2013 Hyundai Elantra vs. Its Competition

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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.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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Apr 2, 2013

Compact cars have gone off the reservation.

For years, the default recommendations in the segment were the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic--but no more.

The Corolla's dated, conservative, and fairly expensive these days, leaving it out of the Elantra's sights.

The latest Civic's more in its field of vision--but Honda has already confessed disappointment with the latest Civic's interior, handling, and overall quality.

Within its own family, the Elantra has competition from the Kia Forte, derived from a platform a half-generation older than the Elantra's, but still a good value and a handsome design, with ample space and available features.

The truly engaging vehicles in the class are TheCarConnection's Best Car To Buy 2012, the Ford Focus--chosen for its brilliant handling as much for its styling and class-leading features--and the Mazda3, with its nimble steering and high gas mileage ratings bringing Mazda's economy car even closer to its roots.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Kia Forte Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Chevrolet Cruze Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Focus Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Civic Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 Civic who? Corolla what? The Hyundai Elantra's one of the new standard bearers in the compact class, with 38-mpg fuel economy, better safety, and class-leading standard features.	7.4 It's a family affair: the Kia Forte lineup is more comfortable, more eager, and better finished than ever, and a step up from what its sticker price might suggest.	8 The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and a strong value, but it does lack the nimble, tossable feel that some small-car fans appreciate.	8.8 With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped.	7 The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch.	8.2 With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one.
MSRP From
$16,695	$15,400	$16,800	$16,500	$15,955	$15,200
Gas Mileage
28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Midsize cars	Compact Cars	Midsize Car	Compact	Compact Cars	Compact
Style Name
4dr Sedan Man GLS (Ulsan Plant) Ltd Avail	4dr Sedan Man LX	4dr Sedan LS	4dr Sedan S	4dr Man DX	4dr Sedan Man i SV
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
4	N/A	4	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual