2011 Hyundai Elantra vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

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1 Jan 17, 2011

The Toyota Corolla used to be the gold standard among compact sedans.

It’s never been a very impressive performer, but in more recent years its stark interior appointments and hard, dull plastics have dragged it to the back of the pack.

The Kia Forte feels somewhat sportier than the Elantra but not quite as tight and refined inside.

While the Forte is a product of the same parent company, it’s a half-generation behind the Elantra in some respects—and assembled at a different facility altogether.

The Volkswagen Jetta, which is was redesigned for 2011, now has a standard 115-hp four-cylinder engine that’s sluggish yet doesn’t return impressive fuel economy either.

The Ford Focus is quite well-equipped and drives better than it looks (it’s due to be replaced next year), while the all-new Chevrolet Cruze has an especially roomy interior and an especially refined, mature feel; it can also come with an EPA highway rating of up to 42 mpg in Cruze Eco trim.

2011 Hyundai Elantra Browse Used Listings	2011 Ford Focus Browse Used Listings	2011 Kia Forte Browse Used Listings	2011 Toyota Corolla Browse Used Listings	2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 38 mpg; a sleek, sophisticated look; and even more value for the money confirm that this little sedan has officially left the Corolla in the dust.	7.2	8 The 2011 Kia Forte exemplifies the new direction of Kia, with a simple, elegant style, unexpected levels of refinement, and lots of value for the money.	7.2 The 2011 Toyota Corolla is spacious, safe, and well-equipped; but if you're looking for excitement or inspiration, it's not here.	7.8 The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta steps back in tech time and lowers its German street cred—but still delivers a better driving feel and more back-seat room than many other compact sedans.
MSRP From
$14,945	$16,640	$14,995	$15,900	$15,365
Gas Mileage
28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	26 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	23 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Compact	Compact Cars	Compact	Compact
Style Name
4dr Sedan Man GLS (Alabama Plant) Ltd Avail	4dr Sedan S	4dr Sedan Man LX	4dr Sedan Man L (Natl)	4dr Manual
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
4	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual w/OD	Manual w/OD	Manual	Manual w/OD	Manual