Civic vs Elantra
Honda versus Hyundai: the Civic and the Elantra go after the same compact car buyer. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality5.1
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality4.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
- Civic 184.8 in × 70.9 in × 55.7 in
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
Size won’t decide this one: the Civic and the Elantra have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 184.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 55.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 107.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to engine & performance. For engine & performance, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The differences on fuel economy & range are small enough to ignore in daily use. In short, fuel economy & range is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Civic and the Elantra match each other closely in this area. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 150 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 133 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg | 41 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 12.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.8 cu ft | 14.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 38 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 184.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 70.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 55.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 107.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Civic | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $24,695 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Civic or the Elantra?
The Civic and the Elantra split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Civic, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Elantra), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Which is larger, the Civic or the Elantra?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Civic and the Elantra differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Whenever Honda and Hyundai go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Civic and the Elantra are no exception.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the Civic, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Elantra.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let the things a spec sheet can’t capture versus the things a spec sheet can’t capture settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.