2023 Honda Civic vs 2023 Hyundai Elantra

Sedans will always have a loyal following and customer base, regardless of the era we’re living in. Popular brands such as Honda and Hyundai have been producing sedans for years, and they continue to be a mainstay in the automotive industry. From luxury models to practical four-door cars, sedans offer drivers value and convenience, making them a great choice for many.

The Honda Civic, a dominant force in its segment, consistently ranks as a perennial best-seller. The outgoing model was still among the best in its class, even as it rode off into the sunset. The newer version, which is the 11th generation model, features a more minimalistic design and incorporates more up-to-date technology and user-friendly characteristics by toning down the Gundam-inspired design. If you’re not about that SUV life, the Civic makes a good case for itself as all the car you’d reasonably need.

Facing off with the reigning champ is the all-new Hyundai Elantra, which is already setting the scene for an exciting showdown. The Elantra has grown in size and matured in tech and styling. Hyundai has been busy making sure that the Elantra isn’t another car with a facelift but one that offers plenty of substance for those who want something different. But is it enough to take down the current heavyweight champion?

Stick around as we pit the 2023 Honda Civic against the 2023 Hyundai Elantra in a battle for sedan supremacy.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

On the performance front, the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra base models both feature a 2-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood. The Civic is the more powerful of the two, with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while the Elantra falls short at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Both models are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and come standard with front-wheel drive. The Civic offers superior handling to the Elantra, with a precise steering system, stronger brakes, and a smoother ride.

Honda has also updated its CVT for improved progress and less low-speed hesitation. Acceleration is even across the powerband, with a thick wedge of torque that helps avoid having to rev high. Moreover, the Civic’s suspension tuning is one of the best in its class, as it manages to strike a great balance between body control and comfort.

The Elantra, on the other hand, is a bit of a letdown in the performance and driving dynamics department. Its 2-liter engine is no match for the Civic’s, and its CVT, while improved over the past few years, still tends to hesitate and jerk at low speeds.

The Elantra’s suspension tuning is on the softer side of things, so it does a decent job of soaking up bumps and uneven roads. However, it lacks the refinement of the Civic when it comes to steering accuracy and braking power. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a car that is fun to drive, the Honda Civic takes the cake.

Note: We should also mention here that there was a Hyundai engine recall earlier this year due to reports of an electrical component in the anti-lock brake system short-circuiting and causing a fire in the engine compartment, even when the vehicle wasn’t running. This resulted in a recall for 357,830 Hyundai vehicles, so it’s something to keep in mind when comparing these two cars.

Interior and Trunk Space

The 2023 Honda Civic has done away with its fussy dashboard design for a slimline look, complete with a thin strip of mesh running across the cabin that cleverly conceals the vents. Climate controls have a premium feel and an intuitive layout, making them easy to access and read. Every part you touch gives off an unmistakable feeling of quality, from the soft plastics to tight panel gaps.

The Civic has grown through 11 generations, resulting in near-midsize interior space with a low seating position offering 39.3 inches of headroom and an impressive 42.3 inches of legroom up front, as well as 37.1 and 37.4 inches, respectively, in the rear. Trunk space totals 14.8 cubic feet, which is impressive for a car of this size.

In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra doesn’t have the same minimalistic approach as the Honda. It has a more upright dashboard with twin 10.3-inch screens and a slightly busier center console. The cheap plastics around the shifter are a disappointment compared to the Civic’s nicer soft-touch plastic, which has a more premium feel.

The Elantra does, however, have more headroom and legroom than the Civic, with 40.6 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom up front and 37.3 and 38 inches, respectively, in the rear. Trunk space is 14.2 cubic feet — still enough for a few suitcases but not quite as much as the Civic’s 14.8 cubic feet.

Although the Elantra offers slightly more interior space, the Honda Civic takes this round thanks to its higher-quality materials and better ergonomics. It also has more trunk space for added convenience, making it the better option for anyone who values a comfortable, premium cabin.

Safety

The Honda Civic has long been considered one of the safest cars on the market, and that’s still true with the latest model. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a range of driver-assist technologies that includes lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, collision mitigation braking, and more.

The Elantra also has several safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-follow assist. While both models offer excellent safety features, the Honda Civic has a slight edge, as the entry-level Civic Sport comes with more driver assistance technologies than the Elantra SE.

Which Car Is Right for You?

The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra are both excellent cars, with the Civic offering a slightly better driving experience and more driver-assist features. The Elantra is the cheaper choice, but it’s important to consider the cost of additional features when making a decision. Ultimately, the Honda Civic is the better option if you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and fun-to-drive compact car.

Test-Drive the Honda Civic Sedan Today at Ike Honda

Our 2023 Honda Civic vs. Hyundai Elantra head-to-head comparison showcases the main differences between these two popular compact sedans. However, the only way to fully understand if the all-new Civic sedan is for you is to visit our Ike Honda dealership in Marion and take it out for a test drive. If you’re undecided and want to explore pre-owned options, check out our used Honda Civics selection. Contact us today to learn more.