The Elantra is just one of a handful of compact cars that changed hearts and minds about the perennial class leaders, the Civic and the Corolla.
Great alternatives are available now in the shape of the Ford Focus, as much for its brilliant handling as for its styling and class-leading features, and the Mazda 3, with its nimble steering and high gas mileage ratings bringing Mazda's economy car even closer to its roots.
The Kia Forte is a handsome package as a sedan, hatchback, or coupe, but crash-test scores are a concern.
The Honda Civic has cured its recent interior and handling woes, and recalibrated its standard-equipment list in a smart way.
Finally, the latest Toyota Corolla is a little more stylish, a lot more efficient, but still the most conservative four-door in the class.
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 2015 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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Snappy sheetmetal and smart packaging puts the 2015 Hyundai Elantra on most must-drive lists, though it's not as engaging to drive as some compact sedans. |
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze might now be one of the oldest designs in its class, but it remains one of the strongest entries -- especially for those focused on comfort, practicality, and fuel-efficiency. |
The 2015 Ford Focus lineup gets a clean new look for 2015, as well as a high-mileage three-cylinder engine option and revamped cabin comforts. From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, it remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2015 Honda Civic is refined, comfortable, and offers top-notch safety ratings and features. |
Reasonably well-rounded performance and attractive looks inside and out give the Forte lots of curb appeal, but disappointing safety scores and a lack of comfort mean that it isn't quite the high achiever that the larger Optima has been. |
The 2015 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving small cars, with efficient engines and smooth transmissions that help give it a more premium feel than its price would suggest. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,250 | $16,170 | $17,170 | $18,290 | $15,890 | $16,945 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual L | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual 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 | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Coupe | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2015 Chevrolet Cruze | 2015 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2015 Ford Focus | 2015 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2015 Honda Civic | 2015 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2015 Kia Forte | 2015 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
