Written byThe Elantra has garnered a reputation for being a versatile compact sedan that combines solid fuel economy, practical comfort, and contemporary tech into one good-looking package. With a sleek design, fuel-efficient engines, and a well-equipped cabin, it is no wonder the Elantra continues to be a staple amongst those looking for an affordable but feature-laden sedan. However, this segment is competitive, and if you’re thinking about some alternatives that provide the same basic amenities, you have many great options.
The closest rival is the Toyota Corolla, which has built a reputation as a reliable, fuel-efficient compact. Another icon on the list is the Honda Civic, which combines sporty handling with a refined cabin and the benefit of substantial resale value. The Mazda3 offers a well-designed cabin with quality materials and a fun-to-drive demeanor for a premium vibe. The sporty and competitively priced Volkswagen Jetta is one option.
If you want something a little more budget-friendly, the Kia Forte brings the same tech and driver-assist features at an affordable price. A styling exercise that sacrifices some of the famed sportiness of Nissans of old for comfort and smooth handling, the Nissan Sentra serves as a great commuter car. The Subaru Impreza is one of the few compact sedans with standard all-wheel drive for all-weather capability. For here, the performance enthusiast jumps from just the base Civic to the Honda Civic Si, which is turbocharged and has all the sporty handling goodies. There are competitors: the Chevrolet Malibu, for example, wraps its larger cabin in a ride-oriented dynamic.
There are countless options for compact sedans like these, and your final choice will largely depend on how you drive, how much you’re willing to spend, and how many features you desire. This guide will help you narrow it down with the top 10 Hyundai Elantra competitors and their offers!
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#1. Toyota Corolla
- Model: 2024 Toyota Corolla
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 169 hp
- Torque: 151 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 32 City / 41 Highway
- Starting Price: $21,900
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan with above-average smoothness, excellent fuel economy, and many modern features. It enjoys a reputation for dependability. This 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and is combined with a CVT transmission for smooth acceleration. The Corolla is also frugal with fuel, churning out an impressive 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
It features a relatively simple infotainment system and comfortable seating and is packed with all the latest safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. With a starting price of only $21,900, a reputation for long-term durability, and low maintenance costs, the Corolla is hard to beat among compact cars, whether commuting or heading out for a weekend getaway.
#2. Honda Civic
- Model: 2024 Honda Civic
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder / 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 158-180 hp
- Torque: 138-177 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT or 6-speed manual (Si model)
- MPG: 30 City / 38 Highway
- Starting Price: $23,950
A compact car that enhances style, efficiency, and performance, the Honda Civic is a real head-turner. There are two engine types ranging from a 2.0L 4-cylinder delivering 158 hp to a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder generating as much as 180 hp, providing you plenty of power but also good fuel economy. At the same time,It’s an efficient daily driver on up to 38 mpg highway.
The model adds a more exciting 6-speed manual, while a CVT offers smooth commuter operation. The Civic’s modern, tech-laden interior with easy-to-use infotainment has a similar high-quality feel. As for the strong reliability ratings and high resale value, it is an even considered investment. The Civic is refined and fun to drive whether you want comfort or sportiness.
#3. Nissan Sentra
- Model: 2024 Nissan Sentra
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 149 hp
- Torque: 146 lb-ft
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT
- MPG: 29 City / 39 Highway
- Starting Price: $20,790
The Nissan Sentra provides a good blend of efficiency, practicality, and style, making it a good contender among compact sedans. The XTRONIC CVT helps deliver a refined driving experience, while its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is 29 mpg city, 39 highway and should keep running costs down.
What makes the Sentra so attractive are its luxurious cabin, intuitive infotainment system, and safety features that elevate it to premium status. With a starting price of just $20,790, it also serves as an inexpensive alternative, and a comfortable interior with supportive seats can make long drives more enjoyable. Balanced ride quality and quality feel make Sentra a solid pick for daily driving.
#4. Mazda3
- Model: 2024 Mazda3 Sedan
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 191-250 hp (Turbo)
- Torque: 186-320 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual
- MPG: 26 City / 36 Highway
- Starting Price: $24,170
The Mazda3 Sedan is stylish, with an attractive interior and peppy driving manners. It features a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that offers 191 hp, with an optional turbocharged engine that generates 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. Creatively coupled to the powerhouse is a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, optimizing shift times and making full use of the available power.
The Mazda3 also features precise steering and nimble handling, giving it an almost luxury-sports-sedan vibe. It provides power and efficiency with an EPA estimate of 26 city / 36 highway MPG; premium materials and state-of-the-art technology up the comfort level inside. The compact sedan segment has always been dotted with more affordable but somewhat upscale options here and there for buyers who don’t care necessarily about fuel economy but simply well-balanced vehicles with compact structures, quick responses, and classy interiors, and the Mazda3 is one of them at an affordable starting price of $24,170.
#5. Volkswagen Jetta
- Model: 2024 Volkswagen Jetta
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 158 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
- MPG: 30 City / 41 Highway
- Starting Price: $21,435
Inside, it is one of the least expensive compact sedans with a turbocharged engine, based on a fun yet practical entry-level car with an efficient driving experience. The six-speed manual option will please enthusiasts and the eight-speed automatic provides a smooth ride. Also, on the inside, the extensive interior and simple technology make it a practical commuter. While the Volkswagen Jetta keeps it affordable, its fuel economy is also impressive, as the Jetta is rated as high as 41 mpg on the highway.
