Honda Civic vs Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is more fuel-efficient at 37 MPG combined, against 36 MPG for the Honda Civic. At EPA assumptions that is about $50 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Civic | Hyundai Elantra | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 343 | 165 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Forward collision avoidance |
| Crashes and fires | 33 and 0 | 11 and 0 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 9,000 miles | 15,000 miles |
| Recalls | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 36 MPG | 37 MPG |
| City and highway | 33 and 42 | 33 and 42 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $1,850 | $1,800 |
| NHTSA overall safety | Not rated |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 343 complaints for the Honda Civic and 165 for the Hyundai Elantra. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 4 for the Honda Civic, 2 for the Hyundai Elantra.