Verdict
The new generation Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic are both attractive options for folks looking to buy a compact sedan, albeit for decidedly different buyers.
With the Elantra, Hyundai seems to be targeting buyers looking for a mature small car that offers refinement and comfort, with less emphasis on the actual driving experience. The new Civic, on the other hand, returns Honda to the realm of driving enthusiasts. Like the equally engaging Mazda3, the Civic rewards those who like to take the long way home. That it also offers a striking design, practicality, and excellent fuel efficiency is icing on the cake.
While we can’t fault anyone who buys an Elantra for commuting or other practical purposes, for our money we’d take the new Civic every day of the week, and twice on Saturday. About the only thing we’d really want change on our test car is to swap the CVT for a manual transmission, as rumor has it Honda still makes some of the best. Oh, and some better tires, as the stock ones aren’t likely to last very long…
EDITOR’S NOTE: TFLcar writer Derek Mau contributed to this article.
| Ratings Overview | Hyundai Elantra | Honda Civic |
| Style | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Performance | 3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Utility | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Compared to the competition | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Fuel economy | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Summary |
4/5 | 4.5/5 |
