Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sedan

Both the Sonic and the Elantra Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic is safer than the Hyundai Elantra Sedan:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Chevrolet pays for the first scheduled maintenance on the Sonic. Chevrolet will pay for the first oil change, lubrication and any other required maintenance in the first year. Hyundai doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Elantra Sedan.

There are almost 4 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

The Chevrolet Sonic’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Elantra Sedan’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

The Sonic’s 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. produces 10 more horsepower (138 vs. 128) than the Elantra Sedan Eco’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. The Sonic’s 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. produces 16 lbs.-ft. more torque (148 vs. 132) than the Elantra Sedan’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the Sonic has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The Elantra Sedan doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The Sonic stops much shorter than the Elantra Sedan:

The Sonic Sedan is 8 inches shorter than the Elantra Sedan, making the Sonic easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sonic Sedan has a larger trunk than the Elantra Sedan (14.9 vs. 14.4 cubic feet).

The Sonic Hatchback has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the Elantra Sedan (19 vs. 14.4 cubic feet).

The Sonic (except LS/Manual) offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Elantra Sedan doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The power windows standard on both the Sonic and the Elantra Sedan have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Sonic is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Elantra Sedan prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its front windows also automatically close, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Elantra Sedan’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Sonic has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Elantra Sedan has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the SEL/Value Edition/Eco/Sport/Limited.

On extremely cold winter days, the Sonic’s optional (except LS/RS) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Elantra Sedan doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Insurance will cost less for the Sonic owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Sonic will cost $435 less than the Elantra Sedan over a five-year period.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Sonic is less expensive to operate than the Elantra Sedan because it costs $441 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Sonic than the Elantra Sedan, including $17 less for a starter, $105 less for fuel injection, $31 less for front struts, $85 less for a timing belt/chain and $32 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Sonic will be $85 to $218 less than for the Hyundai Elantra Sedan.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Hyundai Elantra Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sonic second among small cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Elantra Sedan isn’t in the top three in its category.