You can also expect safety to be a strong aspect of the jetta, with standard driver-assist features such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Jetta features a starting price of $21,435, creates a good combination of performance, comfort, and affordability, and makes it a worthy rival to more expensive compact sedans.
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#6. Kia Forte
- Model: 2024 Kia Forte
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder / 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 147-201 hp
- Torque: 132-195 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT or 7-speed DCT
- MPG: 30 City / 41 Highway
- Starting Price: $19,690
For those looking for an affordable yet stylish compact sedan, the Kia Forte has finally arrived as an ideal alternative. This will offer two engine choices; a fuel-sipper 2.0L 4-cylinder and a zippy 1.6L turbo delivering up to 201 horsepower. A CVT or 7-speed DCT allows a smooth yet responsive progression of things. Notably, the Forte offers an eye-popping 41 mpg highway fuel economy rating, making for an exceptional daily driver.
It comes with an infotainment system that is easy to use, a variety of safety features, and a roomy cabin. Kia’s class-leading warranty further enhances peace of mind. Well-equipped Forte are priced from $19,690 and represent excellent value in the age of rising new vehicle prices, providing plenty of bang for the buck, great style, cutting-edge tech, and efficiency.
#7. Subaru Impreza
- Model: 2024 Subaru Impreza
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder / 2.5L 4-cylinder (RS trim)
- Horsepower: 152-182 hp
- Torque: 145-178 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 27 City / 34 Highway
- Starting Price: $22,995
The Subaru Impreza is a compact hatchback that merges some practicality with extreme all-weather capability. A base model gets the 152-hp 145 lb-ft of torque 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, and the sportier RS trim gets the 2.5L engine with 182-hp 178 lb-ft of torque. Power output is 181 hp at 6,000 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, and a CVT transmission (the only option) gives a nice smooth ride along with 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highway.
The Impreza delivers with AWD standards for improved traction across the board. At its heart lies a spacious cabin with easy-to-use tech, lending to its suitability for daily commutes and road trips. The Impreza may be a hatch, but it is also a relatively inexpensive option starting at just $22,995 for those looking for an AWD car without entering the SUV segment.
#8. Chevrolet Malibu
- Model: 2024 Chevrolet Malibu
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 163 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 27 City / 35 Highway
- Starting Price: $25,100
The Chevrolet Malibu is a good pick in midsize sedans with its spacious cabin and impressive efficiency. It relies on a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and returns a smooth and fuel-efficient ride with 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.
Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides smooth acceleration, making it an excellent choice for daily driving. The $25,100 Malibu has a spacious cabin, intuitive tech, and a smooth ride. If you want a compact sedan with more space, the Chevy Malibu is a practical all-arounder offering premium interior materials and modern safety and technology features.
#9. Honda Accord
- Model: 2024 Honda Accord LX
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 192 hp
- Torque: 192 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- MPG: 29 City / 37 Highway
- Starting Price: $27,895
The Honda Accord LX is a practical versatile that compromises efficiency, performance, and comfort for a reasonable price. Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, matched to a CVT that helps provide a smooth and effortless driving experience.
Even with the new tone, the Accord LX still delivers an EPA-rated fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, making it a solid commuter and road trip car. Roomy and inviting cabin — the interior is modern with easy-to-use tech features. With starting prices of $27,895, it’s a strong option for those seeking additional space and performance without a major increase in cost or a significant decrease in fuel economy.
#10. Hyundai Sonata
- Model: 2024 Hyundai Sonata
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder / 1.6L Turbo / Hybrid options
- Horsepower: 191-290 hp
- Torque: 181-311 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic / 6-speed hybrid auto
- MPG: 28 City / 38 highway (base model)
- Starting Price: $25,450
If you appreciate what Hyundai offers yet require a larger sedan with more upscale content, the Hyundai Sonata is an ideal Elantra alternative. This midsize family SUV provides a roomy interior with premium materials, advanced technology, and various powertrains, including an efficient hybrid. 191 horsepower for the base 2.5L or the more responsive 1.6L turbo.
Then, for the performance-seekers, the N Line trim offers a 290-hp package where 311 lb-ft of torque is combined with a limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension, larger brakes, and other sporty goodies. It offers an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and a 6-speed automatic for the hybrid version. The Sonata is a classy midsize sedan with an EPA rating of up to 38 mpg highway, a handsome exterior, and Hyundai’s Smart Sense safety suite.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Elantra is among the better all-around compact sedans. Still, many alternatives are just as good or better than they are regarding features, durability, and overall value. But for those who, more often than not, have an eye on fuel economy, driving dynamics,or advanced tech, there are plenty of viable alternatives to consider. The Honda Civic is the best for fun and resale value, and the Toyota Corolla is the no-brainer pick for its long-term reliability.
The Mazda3 is a sportier alternative with its responsive driving dynamics and upscale interior. Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta provide readily absorbing rides and pleasant interiors, and the Subaru Impreza offers all-wheel drive for added assurance. We recommend just doing your research and driving a few Hyundai Elantra alternatives before deciding. By comparing different models, you will be able to find a vehicle that meets your needs, and you will be happy for a long time.
