2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra: The Numbers
The compact car market may be shrinking but leaders like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra remain quite popular among Canadian drivers.
How do these two stack up against each other? Which one is better at what? We’ve compared the numbers and specs. Here’s what we found…
Powertrain: Elantra
There is plenty of selection as far as the powertrain is concerned. The two cars have similar specs, but Hyundai gets the edge because it offers a hybrid option and Honda does not. Also, the next-gen Civic Type R has yet to show up, leaving the Elantra N as the most powerful model here.
Honda Civic
- Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 158 hp/138 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, CVT (manual gearbox available with Civic Hatchback)
- Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 180 hp/177 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, CVT (manual gearbox available with Civic Hatchback)
- Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 200 hp/192 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual (Civic Si)
Hyundai Elantra
- Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 147 hp/132 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, CVT or 6-speed manual gearbox
- Naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder and electric motor, 139 hp/195 lb-ft. combined, front-wheel drive, 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (Elantra Hybrid)
- Turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder, 201 hp/195 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (Elantra N Line)
- Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, 276 hp/289 lb-ft., front-wheel drive, 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (Elantra N)
Fuel Economy: Elantra
Unsurprisingly, Hyundai takes the fuel economy crown thanks to the Elantra Hybrid and its combined rating of 4.4 L/100 km.
The base Elantra is also more frugal than a comparable Civic, achieving 6.4-7.8 L/100 km versus 6.9-8 L/100 km for its Japanese rival. The latter burns 6.9-7.5 L/100 km with the 1.5-litre turbo engine depending on the body style and transmission.
The sportier Elantra N Line and Civic Si are similarly potent and fuel-efficient with combined ratings of 7.6 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km, respectively. The high-performance Elantra N needs 9.4 L/100 km with the dual-clutch transmission and 10.2 L/100 km with the manual.
Practicality: Civic
Pragmatic drivers will prefer the Honda Civic, for sure. The sedan’s trunk can fit 419 litres (408 litres in Touring and Si trim), while the hatchback has a cargo area of 693 litres. Both trump the Elantra’s 402-litre trunk.
Manoeuvrability is a toss-up, though the Elantra has a slightly shorter turning diameter (10.8 metres versus 11-11.6 metres for the Civic).
Safety: Civic
The Honda Civic is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Hyundai Elantra is almost as good, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The difference is sub-par headlight performance.
As for advanced driver assistance, both cars offer a wide array of features and technologies known as Honda Sensing and Hyundai SmartSense.
Technology: Tie
Again, this is really close. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included in both. The Civic has a standard 7-inch centre display and available 9-inch display. The Elantra’s units are a tad larger at 8 inches and 10.25 inches, respectively.
The digital instrument cluster is 7 inches (10.2 inches optional) in the Japanese model and 4.2 inches (10.25 inches optional) in its Korean rival.
If you like music, the Civic comes standard with eight speakers whereas the Elantra only has four. Higher trim levels add a pair. A premium Bose stereo is available with both vehicles.
Price: Elantra
When looking at comparably equipped models, the Hyundai Elantra is cheaper. Here’s how pricing breaks down:
Honda Civic
- LX: $26,280 (sedan)
- LX: $29,815 (hatchback)
- EX: $28,580 (sedan)
- Sport: $29,680 (sedan)
- Sport: $33,315 (hatchback)
- Touring: $32,080 (sedan)
- Sport Touring: $36,815 (hatchback)
- Si: $34,965 (sedan)
Hyundai Elantra
- Essential: $18,099
- Preferred: $22,099
- Ultimate: $25,799
- Preferred Hybrid: $24,999 (limited availability)
- Ultimate Hybrid: $27,299 (limited availability)
- N Line: $27,799
- N: $37,199 (manual), $38,799 (auto.)
Warranty: Elantra
Hyundai’s limited vehicle warranty is good for 5 years/100,000 km, while Honda’s will cover you for just 3 years/60,000 km.
Powertrain coverage (5 years/100,000 km) and rust perforation coverage (5 years/unlimited km) is the same. In the case of the Elantra Hybrid, the electric drive components are backed for 8 years/160,000 km.
