Civic Type R vs Elantra
The Civic Type R and the Elantra land in the same compact car category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. This one has a front-runner. The Civic Type R wins 2 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Civic Type R wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Elantra wins
- Space & Practicality Civic Type R wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range1.5
- Space & Practicality6.0
- 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.
Key Differences
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The Civic Type R has 168 hp more power
On total system output, the Civic Type R posts 315 hp against 147 hp for the Elantra, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Civic Type R has 73% more cargo space
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 24.5 cu ft for the Civic Type R versus 14.2 cu ft for the Elantra. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Elantra has better fuel economy
The Civic Type R lists 24 mpg; the Elantra comes in at 36 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Civic Type R has 178 lb-ft more torque
At 310 lb-ft versus 132 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Civic Type R, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Elantra has room for 5 seats
The Elantra nudges ahead with 5 seats, while the Civic Type R lists 4 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
- Civic Type R 180.9 in × 74.4 in × 55.4 in
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
There’s no meaningful size difference between the Civic Type R and the Elantra.
Dimensions
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in | 184.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.4 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.4 in | 55.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 107.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Civic Type R leads
The Elantra has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Civic Type R pulls well ahead. On its side, the Civic Type R has 168 hp more power. The Civic Type R’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Civic Type R.
Total system output
Civic Type R: 315 hp Elantra: 147 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Civic Type R: 310 lb-ft Elantra: 132 lb-ft The Civic Type R’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Elantra leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Elantra makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Elantra delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the Elantra.
Fuel economy (combined)
Civic Type R: 24 mpg Elantra: 36 mpg The Elantra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Civic Type R: 28 mpg Elantra: 41 mpg The Elantra uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Civic Type R leads
The space & practicality numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Civic Type R. The Civic Type R gives you 73% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. The Elantra makes its case with room for 5 seats. Net result: the Civic Type R leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Civic Type R: 24.5 cu ft Elantra: 14.2 cu ft The Civic Type R’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Seats
Civic Type R: 4 seats Elantra: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Civic Type R and the Elantra land in almost the same place. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 315 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 147 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 41 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 12.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats Fewest seats in class | 5 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.5 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 14.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 38 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Civic Type R | 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 Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9 in | 184.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.4 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.4 in | 55.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 in | 107.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Civic Type R | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $46,895 Priciest in class | 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?
Choose the Civic Type R if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (315 hp vs 147 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (24.5 cu ft vs 14.2 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Elantra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (36 mpg vs 24 mpg)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (5 seats vs 4 seats)
- you want better highway fuel economy (41 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (32 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Civic Type R or the Elantra?
We’d point most buyers to the Civic Type R. The main exception is if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Is the Civic Type R bigger than the Elantra?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Civic Type R and the Elantra differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Civic Type R against the Elantra is exactly that. Honestly, 168 hp more power on the Civic Type R does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the Civic Type R brings 73% more cargo space. Don’t write off the Elantra entirely: it has better fuel economy.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Civic Type R; if they lean on fuel economy & range, the Elantra.
My pick: the Civic Type R, unless you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.