2019 Volvo S60 vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

Volvo had successfully transformed its image from quirky to sexy over the past decade. The 2019 S60, a scaled-down version of the flagship S90 sedan, competed with luxury models like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The S60 featured straight lines and precise angles, with an athletic stance thanks to its rear fender and C-pillar design. The car's beauty was evident, and its design invited closer inspection.

The 2019 S60 came in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum included a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other features. The R-Design trim added fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. The top-tier Inscription offered genuine leather upholstery and 4-zone climate control, along with the optional Advance Package, which included features like a 360-degree camera and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, retained its geometric-influenced appearance. Available in six trims—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's prices ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. Our Limited test vehicle, with the Ultimate Package, totaled $27,630. The Elantra's black paint job highlighted its angular design elements, creating a stylish, if not universally appealing, look.

Inside, the Elantra's restyled interior featured silver trim and a more upscale appearance. The Limited trim included power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. The car also came with a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a front passenger's seat-height adjuster. Interior storage was adequate, and the trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to front-wheel drive. The T6, which we drove, had a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine making 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, sent to all-wheel drive. The T8, a plug-in hybrid, combined the twin-charged engine with electric power, resulting in 400 net hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile all-electric range.

The T6 provided impressive acceleration, with instantaneous throttle and transmission responses. Despite its FWD layout, the S60 felt like a firmly planted RWD sedan, staying flat through corners. The T6's AWD was estimated to return 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, though our real-world testing yielded 23.2 mpg. The T5's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 36 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra's base engine was a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a new CVT, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The Elantra Eco featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The Elantra Sport had a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder making 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a seven-speed DCT.

Our Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and CVT, provided a satisfactory driving experience. The CVT, called an “Intelligent Variable Transmission” by Hyundai, offered simulated gear shifts for a more traditional feel. However, our real-world fuel economy of 29.3 mpg fell short of the expected 34 mpg. The Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride and handling, making the Sport trim's independent rear suspension a better choice for driving enjoyment.

The 2019 Volvo S60's interior design prioritized form over function. While the steering-wheel-mounted controls were sensible and there was ample storage space, some controls were awkwardly placed. The starter's location between the front seats and the drive-mode selector's roller design were inconvenient. However, the conventional shifter was a welcome choice. The backseat offered decent space, and the 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was average for the class.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra provided roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited trim included power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras came with a dual-zone automatic climate control system, though rear air conditioning vents were not available. Interior storage was adequate, and the trunk offered 14.4 cubic feet of space. The interior grab handle inside the trunk lid was a thoughtful touch.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which took a tablet-like approach to menu navigation and graphics. However, many features were buried within the screen, making simple tasks like adjusting the temperature cumbersome. The system occasionally lagged and froze, which could be frustrating. The Sensus system included a Volume dial, Play/Pause button, and Home button for easier navigation.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The base SE trim had a 5-inch screen, while the SEL and higher trims featured a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added wireless smartphone charging and a premium Infinity sound system. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and added navigation and Blue Link services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs. The Infinity sound system impressed for a compact car.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It also included driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The Advance Package added a head-up display, headlight washers, a 360-degree camera, and active bending headlights, along with Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense as standard on all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. Starting with SEL trim, the Elantra added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Sport trims included full LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Ultimate Package added adaptive cruise control, a pedestrian detection system, and Safe Exit Assist. The Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.