2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Chevy Cruze

If you’re looking to purchase a compact car, you may find yourself contemplating between the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze. These two models are popular options among car shoppers because of their excellent value for money. However, they’re different in many ways, which can make them more or less appealing to different drivers. Check out this detailed comparison between the new Hyundai Elantra and a pre-owned Chevrolet Cruze. View our inventory of new vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000. 

2023 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels and Prices

2023 Hyundai Elantra vs. Chevy Cruze

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offers six trim levels to cater to different needs and preferences: the base SE, SEL, the hybrid Blue, the sporty N Line, Limited, and the performance-oriented N. The starting MSRP for this sedan ranges from $20,950 for the SE to $32,900 for the N.

Note that the Chevrolet Cruze is a discontinued model. For its final model year, which was 2019, it was available in five trims: the entry-level L, LS, LT, Diesel, and the range-topping Premier. This model started at $17,995 MSRP, but a used Cruze now has an average list price of $16,996.

Power

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra seems to have the upper hand over the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. Most trims of this Hyundai model are equipped with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower, which is slightly less powerful than the base engine of the Cruze. This engine works with a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid Blue model uses a 139-horsepower powertrain with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

If you want more punch, consider getting an N Line model. This trim comes with a 1.6-liter turbo-four that generates 201 horsepower, making it significantly more potent than any of Chevrolet’s offerings. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the N Line can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a mere 7.1 seconds.

For even greater driving excitement, go for the N, which gets its power from a 2.0-liter turbo-four that churns out 276 horsepower. With this power plant, the Elantra delivers an incredible sprint time of just a little over five seconds. The N is offered with a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In contrast, the Chevrolet Cruze has only two engines for you to choose from: the base 153-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo-four and the available 137-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four diesel. The gas engine pairs with a six-speed automated transmission, while turbo-diesel models get a nine-speed automatic.

Handling

Regardless of whether you choose the 2023 Hyundai Elantra or 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, you can expect to have a fun and confident driving experience. Then again, the Elantra is probably the better option if you enjoy going for the occasional spirited drive. This Hyundai sedan boasts quick and well-weighted steering and excellent body control, allowing it to tackle turns and curves with aplomb. Its well-tuned suspension does a remarkable job of smoothing out bumps and potholes, resulting in a composed and comfortable ride. The Elantra is even more exciting to drive if you choose the N Line or N trim.

The Chevrolet Cruze also delivers poised handling in most situations, from riding over rough surfaces to cruising at highway speeds. It also has strong brakes that inspire confidence. Nonetheless, it just doesn’t feel as sporty as the Hyundai.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy

In terms of maximum fuel economy, the Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner thanks to its hybrid Blue trim that achieves a whopping 53/56 mpg (city/highway). The base SE gives you 33/42 mpg, which is one of the highest ratings among gas-powered compact cars. Choosing the N trim causes the figures to drop to 22/31 mpg with the manual transmission or 20/30 with the dual-clutch automatic. The Chevrolet Cruze’s turbo-diesel engine returns a terrific 31/48 mpg (city/highway), while its gasoline engine is rated at 28/38 mpg.

Interior

Both the 2023 Hyundai Elantra and 2019 Chevrolet Cruze feature an attractive and comfortable cabin with an abundance of quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. However, the Hyundai provides more spacious seating than its rival. Front passengers in this sedan enjoy 40.6 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom, whereas rear occupants get 37.3 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom. In comparison, the Chevrolet has 38.9 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front row and 37.3 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom in the back.

Infotainment Features

To make your trips easier and more enjoyable, the Hyundai Elantra boasts an excellent infotainment system with plenty of features. It comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, two USB ports, and a four-speaker sound system. If you want a better experience, you can opt for upgrades such as a 10.2-inch touch screen, navigation, satellite radio, a wireless device charger, and a six- or eight-speaker audio system.

Not to be outdone, the Chevrolet Cruze is also fitted with a generous list of tech features. It offers a 7-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a four-speaker sound system on every model. Available features include an additional USB port, satellite radio, and a six- or nine-speaker sound system.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Safety Features

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra has a much longer list of driver-assistance systems than the Chevrolet Cruze. Every model is equipped with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, a rearview camera, lane departure alert, lane-keeping assistance, forward automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian monitoring, driver-attention warning, automated high-beam headlights, safe-exit alert, and rear-seat warning. For enhanced safety, you can get available features such as cyclist detection, rear collision alert, rear parking sensors, highway driving assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

The Chevrolet Cruze comes standard with only a rearview camera and teen-driver monitoring. As for optional features, it offers blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors, lane keeping assistance, automated emergency braking, and forward collision alert.

Test-Drive the 2023 Hyundai Elantra at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth

From performance to safety features, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra beats the Chevrolet Cruze in almost every department. If you want to test-drive this amazing Hyundai compact car in Fort Worth, Texas, we invite you to pay a visit to Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.