2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2017 and restyled in 2019, remained visually unchanged for the 2020 model year. The previous year's restyle introduced a geometric-influenced appearance, setting the stage for the dramatically angular styling of the upcoming 2021 Elantra. Available in six versions—SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Limited, and Sport—the Elantra's price ranged from $19,300 to $24,150. The Limited test vehicle, equipped with the Ultimate Package and floor mats, brought the total to $27,630, including the $975 destination charge. The Elantra GT hatchback was also available for 2020.

A black paint job highlighted the Elantra’s angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs, contrasting sharply with the chrome grille, beltline, and logo detailing. The result was a stylish small car, though not universally appealing. The interior received an upscale update with silver trim on various elements, but the presence of hard and glossy plastic reminded occupants that it was still a mainstream compact car.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement about its driver with its athletic proportions and great stance. The design captured motion even while stationary, and the elegance was evident in the distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive squint. The paint, chrome, and panel gaps were flawless, as expected from Lexus.

Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a center stack resembling a retro hi-fi rack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices, authentic lines, and modern aesthetics. However, the analog clock felt outdated, suggesting it might be time for a design update unless co-branded with a high-end watchmaker.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, standard with SE trim, contributed to a $1,100 price increase from the previous year. All Elantra models were front-wheel drive. The Elantra Eco had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder 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 featured a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, an independent rear suspension, and a seven-speed DCT. The Elantra Limited test car, with its 2.0-liter engine and new CVT, offered simulated gear shifts for a traditional automatic feel. Despite Hyundai's claims of improved efficiency, the test car averaged 29.3 mpg, falling short of the expected 34 mpg. The torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from the ride and handling, making the Elantra Sport with its independent rear suspension more enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Lexus IS, developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature" for linear operation faithful to the driver’s intentions. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 models had the same V6, tuned to 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The test drive of the IS 350 RWD revealed a 54/46 front/rear balance and a weight of 3,748 pounds. The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension, along with electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering, provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 25 mpg combined, the IS 300 AWD at 22 mpg, the IS 350 RWD at 23 mpg, and the IS 350 AWD at 22 mpg.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered roomy accommodations for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. The Limited test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding center console armrest. All Elantras included a front passenger's seat-height adjuster and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and automatic defogging. Heated front seats were standard on all but the SE and SEL trims, though rear air conditioning vents were not available. The trunk provided 14.4 cubic feet of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, and included an interior grab handle for easy closure.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered form and function with an easily adjustable driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather without the added cost and care. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, large door pockets, a decent glovebox, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, with a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, 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. The Ultimate Package increased the touchscreen size to 8 inches and added navigation, Blue Link Guidance service, and SiriusXM data services. The Sport trim offered similar upgrades, packaged differently. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, shortcut buttons, and volume and tuning knobs. The Infinity sound system impressed with its depth of sound.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote were included with free trial periods. The Navigation Package, starting at $1,670, included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system, starting at $1,080, was a recommended option for audiophiles, offering superb sound quality and a CD player.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai Smart Sense, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor. SEL trim and above 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 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.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it was expected to receive good ratings based on the previous generation's performance. The IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, LED headlamps, taillamps, and running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.