2025 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2025 Honda Civic

The Elantra spans 139–276 horsepower and 9 mapped trim positions; the Civic spans 150 / 200 horsepower and 7. The better fit depends on the exact powertrain, drivetrain and equipment path. This comparison weighs powertrain range, drivetrain, trim structure, capability, seating & cargo, using each vehicle's own verified manufacturer and EPA-sourced facts instead of a single averaged rating. The Elantra carries 9 mapped trim positions and 3 linked sources; the Civic carries 7 and 3, so either side can be verified against its own primary record instead of taken on this page's summary alone. Configuration, not badge name, decides which one actually fits. Check the exact trim and powertrain before treating either vehicle's specification as settled.

Checked Aug. 17, 2026United States specifications6 linked sources

Decision fieldHyundai ElantraHonda Civic

Power139–276 hp150 / 200 hp

DrivetrainFWDFWD

Trim map9 published positions7 published positions

Seating55

Powertrain contextPowertrain: 2.0L gas, 1.6L turbo, hybrid or N performance turbo · Output: 139–276 hpPowertrain: 2.0L gas or two-motor hybrid · Output: 150 / 200 hp

Towing contextVerify exact configurationVerify exact configuration

Ranges and maximums describe family-level possibilities. Open each vehicle record before treating a number or feature as applicable to a particular trim.

What separates them

Four decisions that change the answer.

This comparison does not force a universal winner. It identifies the configuration question that matters for each use case.

Powertrain range

Elantra: Powertrain 2.0L gas, 1.6L turbo, hybrid or N performance turbo; Output 139–276 hp. Civic: Powertrain 2.0L gas or two-motor hybrid; Output 150 / 200 hp.

Drivetrain

The Elantra is represented with FWD; the Civic with FWD. Standard status must be checked by trim.

Trim structure

The Elantra comes in 9 trims and the Civic in 7. Package combinations can create additional builds.

Capability

No model-level tow maximum is used without a configuration check. No model-level tow maximum is used without a configuration check.

Seating & cargo

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra seats 5 (compact sedan). The 2025 Honda Civic seats 5 (compact car).

Model-year note: the Hyundai Elantra figures below come from EPA's 2026 records, the nearest model year EPA lists for it; the Honda Civic figures below come from EPA's 2026 records, the nearest model year EPA lists for it.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Hyundai Elantra: 7 records · Honda Civic: 7 records.

Decision field	Hyundai Elantra	Honda Civic
Exact EPA records	7	7
Model / option labels	6	2
Drive layouts	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	1.6L 4-cyl SIDI, 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid, 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl SIDI	1.5L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid
Transmissions	Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S8), Automatic (AV-S1), Manual 6-spd	Automatic (AV-S7), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd
Fuel types	Premium, Regular	Premium, Regular
EPA classes	Midsize Cars	Large Cars, Midsize Cars
Combined efficiency	23–54 MPG/MPGe	24–49 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$1200–3450 per year	$1300–3300 per year

Head to head

Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Hyundai Elantra	Honda Civic
Starting price (KBB base)	$23,870	$25,890
Top trim price (KBB base)	$30,645	$32,690
Horsepower	147-201 hp	150-200 hp
Torque	132-195 lb-ft	133-192 lb-ft
Curb weight	2,868-3,020 lb	2,875-2,952 lb
Length	185.4 in	184-184.8 in
Wheelbase	107.1 in	107.7 in
Cargo volume	14.2 cu ft	14.1-14.8 cu ft
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	5 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 model year); prices are KBB base prices.

The Hyundai Elantra starts $2,020 lower: $23,870 against $25,890 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Hyundai Elantra leads: 201 hp against 200 hp.
On peak torque, the Hyundai Elantra leads: 195 lb-ft against 192 lb-ft.
The Hyundai Elantra is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 2,868 lb against 2,875 lb.
On length, the Hyundai Elantra leads: 185.4 in against 184.8 in.
On wheelbase, the Honda Civic leads: 107.7 in against 107.1 in.
On cargo volume, the Honda Civic leads: 14.8 cu ft against 14.2 cu ft.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
On basic warranty, the Hyundai Elantra leads: 5 years against 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic.

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Hyundai Avante, is a series of compact cars produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. In South Korea, the first-generation model was initially sold under the "Elantra" nameplate, but starting from the second-generation, Korean models were sold under the "Avante" nameplate, with the "Elantra" name continue to be used on export models.

Powertrain: Safety The 2026 Hyundai Elantra was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It received Good ratings in small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, updated side, headlights and pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations, while seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use were rated Acceptable.

Source: Hyundai Elantra (Wikipedia)

Safety. The fifth-generation Avante debuted at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010. It was codenamed "MD" for the sedan, "UD" for sedans manufactured in the US, and "JK" for the coupe. For the U.S. and Canadian market, it featured a new 1.8-L petrol engine.

Motorsport. Also called the Avante N1 Cup in South Korea, the N1 Cup is an improved Elantra N model for Hyundai's one-make series, Hyundai N Festival. The N1 Cup features 35 more hp, a wider body kit, six piston front brake calipers, one-way adjustable suspension and a swan-neck style rear wing spoiler compared to the Elantra N version.

NHTSA rated the 2025 Hyundai Elantra overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 5 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)

April 2026, Air Bags:Sensor:Side Impact. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment. Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
May 2024, Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power. Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra, most often about unknown or other (5), lane departure (5), forward collision avoidance (4).

2026 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda's global passenger car line-up. It is one of the best-selling automobiles in history, with over 27 million units sold through 2021.

Safety: United States The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States has determined frontal crash test ratings of Honda Civics of different model years. The eighth-generation Civic sedan's crash test performance has been rated highly by both the U.S. government's NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Source: Honda Civic (Wikipedia)

Recent recalls (4 campaigns across the latest model years)

November 2024, Seats:Critical Fasteners. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can… Consequence: An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
October 2024, Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel. Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
October 2024, Steering. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox… Consequence: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.

Comparison answer desk

13 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 Hyundai Elantra or the 2026 Honda Civic?

Efficiency

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (38.5 vs. the 2026 Honda Civic's 36.5 MPG/MPGe).