VS
At a Glance
Power
200hp @ 6000
147hp @ 6200
Torque
192lb-ft @ 1800
132lb-ft @ 4500
Fuel
32 mpg est.
35 mpg est.
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Civic delivers 200hp @ 6000 while the Hyundai Elantra produces 147hp @ 6200. On fuel, the Civic returns 32 mpg est. while the Elantra uses 35 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,995 for the Civic and $25,075 for the Elantra. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Honda CivicManual 2026 - From $30,995
Hyundai ElantraSEL Sport Premium Sedan 2026 - From $25,075
Performance
Power Output (hp)
200hp @ 6000
147hp @ 6200
Torque (lb-ft)
192lb-ft @ 1800
132lb-ft @ 4500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Manual w/OD
CVT w/OD
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
35 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
30mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
37 (Est)mpg
40mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184in
185.4in
Width (in)
70.9in
71.9in
Height (in)
55.5in
55.7in
Wheelbase (in)
107.7in
107.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2952lbs
2868lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Elantra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Civic
Fuel Economy
Elantra
Value
Elantra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Elantra
Better fuel economy (35 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($25,075)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Elantra?
The Civic gets 32 mpg est. and the Elantra gets 35 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Elantra is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or Elantra?
The Civic produces 200hp @ 6000 and 192lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Elantra delivers 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque. The Civic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and Elantra?
The Civic starts from $30,995 and the Elantra from $25,075. The Elantra is cheaper by $5,920 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Civic or the Elantra?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider