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.
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 2009 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Kia SpectraBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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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. |
The 2009 Toyota Corolla has a split personality: the utilitarian base car and the slightly edgy, expensive Corolla XRS. |
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. |
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. |
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 | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan Manual (SE) | 2-Door Coupe S | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual 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 |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2008 Ford Focus | 2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2008 Kia Spectra | 2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
