If fuel cost matters most
Honda Civic with up to 36 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra
Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Civic is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Civic reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Honda Civic | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1972 - present | 1990 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 315 hp | 276 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 36 MPG | 35 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2022/2021) | 4 | 6 |
| Latest dimensions | 4681 × 1800 × 1415 mm | 4676 × 1826 × 1415 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1365 kg (3009 lbs) | 1372 kg (3025 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol | Petrol |
If power matters most
Honda Civic with a verified peak of 315 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Honda CivicCivic XI 2.0 i-VTEC | Hyundai ElantraElantra VII 2.0 MPI |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 2.0L (1996 cc) | 2.0L (1999 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 179 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 8.2 s | 8.8 s |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Gears | — | — |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 30.0 MPG | 31.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 38.0 MPG | 41.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 33.0 MPG | 35.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 158 g/km | 141 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4681 mm | 4676 mm |
| Width | 1800 mm | 1826 mm |
| Height | 1415 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2735 mm | 2720 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1315 kg | 1285 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Civic or the Elantra?
Honda Civic wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 36 MPG, versus 35 MPG for the Hyundai Elantra.
Which has more horsepower, the Civic or the Elantra?
Honda Civic reaches the higher verified peak at 315 hp, compared with 276 hp for the Hyundai Elantra.
Which is safer: Civic or Elantra?
Honda Civic has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Hyundai Elantra has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.