When you’re looking for a new sedan to drive, Hyundai has some excellent options. Should you go with the Hyundai Elantra or Sonata? Let’s explore.
The Elantra is the compact sedan, while the Sonata sits in the midsize sedan class. Both of these Hyundai sedans offer excellent feature packages from the base model on up, making them affordable and value-oriented options. Certainly, you’ll spend more for the larger car, but there have to be more differences between these two cars than a few thousand dollars in price.
The base Sonata is more powerful than the base Elantra
As expected, the midsize Sonata utilizes a larger standard engine than the Elantra. The Sonata SE is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, resulting in 28 city/38 hwy mpg.
Turning to the Elantra SE, we see a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission. This powertrain provides 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels while returning 32 city/41 hwy mpg of fuel mileage.
Although the Sonata is more powerful, and both cars are relatively efficient, the Elantra is more efficient, providing 36 mpg combined compared to 32 mpg combined in the Sonata. Some might lean toward the Sonata and its 8-speed transmission over the CVT found in the Elantra.
Which car provides better passenger space?
You would expect the midsize Hyundai Sonata to be roomier than the compact Elantra. For the most part, that’s certainly the case, but the differences in measurements aren’t as great as you might expect. The passenger measurements are:
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra | 2024 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Front Seat Legroom | 42.3 inches | 46.1 inches |
| Front Seat Headroom | 40.6 inches | 40 inches |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room | 56.5 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Front Seat Hip Room | 53.4 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Rear Seat Leg Room | 38 inches | 34.8 inches |
| Rear Seat Headroom | 37.3 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room | 55.6 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Rear Seat Hip Room | 50.5 inches | 54.4 inches |
| Trunk Volume | 14.2 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
The Elantra is larger in two of these measurements, but overall, the Sonata provides much more space for passengers and cargo than its smaller sibling.
How has Hyundai improved the Elantra?
The new Elantra receives a mild refresh wearing a new grille and front bumper, new wheel designs, and more interior soft-touch elements. Dual LED projector headlights are standard on all models, as are rear-seat USB-C ports and rear side-impact airbags.
Choosing the Limited trim adds a Surround View Monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a set of front and rear parking sensors. The SEL and higher trims have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.
How has Hyundai improved the Sonata?
The 2024 version of the Sonata receives a complete update with a full redesign that brings an available curved display and AWD at higher trim levels. This model enters a new generation for the Sonata, giving this car the sleek styling, modern technology, and impressive interior we’ve come to know and love about the Sonata.
The exterior features a new “Seamless Horizon Lamp” front light bar across the grille, while the cabin provides a much-improved tech package with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-linch infotainment screen. This new Sonata also features a redesigned steering wheel and column shifter, giving drivers more interior space in the center area.
The N Line models provide more power and performance
In an effort to keep up with other automakers providing high-performance versions of regular vehicles, the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata both come in an N Line version. The Hyundai Sonata N Line features a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine attached to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup provides 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque to the wheels.
Moving to the Elantra N and N Line models, we see two options. The N Line model uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra N has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that returns 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque for the drive.
Should you choose the Hyundai Elantra or Sonata?
When you want an impressive compact car with good fuel mileage and excellent features, the Elantra can be the right choice. On the other hand, if you want more power, a car without a CVT, and more passenger space, the Hyundai Sonata is the sedan for you. Both cars enjoy America’s Best Warranty, giving you the desired peace of mind while out on the road.
Which Hyundai sedan will you drive?
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