2013 Hyundai Elantra GT vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.8 out of 10

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Jun 25, 2012

The hatchback is supposed to be the compact sedan's more enthusiastic alter ego.

It's usually true, and in some cases it's the only body style on offer--as with the left-brained Volkswagen Golf, a sturdy piece that lacks in standard features but makes up in premium feel, from the plastics that decorate its dash to the purposeful feel of its steering rack and its strong brakes.

The Toyota Matrix is the opposite--a hatchback only, unexciting with its more zesty powertrain options purged, a Corolla more than ever in this generation.

The Ford Focus and Mazda3 are the current class leaders when it comes to engaging driving feel, either as sedans or hatchbacks.

The Mazda may have slightly better steering feel, while the Focus leads on infotainment features and outright power, particularly with the new 247-hp ST.

Finally there's the Subaru Impreza, a versatile hatchback or sedan with standard all-wheel drive and fine road manners, albeit with a standard CVT that hones off some of the driving edge.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Focus Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volkswagen Golf Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Subaru Impreza Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Matrix Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 Not quite a hot hatch, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT gives up some rear-seat space in the name of cargo room and European style.	8.8 Whether or not you consider the exciting new ST performance model, the 2013 Ford Focus lineup is evidence that small cars don't have to feel so appliance-like.	7.8 The 2013 Volkswagen Golf masterfully balances frisky performance, fuel-efficiency, and refinement in its GTI and even TDI editions, but as such it's priced as a premium model.	8.2 With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one.	7.8 Crisply restyled, with higher gas mileage, more space inside, a nicer interior, and all-wheel drive standard, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is a newly compelling compact alternative.	7.4 The 2012 Toyota Matrix combines the frugality of the best-selling Corolla with a little more sportiness and versatility--but it still comes up a bit short in features.
MSRP From
$18,545	$16,200	$18,095	$15,200	$17,495	$18,845
Gas Mileage
26 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I5	Gas I4	Gas Flat 4	Gas I4
EPA Class
- TBD -	Compact	Compact	Compact	Compact Cars	Small Station Wagon
Style Name
5-Door HB Man	4-Door Sedan S	2-Door HB Man PZEV	4-Door Sedan Man i SV	4-Door Man 2.0i	5-Door Wagon Man L FWD (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
4	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Hatchback	Sedan	2 Door HB	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	5 Door Wagon
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual