Hyundai ELANTRA Limited vs. Hyundai SONATA Limited

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited and Hyundai SONATA Limited contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited and the Hyundai SONATA Limited.

In comparing the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited's and the Hyundai SONATA Limited's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The Hyundai SONATA Limited has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited's and the Hyundai SONATA Limited's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2023 Hyundai ELANTRA Limited ranges from $21,266 to $26,998 while a used 2023 Hyundai SONATA Limited is priced between $25,322 to $35,092. For a new model, the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited's price is between $25,068 and $28,734, with the Hyundai SONATA Limited priced between $32,903 and $37,306.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited loses 33.4 percent of its value and the Hyundai SONATA Limited loses 41.4 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited retains 7.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SONATA Limited.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.3 out of 10 while the Hyundai SONATA's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Hyundai SONATA the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SONATA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Hyundai SONATA Limited base engine makes 180 horsepower. The Limited is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles. The Limited is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 588 miles.This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Hyundai SONATA Limited the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SONATA Limited, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Hyundai ELANTRA Limited, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai SONATA Limited has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai ELANTRA Limited, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.64 out of 5 Stars.