Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Hyundai Sonata
$458
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Hyundai Elantra
$452
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
4
Excellent
The Hyundai Sonata Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 5th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $458 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are lower than other vehicles, so the Sonata is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
4
1
2
Excellent
The Hyundai Elantra Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $452 which means it has excellent ownership costs. The severity and frequency of repairs are both much lower than other vehicles, so the Elantra is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
The Hyundai Sonata ranks highest in interior and ranks lowest in value.
“We got this car from my grandpa. It might look like junk but a dependable car wish photo could be available love this car a bunch has over 350,000 miles on original engine. I did put money on some...”
“We got this car from my grandpa. It might look like junk but a dependable car wish photo could be...”
The Hyundai Elantra ranks highest in value and ranks lowest in safety.
“Own this car since 1992, still runs OK after 18 years. Auto tranny still works fine. At 30K defective cam seal ruined the engine; rebuilt under warranty. Replaced: tires (50 and 100K), battery (50...”
“Own this car since 1992, still runs OK after 18 years. Auto tranny still works fine. At 30K...”
As you might expect, the Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Elantra have a lot in common. Both are four-door sedans with similar styling and technology. The Sonata is a midsize sedan, refreshed for 2018, and the Elantra is a compact sedan that got a makeover in 2017. Let’s look at how else they differ.
The Sonata is a larger vehicle, with a wider back seat and a larger trunk. It will be a smoother, quieter highway cruiser. The Elantra is more trim and nimble, and will excel in the cut-vs-thrust of urban driving. As you would expect, the smaller Elantra is priced several thousand dollars lower than the Sonata.
Both offer performance versions with turbocharged engines, if you’d like to have more power at your command. The choice depends on your needs and your budget.