2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra: The Numbers

Published on February 12, 2022 in Comparative Tests by Dominic Boucher

The compact car market may be shrinking but leaders like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra remain quite popular among Canadian drivers.

How do these two stack up against each other? Which one is better at what? We’ve compared the numbers and specs. Here’s what we found…

Powertrain: Elantra

Photo: Patrice Marchessault

There is plenty of selection as far as the powertrain is concerned. The two cars have similar specs, but Hyundai gets the edge because it offers a hybrid option and Honda does not. Also, the next-gen Civic Type R has yet to show up, leaving the Elantra N as the most powerful model here.

Honda Civic 

Hyundai Elantra

Fuel Economy: Elantra

Photo: Patrice Marchessault

Unsurprisingly, Hyundai takes the fuel economy crown thanks to the Elantra Hybrid and its combined rating of 4.4 L/100 km.

The base Elantra is also more frugal than a comparable Civic, achieving 6.4-7.8 L/100 km versus 6.9-8 L/100 km for its Japanese rival. The latter burns 6.9-7.5 L/100 km with the 1.5-litre turbo engine depending on the body style and transmission.

The sportier Elantra N Line and Civic Si are similarly potent and fuel-efficient with combined ratings of 7.6 L/100 km and 7.7 L/100 km, respectively. The high-performance Elantra N needs 9.4 L/100 km with the dual-clutch transmission and 10.2 L/100 km with the manual.    

Practicality: Civic

Photo: Antoine Joubert

Pragmatic drivers will prefer the Honda Civic, for sure. The sedan’s trunk can fit 419 litres (408 litres in Touring and Si trim), while the hatchback has a cargo area of 693 litres. Both trump the Elantra’s 402-litre trunk.  

Manoeuvrability is a toss-up, though the Elantra has a slightly shorter turning diameter (10.8 metres versus 11-11.6 metres for the Civic).  

Safety: Civic

Photo: Antoine Joubert

The Honda Civic is a Top Safety Pick+ according to the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Hyundai Elantra is almost as good, earning a Top Safety Pick award. The difference is sub-par headlight performance.

As for advanced driver assistance, both cars offer a wide array of features and technologies known as Honda Sensing and Hyundai SmartSense.

Technology: Tie

Photo: Patrice Marchessault

Again, this is really close. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included in both. The Civic has a standard 7-inch centre display and available 9-inch display. The Elantra’s units are a tad larger at 8 inches and 10.25 inches, respectively.

The digital instrument cluster is 7 inches (10.2 inches optional) in the Japanese model and 4.2 inches (10.25 inches optional) in its Korean rival.

If you like music, the Civic comes standard with eight speakers whereas the Elantra only has four. Higher trim levels add a pair. A premium Bose stereo is available with both vehicles.

Price: Elantra

Photo: Patrice Marchessault

When looking at comparably equipped models, the Hyundai Elantra is cheaper. Here’s how pricing breaks down:

Honda Civic

Hyundai Elantra

Warranty: Elantra

Photo: Patrice Marchessault

Hyundai’s limited vehicle warranty is good for 5 years/100,000 km, while Honda’s will cover you for just 3 years/60,000 km.

Powertrain coverage (5 years/100,000 km) and rust perforation coverage (5 years/unlimited km) is the same. In the case of the Elantra Hybrid, the electric drive components are backed for 8 years/160,000 km.

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