How Do They Compare?
The Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic have long been two of America’s favorite sedans. Discover what’s new with each of them for 2025.
The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra are undergoing serious updates for the 2025 model year. The Civic gets a new hybrid powertrain, while the Elantra receives extra tech features and edgier styling. The question is, which one will be the better buy?
Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic: Performance and Handling
The 2025 Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra are both hybrids but have different types of gas-electric powertrains. Each has its advantages. The Elantra’s engine is less noisy, while the Civic’s provides smoother low-speed acceleration.
In terms of fuel economy, the Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner. Its Blue trim gets an EPA-estimated 54 combined mpg to the Honda Civic Hybrid’s 49. The trade-off? The Civic takes the edge in acceleration.
The difference here lies in the horsepower. While the Hyundai Elantra’s engine puts out plenty of power at 139 hp, the Civic’s powertrain sacrifices some efficiency to offer 200 hp of power, allowing it to make 0-60 in 6.6 seconds.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic: Cabin Quality
Sedan owners don’t prioritize just one feature, like fuel efficiency or power. They want a well-rounded vehicle with something to offer in every category. That includes cabin quality and spaciousness.
The Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra both perform well in this realm. The Civic has a premium look and feel, while the Elantra features a more interesting design. The Hyundai sedan’s back seat is also a bit roomier, while the Civic has more space in the trunk.
If there’s one place that the Civic beats out the Elantra, it’s in versatility. While the Elantra is only available as a sedan, the Civic also has hatchback configurations.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic: Technology Features
Technology is where the Hyundai Elantra truly shines. All Elantra models get 10.25-inch touchscreens except the Blue trim, while the Civic gets a 9-inch screen. The technology in the Elantra is also more advanced, including infotainment features and driver assistance tech.
Beyond the obvious differences in what’s available at each trim level, the Elantra also offers a superior system that’s less prone to false alarms and easier to handle, even for drivers not used to adaptive cruise control. The Civic has many of the same systems, but they don’t work as well.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic: Value for the Money
For most sedan buyers, the final decision comes down to which vehicle will give them the most bang for their buck. The Elantra Blue has a starting MSRP of just $26,250, while the Civic Hybrid Sport starts at $29,845.
Value isn’t just about what’s on the price tag. The Elantra also wins out regarding standard and available features at each level. The Elantra Sport trim costs just $28,225 yet offers a top-of-the-line infotainment system, wireless charging, and more.
If you want those same features in the Civic, you have to upgrade to the Sport Touring Hybrid, which starts at $32,845. In other words, the value proposition is clear. The Hyundai Elantra offers better value for the money.
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