Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 49 mpg for the Honda Civic, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Elantra leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Cars · 93 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Honda Civic | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 49 mpg | 54 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 50 mpg | 53 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 47 mpg | 58 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,250 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 181 g/mi | 165 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, 2.0, RNG=193 | 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (AV-S7) | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Regular, CNG | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 132 | 93 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Civic vs Elantra: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Honda Civic or the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 49 mpg for the Honda Civic, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Elantra runs about $1,150 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,250 for the Honda Civic — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the Civic and Elantra offer?
Honda Civic: SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, 2.0, RNG=193. Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More Civic comparisons
Comparison id: honda-civic-vs-hyundai-elantra