  2013 Honda Civic vs 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. Click image to enlarge |
Conclusion
Once again, I’m faced with a decision that really requires none. Both of these are excellent cars that should satisfy owners, and for a very long time – though here again, Honda has a slight edge, scoring better in JD Power and Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Consequently Honda is the top-ranked mainstream brand (Hyundai is sixth) in ALG’s Canadian Residual Value Awards (Civic actually scores second in the Compact Car category behind the Impreza), meaning it is most likely to hold its value better for a higher resale value down the road, an often overlooked but crucial cost of vehicle ownership.
The Elantra GT pulls at my heartstrings with its alluring sheet metal and practical, accommodating interior. The greater utility of a hatchback is hard to overlook, and its performance and features are more than adequate.
For some people, myself included, passing up the added cargo capacity and ease of use offered by the Elantra GT (or any hatchback or wagon) is simply too big a sacrifice, but I came away from this test feeling that the Civic was the better car. It’s more efficient, it handles well without being a harsh ride, and offers competitive options, easy operation and good utility for a sedan. Heck, it’s even fun to drive – stick in Honda’s well-sorted manual transmission and it would keep you entertained rowing your gears.
If you like the styling and prefer the sedan body style that the Civic offers, you’ll be driving what I feel is the better car. In this battle of the bestsellers, the Civic again comes out on top.
Pricing: 2013 Honda Civic Touring
Base Price (DX): $15,440
Base Price (Touring): $24,840
Options: none
Freight: $1,495
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $26,335
Pricing: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT GLS Auto
Base price (L Manual): $17,999
Base price (GLS Auto): $22,599
Options: none
Freight: $1,495
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $24,194
