If you're in the market for a stylish commuter or a small family sedan, the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata undeniably fit the bill. Since both cars offer great performance and seating for five, it's common for local car shoppers in Cape May County, Cumberland County, and Salem County to find themselves at the Elantra-Sonata impasse.
In this post, Action Hyundai of Millville will help move your search for the perfect sedan forward by comparing the interior, performance, and features of the Elantra vs. Sonata.
For Family Sedan Space, Choose the Hyundai Sonata
The Elantra and the Sonata both seat five in their cabins, but since they come from different car segments, the amount of room each vehicle offers in its front and back seating rows varies.
In the backseat, the midsize Hyundai Sonata offers about five more inches of hip room that would provide more side-to-side space should you take advantage of the full seating capacity.
In the front, the Hyundai Sonata offers more headroom and legroom than the compact Elantra, with two to three more inches for each measurement. If you're tall and have trouble stretching out in some cars, the Sonata might be a better pick. If that's not an issue, you may find the Elantra's front seat space more than adequate.
Under their trunk lids, the Hyundai Sonata has a slight advantage again, offering 16.3 cubic feet in comparison to the Elantra's 14.4 cubic feet of trunk space.
The Compromise: If extra trunk space is a non-negotiable for you, the Elantra offers a hatchback version that gets you 24.9 cubic feet of load room with all seats in place.
For Optimum Efficiency, Choose the Elantra
Under their polished hoods, wisely matched performance equipment powers the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata.
Both sedan models get a base four-cylinder engine that provides ample acceleration for daily driving. The Elantra's puts out 147 horsepower, while the Sonata's makes 185 horsepower. Elantra buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission, while the Hyundai Sonata comes standard with a six-speed automatic.
For top efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra Eco pulls out all the stops with a special turbocharged engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Elantra Eco's EPA-estimated earnings of 32/40 MPG city/highway are outstanding for the class. The standard Hyundai Sonata's fuel statistics of 25/36 MPG can't quite compete.
The Compromise: If you like the Sonata's extra inner space, Hyundai offers an Eco powertrain option for the Sonata that gets you closer to the best of both worlds. The Sonata Eco returns 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Elantra vs Sonata: Safety, Value, and Style in Common
As both vehicles earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's TOP SAFETY PICK + designation, something you don't have to worry about when comparing these two is the ability to keep you and your passengers safe.
Technology-wise, many desirable features are available in the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata, including smartphone support from Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, and a fleet of driver assistance safety features that use cameras and radars to enhance on-road visibility.
On the exteriors, sleek lines and LED lighting make both the Elantra and the Sonata worthy of a double-take.
Test Drive the Elantra or the Sonata at Action Hyundai of Millville
We hope this comparison helped you learn more about the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata, and maybe even opened your eyes to some trims and options you didn't know about before-like the Elantra Hatchback or the Sonata Eco-that could be the right solution for your needs.
If you're still not sure, that's OK. The best way to choose between the Elantra and the Sonata is to come out for a double test drive! Driving these cars back to back is easiest in a large Hyundai inventory with many trims to choose from, all at Action Hyundai of Millville. If you're in the Cape May County, Cumberland County, and Salem County areas, schedule your test drive(s) with us today!
AdChoices 