2010 Hyundai Elantra vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.2 out of 10

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Nov 3, 2009

For decades, the Toyota Corolla has been the benchmark in this class, and after their respective redesigns, the Hyundai Elantra matches up well with the Corolla.

Both are quite soft and not tremendously exciting.

However, the Touring model of the Elantra stands as an intriguing option for those who would rather have a more distinctive, fun-to-drive vehicle.

Versus the Touring, the Mazda3 five-door is the most natural rival.

The Mazda3 has a little more refinement and more of an enthusiast-oriented driving feel, but the Touring has more interior space.

The Elantra's long warranty is only matched by the Kia—and Kia’s new Forte sedan resembles the Elantra in many respects, with a slightly sportier feel, although the Forte offers a two-door Koup model instead of a wagon.

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 and the exterior styling is odd.

The Honda Civic feels sportier and tremendously refined—nicely finished inside, too—but its curvaceous exterior pays a price in a cramped backseat that’s difficult to get in and out of.

2010 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings	2010 Kia Forte Browse Used Listings	2009 Toyota Corolla Browse Used Listings	2008 Ford Focus Browse Used Listings	2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.2 The 2010 Hyundai Elantra remains a perfectly competent and spacious—if slightly boring—sedan, while the Touring wagon gets a more exciting personality.	8 The 2010 Kia Forte is a strong contender in every way—a surprisingly good-looking, enjoyable-to-drive car that will hold the budget down.	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.	7.8 The 2008 Mazda 3 is easily one of the best compact cars for sale in the United States.
MSRP From
$14,145	$13,695	$15,350	$14,395	$13,895
Gas Mileage
26 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Midsize	Compact	Compact	Compact
Style Name
4dr Sedan Man Blue	4dr Sedan Man LX	4dr Sedan Man (Natl)	2dr Coupe S	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	4dr Sdn	4 Door Sedan	2 Door Coupe	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD