2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a refined version of Nissan’s V-shaped design, which had become more acceptable over the years. For 2019, Nissan updated the Maxima with new projector-beam LED headlights, an edgier grille, and a silver bumper strip beneath enlarged fog-lamp enclosures. The LED taillights were tinted black and featured intricate reflector patterns. Despite these updates, the Maxima retained its stylish concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and the distinctive “floating roof.” Inside, the Maxima boasted upgraded, softer materials, with the SV trim showcasing contrast stitching, tight panel gaps, and polished black console trim. The all-black interior of the Maxima exuded quality, with lots of padding and upscale textures, making it a rewarding experience for drivers.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, maintained its bold, geometric-influenced appearance for 2020. The Elantra was available in six versions: SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport, with prices ranging from $19,300 to $24,150. Our Elantra Limited test vehicle, with the Ultimate Package, totaled $27,630. The black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, creating a stylish small car. Inside, the Elantra Limited featured silver trim on various controls, adding an upscale look, though some hard and glossy plastic remained. The Elantra’s interior updates aimed to provide a more refined experience, despite its mainstream compact car status.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sent power to the front wheels. Despite the potential for torque steer, the Maxima managed to mitigate it effectively, providing smooth and immediate thrust without the typical high-rev noise of a strained engine. The Maxima’s CVT simulated gear ratios well, and the V6 engine offered both strength and a pleasing sound. However, the Maxima’s driving experience was marred by a mushy brake pedal and numb, over-boosted steering, even in Sport mode. The suspension provided a near-perfect balance of ride quality and nimble response, and the laminated windshield and front windows kept exterior noise at bay. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Elantra Eco model featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) and an automatic engine start/stop system, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra Sport trim offered a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for a more enjoyable driving experience. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, though real-world fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 29.3 mpg. The Elantra’s torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride and handling, making the Sport trim’s independent suspension a better choice for driving enjoyment.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display integrated into the dash, operable by touch or knob, with quick response times and shortcut buttons for easy access to various functions. The Maxima’s thick pillars and slim D-pillar compromised sightlines, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors. However, the Maxima provided ample passenger room and exceptionally comfortable front seats, developed to reduce muscle fatigue with Zero Gravity technology. The seating position was driver-oriented, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and canted center stack.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited trim featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest for added comfort. All Elantra models included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging system. Interior storage was well-proportioned for a compact car, and the trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Elantra also included a thoughtful interior grab handle inside the trunk lid for easy closure.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima offered an updated navigation system on all trims except the base S, with a customizable home screen and detailed maps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a high-speed USB-C port. The Maxima was compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering remote services through NissanConnect, including automatic 911 dialing, stolen-vehicle tracking, and alerts for geofencing and speed. The instrument panel screen could display multiple readouts simultaneously, and the Bose stereo with active noise cancellation was adequate. However, the Maxima lacked ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s suite of semi-automated driving functions.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL trim featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Value Edition included a complimentary subscription to Blue Link Connected Car and Remote plans for three years. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system, with the Ultimate Package increasing the touchscreen size to 8 inches and adding navigation and SiriusXM data services. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently. The touchscreen display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs, and the Infinity sound system impressed for a compact car.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came standard with forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor, with knee airbags for both driver and front passenger. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while the SR trim included pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Platinum models featured reverse emergency braking. The Maxima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in all crash tests and a Superior rating for its emergency braking system.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra included Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trim levels, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. The SEL trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited and Sport trims included full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package for the Limited trim added adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion during the side-impact test.