra and let it be the compact sedan you love to drive.