From my experience, the trick to finding the right pre-owned vehicle is to understand what you need most and then choose what delivers it best. That’s pretty easy to say, but in reality, it can be tricky to try to look at everything different used cars for sale have to offer and fully appreciate what they deliver. I find it helps to just focus on a couple of vehicles at once so you can get a good sense of what they each bring to the road.
If you’re interested in a used Hyundai sedan, you have several great options available, including the Elantra and the Sonata. Although their names might be similar, there are big differences between them. Today, I’ll examine these two vehicles, describe how they’re different, and hopefully help you determine which might be a better match for you.
The Basics Behind These Sedans
Before I start detailing too many differences between these two cars, let’s take a moment to go over some basics on each one so you know what you’re looking at. The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that first hit the road in the early 1990s, quickly establishing itself as a popular option. It’s had numerous updates throughout the years, including a fifth generation that ran from the 2011 to 2016 model years, a sixth generation from 2017 through 2020, and a seventh generation that launched for the 2021 model year. It remains a terrific option if you’re looking for a compact car, and since Hyundai is known for making vehicles that last a long time, this is a solid choice for a used model.
The Hyundai Sonata is an older nameplate that first hit the road in 1985, though it didn’t make it to our shores until the launch of its second generation for the 1988 model year. It quickly established itself as a popular midsize sedan that works well for a wide range of drivers—a good pick for your commute and everyday affairs. Obviously, SUVs have taken over the auto industry and are very popular for families, but if you still prefer the idea of a savvy sedan for getting your loved ones around town, then a midsize model like the Hyundai Sonata is a fine choice. It’s also been through numerous generations, including a sixth generation from 2011 to 2014, a seventh generation from 2015 through 2019, and an eighth generation that launched for the 2020 model year.
Elantra vs Sonata: Differences in Size
There are a number of differences between these two cars, but they also have a fair amount in common; that said, the biggest difference is the size between them. You might’ve noticed I said the Elantra is a compact car while the Sonata is a midsize model, which means they are notably different in scale. The specific dimensions of these two models have changed over the years with redesigns from one generation to the next, so keep that in mind, but when comparing like models, you’ll find the Sonata is generally larger than the Elantra.
Looking at the 2024 Elantra (as an example), we find that it measures about 184 inches in length with a wheelbase of 107 inches; it’s almost 72 inches wide and stands just over 55 inches tall. Inside, you’ll find more than 40 inches of headroom up front and about 37 inches of rear headroom, plus more than 42 inches of front legroom and 38 inches of legroom for backseat passengers. There’s almost 100 cu.ft. of total passenger volume inside the 2024 Elantra, along with 14.2 cu.ft. of cargo volume in the trunk for running errands or your gear for a weekend trip.
Comparing it to the 2024 Sonata reveals the gravity of going from a compact car to a midsize model. This Sonata measures just over 193 inches in length (almost ten inches more than the Elantra) with a wheelbase of nearly 112 inches; it’s just over 73 inches in width and stands nearly 57 inches tall—only about an inch or so of difference in both measurements. You’ll find similar headroom here with about 40 inches up front and almost 38 inches in the back, but the Sonata has 46 inches of front legroom (four inches more than the Elantra) and about 34 inches of rear legroom (four inches less). There’s more than 104 cu.ft. of passenger volume in the Sonata and 15.6 cu.ft. of cargo room, proving that the Sonata has a more spacious interior and more trunk space.
Elantra vs Sonata: Across Model Years
I pointed out some recent generations of the Elantra and the Sonata for two reasons. First, I wanted to note the different years you should keep in mind when looking at used versions of these two models since going from one generation to the next can greatly alter the features you find and their prices on a used lot. Second, I wanted to point out a key difference in these years and when different generations started for these two models since they don’t line up.
Although both models saw new generations with the 2011 model year, the Sonata quickly got a new one in 2015, while the Elantra didn’t get another generation until 2017. Similarly, the Sonata launched its current generation with the 2020 model year, while the Elantra didn’t do so until 2021. Keep these years in mind when looking at used sedans, and compare models to ensure you’re finding similar features and options between them.
Elantra vs Sonata: Powertrain Performance
Since these sedans are in two different size classes, there are differences in the kinds of engines you can find in them. The 2022 Elantra, as an example, features a standard 2.0L I-4 engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque; a 2022 Sonata, on the other hand, starts with a 2.5L I-4 that delivers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll see that trend between them across the generations and model years, with the midsize Sonata typically having more power under its hood since it’s a larger car and can use that extra muscle. That’s not to say you can’t find more powerful engines on the Elantra, given that its N-Line trim has an impressive 276-hp engine; then again, the Sonata N-Line features a turbocharged engine with 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, so it still comes out on top.
Elantra vs Sonata: Other Key Differences
Beyond what I’ve noted so far, you’ll also encounter differences inside and out for these two models; the best way to keep track of them is to note what features are most important to you and then look at details for those things. A good example of this is the infotainment touchscreen offered in recent model years.
Looking at the 2022 Elantra and Sonata, both have an eight-inch screen standard with a 10.25-inch display available. Both of these cars received a mid-generation update for the 2024 model year, and while these display options remained the same for the Elantra, the Sonata received a new 12.3-inch infotainment display that’s standard on every trim. See how tricky tracking these differences can be?
Which Hyundai Sedan Is Right for You?
Now you understand how important it is to know what you’re looking for most and find the model, trim, and iteration that meets them. The difference in size between these two models is easy to see and remains pretty consistent from one model year to the next, but something like the infotainment displays can be comparable or biased depending on the model and year you’re looking at.
This is why it helps to do a bit of research, and I suggest taking notes on what you want and the key differences between different models. Finally, nothing beats going for a test drive and seeing/feeling these differences yourself; reading specs can’t quite compare to that. Nonetheless, you should now have a much better sense of what these two Hyundai sedans can offer and which one might be best for you.
