2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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1 Jun 14, 2009

The Toyota Corolla has long been the benchmark in this class; even given its recent redesign, the Corolla stands as competent in every way but not at all exciting, and the Corolla’s interior isn’t as warm or nicely detailed as the Elantra’s.

The Elantra's long warranty is only matched by the Kia.

In terms of sedans, many rivals to the Elantra have it beat for those seeking a sportier feel.

The revised Ford Focus sedan is a close competitor, with a softer, smoother ride and a quieter interior than in years past, along with a refined powertrain, but the Focus's interior just isn't as spacious.

The Honda Civic and Kia Spectra sedans both feel sportier on the road, but each of those models exhibits more road noise inside and a less plush ride.

The Mazda3 is a top rival for the new Elantra Touring hatchback model; the Mazda3 still outdoes the Touring with its interior and its responsive handling and steering feel, but the Touring is a lot more exciting to drive than most of the mentioned sedans while offering better cargo versatility.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings	2009 Toyota Corolla Browse Used Listings	2008 Ford Focus Browse Used Listings	2008 Kia Spectra Browse Used Listings	2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.4 The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most practical—albeit bland—small-sedan choices, while the new Elantra Touring hatchback adds a little more spice.	7.8 The 2009 Toyota Corolla has a split personality: the utilitarian base car and the slightly edgy, expensive Corolla XRS.	7.2 The 2008 Ford Focus isn’t all new, but it is an improvement, and a solid choice if you’re looking for a roomy car that handles well with a base price that starts around $15,000.	6.4 The 2008 Kia Spectra is still a lot of car for the money, but with it’s a bit outclassed by a host of more refined and updated small-car models.	7.8 The 2008 Mazda 3 is easily one of the best compact cars for sale in the United States.
MSRP From
$14,120	$15,350	$14,395	$12,895	$13,895
Gas Mileage
23 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Compact	Compact	Midsize	Compact
Style Name
4dr Sedan Man GLS	4dr Sedan Man (Natl)	2dr Coupe S	4dr Sedan Man LX	4dr Sedan Man i Sport Ltd Avail
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	2 Door Coupe	4dr Sdn	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD