2018 Chevrolet Cruze vs 2018 Hyundai Elantra

Features

What is a sedan without the features that enhance the overall riding experience? Sometimes, the included features are what make one choice better than another when all else seems too equal. Since interior features and conveniences define the overall driving experience in a car, it is important to know which car offers you more for the money. Both the Cruze and Elantra differ depending on the trim and packages you select. When comparing the two, you will quickly see how the Cruze creates a more comfortable, connective riding experience than the competition.

The standard infotainment system in the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other features include Bluetooth, USB port, 6-speaker audio, steering wheel audio controls, 4G LTE connectivity and satellite radio. There is also an 8.0-inch infotainment system that comes with upgraded navigation and software. The Chevrolet MyLink system is superb and easy to use, and you will definitely like the experience of having it in your car.

The 2018 Elantra comes with some pretty good features, including an optional 7.0-inch touchscreen – this is available on every model except the SE. On the Limited trim, you can get an 8.0-inch touchscreen if you go for the Ultimate package. The screen may be larger, but you should note that the software is the same as on the smaller one. The Elantra’s infotainment interface is clear and user-friendly. The optional touchscreen offers you a lot of features, but you may want to keep in mind that it does come with a mobile hotspot as the Chevrolet Cruze does. With the SEL trim, you get the standard touchscreen, a USB port, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay support as well as SiriusXM satellite radio.

Safety

Safety is priority number one in many driver’s minds. This makes sense. To really enjoy the car, you need to know it will protect you and other passengers in case the worst happens. For the Cruze vs Elantra, both cars offer a number of safety features and proven crash protection to keep occupants safe during a worst-case scenario. Here again, the Chevrolet Cruze offers a little more for the money in the amount of standard advanced/active safety features you will get.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a 5-star overall safety rating. The automatic-equipped diesel, LT, and Premier models come with the Driver Confidence package that includes blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. With the Driver Confidence II package, you get forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and automatic high beams – this package is available only on the Premier model.

The 2018 Elantra received good crash test results and features some great active safety and driver-assist technologies. The sedan missed out on a perfect score because a number of active safety features, including lane departure warning and automated emergency braking, are only available with an expensive package that is only available on the Limited model.

The entry-levelElantra SE model is not available with any active safety features. However, with the new SEL trim, you get standard assists such as lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. With the top Limited trims, the Ultimate Package offers advanced safety options, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind spot monitor. You get driver-side blind spot mirror, a driver knee airbag and stability control in all 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedans.

Performance

Compared to larger vehicles, sedans generally win in the performance and fuel economy categories. This is because they are generally smaller with less fuel-thirsty engines under the hood. Still, you need to pay attention to which sedans offer the best combination of speed, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. Comparing the Cruze and Elantra should come down, in part, to which car gives you that magical mixture.

When it comes to performance under the hood, the Cruze wins with the approach of “more is more.” You won’t necessarily get the most power or speed. Instead, the Cruze gives you different options to choose to find the best combination of performance and fuel efficiency.

The standard engine in the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a 1.4-liter turbo-four that produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. You can combine this with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual. A 1.6-liter turbodiesel I-4 which gives you 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque is also available, and you can pair this with a 6-speed manual or a new 9-speed automatic that was co-developed by General Motors and Ford.

With the 2018 Elantra, you get three engine choices – the base is a 2.0-liter I-4 that produces 147 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, a standard 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic. Its Sports trim comes with a 1.6-liter turbo-4 that makes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The 2018 Cruze sedan has EPA fuel economy ratings of 29/40 mpg city/highway with the automatic and 27/40 mpg with the manual. The ratings for Premier trims are 29/39 mpg, making them less efficient. The ratings for the hatchback are 29/38 mpg with the automatic and 27/38 mpg with the manual. With a rating of 28/37 mpg, the hatchback’s Premier model also takes a hit in fuel economy.

The Cruze’s diesel option offers an EPA ratings of 30/52 mpg with the automatic and 31/47 mpg with the manual, making them the most fuel efficient. The diesel-powered hatchback variants have ratings of 30/45 mpg with the automatic and 29/48 mpg with the manual, which means that they are a tad less efficient.

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has an EPA fuel economy rating of 32/40/35 mpg city/highway/combined. While its numbers are not bad, the car is not as fuel efficient as other vehicles in this class. The SE automatic trim has smaller tires and wheels and has a slightly higher EPA rating with 33/41/36 mpg city/highway/combined.