
Hyundai Elantra vs Honda Civic: Which Is Better?
Are you stuck trying to decide between the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE and the 2026 Honda Civic LX? If so, you're not alone. At first glance, both the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE and 2026 Honda Civic LX offer an impressive 4-cylinder engine that can get up to an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 32 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway and 36 mpg combined. However, if you take a close look, you'll quickly notice that the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE has a slight edge over the 2026 Honda Civic LX whenever it comes down to price, tech, style, and warranty coverage. But don't just take our word for it. Browse below for an in-depth comparison review of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX.
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE | 2026 Honda Civic LX | |
EPA Mileage Estimates City/Highway/Combined | 31/41/36 | 31/41/36 |
Engine | Inline 4-Cylinder Engine | Inline 4-Cylinder Engine |
Transmission | Smartstream Intelligent Variable ransmission | 6-Speed Manual Transmission |
Displacement | 2.0-liter | |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 | 150 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
Torque | 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 | 133 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm |
Transmission | Smartstream® Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | Continuously Variable Transmission |
Drive Mode Select | Normal, Sport, Smart | Not Available |
Wheels | 15-inch alloy wheels | 16-inch full cover |
LED Daytime Running Lights | Standard | Standard |
Dual USB ports (1 charge + data, 1 charge) | Standard | Not Available |
2nd row Dual USB (Type-C) ports | Standard | Not Available |
Steering-wheel-mounted audio Bluetooth | Standard | Standard |
Remote Keyless entry System with Alarm | Standard | Standard |
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System | Standard | Standard |
Touchscreen Display | 8-inches | 7-inches |
Speakers | 8 | 4 |
Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® | Standard | Not Available |
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) | Standard | Standard |
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning (BCW) | Standard | Available |
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | Standard | Standard |
Lane Following Assist (LFA) | Standard | Not Available |
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | Standard | Not Available |
High Beam Assist (HBA) | Standard | Standard |
Wheelbase (in.) | 107.1-inches | 107.7-inches |
Length | 184.1 -inches | 184.8-inches |
Width (in.) | 71.9-inches | 70.9-inches |
Height (in.) | 55.7-inches | 55.7-inches |
Passenger volume (cu. ft.) | 99.4cu.-ft. | 99 cu.-ft. |
Cargo volume (cu. ft.) | 14.2cu.-ft. | 14.8 cu.-ft. |
Total interior volume (cu. ft.) | 113.6 cu.-ft. | |
Leg room (in., front/rear) | 42.3-inches/38.0-inches | 42.3 / 37.4 |
Shoulder room (in., front/rear) | 56.5-inches /55.6-inches | 57.0 / 56.0 |
Price | $22,125 | $24,595 |
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX: Price
When it comes down to price, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE estimated Starting MSRP typically undercuts the 2026 Honda Civic LX estimated Starting MSRP. To be specific, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra typically cost around $22,125.00 and the 2026 Honda Civic LX typically cost about $24,595.00. Taking this into account, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE might be a better fit if you're looking for a budget-friendly option.
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX Exterior Features
In terms of styling, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE goes bold in every way with Hyundai Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy and the 2026 Honda Civic LX takes a more subtle approach with Honda's Human Centered philosophy. Another key aspect is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE stands out with a Parametric-jewel pattern grille and jewel-eyed LED Daytime Running lights. The Honda Civic on the other hand is optimized for simplicity. But for what it's worth, the 2026 Honda Civic LX comes standard with 16-inch wheels and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with 15-inch wheels. With this in mind, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE surpasses the 2026 Honda Civic LX in exterior design.2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX Interior Features
In terms of the interior, the new 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE has a slight edge over the 2026 Honda Civic LX whenever it comes down to tech. To be specific, the new 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display and the 2026 Honda CIvic LX comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display. In addition to that thenew 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with 6 speakers and the 2026 Honda Civic LX comes standard with a 4-speakers. As far as connectivity, Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® is standard with the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE and an option with 2026 Honda Civic LX. We should also note that the new 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with Dual USB ports in the 2nd row. Taking this into account, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE offers more value for less.2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX Performance & Road Handling
As far as performance, the 2026 Honda Civic LX has a slight edge over the 2026 Honda Elantra. To demonstrate, the 2026 Honda Civic LX comes standard with a 150 hp Inline 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 133 lb.-ft. of torque and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with a 147 horsepower Inline 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 132 lb.-ft. of torque. As a far as fuel-efficiency goes, both the 2026 Elantra SE and the 2026 Civic LX have an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 32 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. Both vehicles also have a 12.6 gallon gas tank. With this in mind, the 2026 Honda Civic LX takes the lead when it comes down to performance.2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX Interior Dimensions
For drivers seeking more room, the 2026 Honda Civic LX and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra LX's interior dimensions are nearly identical. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE offers a solid 14.2 cubic-feet of cargo volume and the 2026 Honda Civic LX offers 14.8 cubic-feet of cargo volume. In addition to that the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with 99.4 cubic feet of passenger volume and the 2026 Honda Civic LX comes standard with 99 cubic-feet of passenger volume. In relation to legroom, the 2026 Elantra offers 42.3-inches of legroom in the front and 37.3-inches of legroom in the rear. With the 2026 Honda Civic LX you get 42.3-inches of legroom in the front and 37.4-inches of legroom in the rear. In short, the interior dimensions for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Honda Civic are both very close.2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX: Warranty
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE Warranty
- 10-years/100,000 miles Powertrain Limited
- 5-years/60,000 miles New Vehicle Limited
- 7-years/unlimited Anti-Perforation
- 5-years/Unlimited Miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance
2026 Honda Civic LX Warranty
- 5-years/160,000 miles Powertrain Limited
- 3-years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited
- 5-years/unlimited Anti-Perforation
- 3-years/36,000 miles 24/7 Roadside Assistance
2026 Hyundai Elantra SE vs 2026 Honda Civic LX: Final Decisions
After taking a a close look at the 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE and the 2026 Honda Civic LX, it's obvious. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra excels in style, tech and price. Therefore, if you're looking for a affordable compact sedan with more style, tech, and features, we recommend taking a second look at the new 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE for sale at Napleton River Oaks Hyundai. Call, apply online, visit us today to get started with your new 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE test drive.
2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Honda Civic Exterior Photos | |
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