The compact sedan segment is wildly competitive these days, and the Elantra is becoming a better and better choice. Though the 2023 Hyundai Elantra won’t change much from last year’s model, it still offers plenty for the price. However, its competition is just as valuable. If you’re trying to decide between a 2023 Hyundai Elantra and a 2022 Honda Civic, read on for four reasons why the Elantra might be the better choice for you.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra has more interior room than the Civic

The well-built Elantra may not be quite as premium as the Civic inside, but it may be better built for long-term comfort. It also offers more cargo space. That’s what makes it one of the best compact cars of 2022.

AutoGuide points out that “Despite being the same height as the Civic, the Elantra boasts over an inch more headroom, with 38.9 inches (989 mm) of hat-friendly air space. Legroom is a Honda-matching 42.3 inches (1,074 mm) up front, as well. The Elantra also offers more space for rear-seat passengers, with 37.3 and 38.0 inches (947 and 964 mm), respectively. The Civic may be wider, but the Elantra has more rear hip room and more shoulder room in both rows.”

The new Hyundai Elantra has better tech features than Honda’s compact sedan

The 2023 Elantra’s twin-screen infotainment setup looks great and operates smoothly. The 10.25-inch screen that displays media, navigation, and settings is clean, quick, and responsive. Hyundai’s native navigation system is easier to use than Honda’s, but most people just opt to use their phone’s map app, instead. Though, AutoGuide points out that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available on lower trims. The higher grades only offer wired connectivity, which is an odd choice.

The 2023 Elantra offers a smoother, more comfortable ride over the Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic is undoubtedly more powerful than the Elantra—there’s no arguing that. However, what the 2023 Hyundai Elantra lacks in pure power, it makes up for in ride quality. Its smooth ride makes it a great option for rental car shoppers. Its standard 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine isn’t the most impressive, but AutoGuide claims that “the suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps big and small before they’re transmitted to the cabin. Helping the side are the 17-inch tires, with their thicker, more forgiving sidewalls.”

The new 2023 Elantra is more affordable than the 2022 Civic

A base 2022 Honda Civic model starts at $22,550. A base 2023 Hyundai Elantra will likely start around $20,500 for the entry-level SE trim, which would bump it from the list of the best new cars under $20,000. The Elantra has always been the cheaper choice over the Honda Civic, and that’s not likely to change anytime in the near future. Though “the Civic does feel more upscale, somewhat justifying its higher price,” the $2,000+ price difference may not be worth it to some buyers. 

With all this in mind: choose the Elantra over the Civic

Overall, the Elantra is smoother and more comfortable to drive, its technology and driver-assistance features are easier to use and more accessible, and it’s more affordable across all of its trim levels. If you’re looking for a cheap, well-made compact sedan that will pull its own weight, consider the 2023 Hyundai Elantra over the 2022 Honda Civic.