2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Sonata near College Park, MD

Pictured above are the 2021 Hyundai Elantra (left) and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata (right), both with optional features. 

If you’re stuck between choosing the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and 2021 Sonata, chances are you’re not alone. After all, these two cars are two of the most popular compact and midsize sedans on the market, respectively, so you certainly can’t go wrong either. However, to illustrate how they differ, Pohanka Hyundai of Capitol Heights is here to explain what each model brings to the table.

Performance

First, we’ll test how the 2021 Elantra and Sonata perform. With the former, you’ll have a standard 2.0L 4-cylinder engine under your command that generates a satisfying 147-hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 33/43 MPG city/hwy1. Plus, if you’re hoping to tap into some additional muscle, there’s the available 1.6L turbo system, which ups the ante with 201-hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the 2021 Sonata features a 2.5L 4-cylinder system as standard, allowing you to access 191-hp, 181 lb.-ft. of torque, and a fuel economy rating of 28/38 MPG city/hwy2. For extra brawn, go with the optional 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder powertrain, as this beastly machinery is ready to send you flying down Route 50 with a remarkable 290-hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque.

Interior

Now that you’re aware of what these two sedans can do out on the open road, it’s time to step inside their cabins to revel in their vast array of amenities. Naturally, as a larger, midsize car, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata has more space than its compact counterpart, boasting 46.1 inches of front legroom and 16.0 cubic ft. of trunk space. To compare, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra offers 42.3 inches of first-row legroom and 14.2 cubic ft. of storage in the trunk. And although both are available with heated front seats, the Sonata also includes the option to spring for ventilated front-row chairs as well. Fortunately, if you have a taste for luxury, you’ll find available leather upholstery in either model.

Safety

The last area we’d like to cover is safety, since this aspect is absolutely indispensable. Starting out, you’ll find that these Hyundai sedans share many of the same standard advancements, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection3 and Lane Keeping Assist4, just to name a few. However, only the Elantra equips its base trim with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist5 and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist6 as standard features. On the Sonata, these are upgrades. However, if you go with a higher edition of the Sonata, you’ll also receive the Blind View Monitor7, which displays a live feed of the lane you’re attempting to move into right within your gauge cluster to eliminate much of the guesswork of merging. Despite its many innovations, the Elantra doesn’t include this at all.

Pohanka Hyundai of Capitol Heights hopes that this overview of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Sonata near College Park, MD, has assisted with your decision. Of course, the best way to make up your mind is to test drive them both here at 1770 Ritchie Station Court in Capitol Heights, MD!

1. 2021 ELANTRA SE: 33 City/43 Hwy/37 Combined MPG. 2021 ELANTRA SEL/Limited: 31 City/41 Hwy/35 Combined MPG. 2021 ELANTRA N Line 6-speed M/T: 25 City/34 Hwy/28 Combined MPG. 2021 ELANTRA N Line 7-speed DCT: 28 City/36 Hwy/31 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

2. 2021 SONATA SE: 28 City/38 Hwy/32 Combined MPG. 2021 SONATA SEL: 27 City/37 Hwy/31 Combined MPG. 2021 SONATA N Line: 23 City/33 Highway/27 Combined MPG. 2021 SONATA SEL Plus/Limited: 27 City/37 Hwy/30 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition. 

3. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles or pedestrians under certain conditions. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.

4. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It functions when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly, if the lines are faded, or during dusk without headlights on, with snow, rain, sleet, dust, leaves or standing water on road, sudden changes in brightness such as shadows, tunnel exits/entrances, low sunlight angle causing reflections, multiple lane markings or criss-crossed lines, tar crack sealer and cracked or broken road surfaces. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. Avoid putting objects on the dashboard that may reflect light or images onto the system camera area. Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.

5. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) assists the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over 20 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCA may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCA. BCA is a supplemental system and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is important to always signal, look over your shoulder and through your mirrors before changing lanes. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.

6. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can alert the driver of a potential hazard by providing an audible warning and applying light braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.