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2024 Hyundai Elantra VS Hyundai Sonata: Battle of Siblings
Compact sedans like the 2024 Elantra are often seen as practical transportation options. Particularly suitable for first-time buyers due to their fuel efficiency and maneuverability. However, the Hyundai Elantra sets itself apart with its stylish design and exceptional value. While it’s eye-catching exterior captures attention, the Elantra doesn’t neglect the essential qualities of a compact car. It offers a spacious cabin relative to its size, and the availability of a hybrid powertrain further enhances its reputation as an economical choice. On the other hand, the Hyundai Sonata injects some personality into the family sedan segment. Hoping to make a bold statement. Its mid-cycle update brings notable changes to the front and rear bumpers, headlights, taillights, and interior. Competing with the redesigned Honda Accord, as well as the refreshed Nissan Altima and other contenders. The Sonata aims to stand out from the crowd.
Hyundai Elantra
Engine & Performance
The standard powertrain in the Elantra SE and SEL models is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For a more spirited experience. The N Line model offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variants also feature a 1.6-liter engine, coupled with an electric motor. Resulting in slightly lower horsepower at 139 but higher torque at 195 pound-feet, matching the N Line. The SE and SEL come with a CVT, while the N Line, Blue Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid models are equipped with a DCT. Notably, the N Line has a seven-speed DCT, while the hybrids have a six-speed DCT.
Price & Mileage
The SEL model of the Elantra strikes a great balance between price and features. It comes with additional standard content compared to the SE, including a hands-free trunk release and SiriusXM. Choosing the SEL opens up more worthwhile options to enhance your driving experience. The Hyundai Elantra lineup ranges from $22,000 for the SE to $31,000 for the Limited Hybrid. According to EPA estimates, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Elantra can achieve up to 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine have estimates of up to 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The most fuel-efficient hybrid Elantra achieves an impressive 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
After taking the N Line for a spin, we were thoroughly impressed with its spirited acceleration and nimble handling, adding a touch of athleticism without sacrificing ride comfort. Inside, you’ll find a generous 10.3-inch digital gauge display as an optional feature, accompanied by a second 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that elegantly emerges from the top of the Elantra’s dashboard. The standard configuration includes an 8.0-inch center display and analog gauges for the instrument cluster. Hyundai’s latest infotainment interface takes center stage, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a built-in Wi-Fi connection. To add to the convenience, a voice-recognition feature allows you to effortlessly control various functions like climate control and heated seats with simple voice commands.
Hyundai Sonata
Engine & Performance
The Sonata’s ride quality falls slightly short of our expectations, being firmer than typical cars in its category, which may lead to some unsettled moments. However, it compensates for this with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, providing commendable acceleration. We would also like to acknowledge Hyundai’s decision to stick with a conventional automatic transmission for its family sedan, as many competitors have opted for continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) that tend to produce a monotonous drone. As for the Sonata hybrid, it impresses with its fuel-saving capabilities, thanks to the combination of a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a motor generator generating 192 horsepower. However, we did notice some less-than-smooth transitions between gas and electric power sources.
Price & Mileage
The SEL Plus model offers not only the most affordable option for accessing the upgraded turbo-four engine, but also includes larger wheels and improved tires. To enhance our preferred Sonata further, we would choose to add the Tech package. This package brings additional features such as a high-quality 12-speaker Bose stereo, a spacious 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a semi-autonomous drive mode. The Hyundai Sonata lineup starts at an estimated price of $28,000 for the SE trim and goes up to approximately $38,000 for the Limited Hybrid trim. The Sonata offers a range of highly fuel-efficient powertrain options, with the hybrid versions achieving the highest estimates. The Blue hybrid variant achieves an impressive rating of up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway, while the other hybrid Sonatas are expected to achieve 45 mpg city and 51 mpg highway, respectively.
Acceleration & Features
During testing, a Sonata equipped with a 1.6-liter engine demonstrated decent acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is a respectable result for this class. On the other hand, the N Line variant, boasting a robust 290 horsepower, delivers an exhilarating driving experience that surpasses most front-wheel-drive cars. The N Line impressively achieved a 0-60 mph time of just 5.0 seconds, coming in only a tenth of a second slower than the Honda Civic Type R. Taking inspiration from BMW, Hyundai introduces a sleek infotainment system in the Sonata, featuring a large dashboard module housing two 12.3-inch displays. One screen is dedicated to the driver’s information, while the other serves as a touchscreen for controlling infotainment functions.
Difference Between 2024 Hyundai Elantra VS Hyundai Sonata
| Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai Sonata | |
| Dimensions | 184.1 in x 71.9 in x 55.7 in | 192.9 in x 73.2 in x 56.9 in |
| Engine | 2.0-liter inline-4 | turbocharged inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.4 sec | 5.4 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 24.4 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top-Speed | 116 mph | 150 mph |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags | 9 Airbags |