2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS

2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX vs. 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS

The all-new 2011 Elantra GLS with the Preferred Equipment Package is priced (MSRP) $2,710 less than the 2011 Honda Civic Sedan EX. Rather than being an advantage, Elantra’s lower price reflects numerous features that are simply “Not Available” on this “bargain” compact.

Here’s what’s missing on Elantra.

Safety
Nothing comparable to the following standard Civic safety features is available on either the 2011 Elantra GLS or the significantly more expensive Limited trim level:

• Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): OPDS will deactivate the front passenger’s front-side airbag if a child or a small-statured adult is leaning into the side airbag deployment path.
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure: The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Active Head Restraints: In a sufficient rear-end impact, the active head restraints move up and forward in a fraction of a second, helping reduce the likelihood of neck injury.

Performance
All Civic sedan trim levels include the following suspension features to help provide improved handling:

• Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars: Elantra GLS and Limited provide only a front stabilizer bar.
• Multi-Link Rear Suspension: Elantra GLS and Limited have a less sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension.

Moonroof
A one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature is standard on Civic Sedan EX but Not Available in the 2011 Elantra GLS.

What about Reliability?
“Hyundai may offer the most comprehensive warranties, but as a brand, it doesn’t have the reliability reputation that Honda does. If you want the most trustworthy daily commuter, get a Civic.”

- USNews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Hyundai_Elantra/2011/