Thursday, 02 September, 2021
If you want your next car to be a sedan, you have a lot of options to choose from. So many options, in fact, that it can be hard to even narrow it down to a select few. However, there are some sedans that stand out above the rest. Two such options are the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. While these cars are both excellent, they still have some significant differences between them. Below, we’ll outline some of these key differences and show why both the Sonata and Elantra are great models to consider.
Exterior Design of the Elantra and Sonata
Perhaps the most obvious difference between these two models is their shape with each car falling under its own class of sedan. The Elantra is considered a compact sedan, which essentially means it is smaller than the Sonata. You’ll feel this size difference practically everywhere, from the legroom inside, to the wheelbase and cargo size. However, just because it’s a compact sedan doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of room inside, it’s just more of a personal preference as to how much space you need and how big of a car you want to drive.
The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata are designed a little differently as well. There’s a few nuances you’ll notice when you are looking at the car, in terms of its lines and colors. With these subtle differences, you won’t mistake the Elantra for just a smaller version of the Sonata.
Performance and Efficiency
One of the primary concerns for any new car buyer is the performance of the vehicle they’re buying. Since the Elantra and Sonata are in different sedan classes, they also have different engine options under the hood. In the Elantra, you’ll find a 2.0 L engine that provides 147 horsepower, but you can also upgrade to either a 1.6 L turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower. For a compact sedan, this is quite a bit of power.
With the Sonata, you get even more power. The standard engine is a 2.4 L four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower, but there’s also a more efficient option you can get that produces 178 horsepower, or you can get a turbocharged engine that produces 245 horsepower. These different options allow you to customize your choice a little bit and balance cost, efficiency, and power to your liking.
Lastly, because there are different engines, this also means different fuel efficiency. The Elantra provides about 33 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway, making it very efficient. The Sonata is a little less efficient, coming in at 28 MPG in the city and 38 on the highway. Still, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle since both provide excellent efficiency numbers.
Safety
Both of these sedans come with the latest safety features. For example, both the Elantra and the Sonata come with:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Daytime running lights
- Front-impact airbags for both the driver and passenger
- A security system
- And a panic alarm
- Blindspot warning
- Lane departure warning
- Pre-collision safety system
- Stability control
- Tire pressure monitoring
Both of these sedans received strong safety ratings. If there is a specific safety feature you are looking for, you should ensure that the trim level you’re considering has it, as some safety features only come on certain trims. All in all, though, both the Sonata and the Elantra provide drivers and passengers alike with a safe ride that is sure to put your mind at ease.
Ride Comfort
Comfort is a big part of any car purchase. You don’t want to get something that will leave you feeling uncomfortable after just a short drive. One comfort factor is how much space you have, and in this area, the Sonata is a little better due to its larger interior space. Although, unless you are on the very tall side, you may find the Elantra has enough room for you and your passengers anyway.
The Sonata also comes with some additional features that may make for a more comfortable or enjoyable ride. For example, on the Sonata you can get:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Keyless ignition
- Transmission controls on the steering wheel
- Heated and leather steering wheel
- Interior air filtration
- Illuminating vanity mirrors
If these additional features appeal to you, you should consider going with the Sonata over the Elantra. However, keep in mind that adding these features may lead to a higher cost for the vehicle.
Entertainment and Technology
Finally, there’s the onboard technology that can make your ride a little more fun. Both models come with the ability to plug in an auxiliary input so that you can play your favorite media from an external source. In addition, both models can come with an infotainment system, which is a touchscreen that you can connect to either your Android or Apple device. Once connected, you can easily play music from your favorite streaming service or use your favorite navigation apps right from your center console.
There are a few minor differences in these vehicles in terms of entertainment technology. For instance, the Elantra comes with speed-sensitive volume controls, which adjusts the volume based on how fast you’re driving. The Sonata, on the other hand, comes with 12 total speakers, while the Elantra only comes with 4. It’s often best to see these features in person so we highly recommend taking each vehicle for a test drive to see which ones you like best.
Choosing Between the 2021 Hyundai Elantra or the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
As you can see, there’s a lot of similarities between the Elantra and Sonata. However, there are some significant differences that may help you make your decision. For example, are you looking for something small and compact like the Elantra or do you want something more powerful like the Sonata? Do you want to pay more for features in the Sonata like keyless ignition or adaptive cruise control? The answers to questions like this will help you decide which car is right for you.
Let Koons Woodbridge Hyundai Assist You
If you need some help, the expert staff at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to get started and we can schedule a time for you to come by for a test drive. Once you see both of these vehicles in person, you should have a better idea as to which one is better for your needs.
Image via Hyundai
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