2023 Honda Civic Type R vs. Hyundai Elantra N (From Test Drive)

[S2000Forever]

Hi All,

Just drove a Hyundai Elantra N in Manual. First impressions, well before even driving it I thought it was going to be a lot better than I experienced. First off, it's an amazing value for the money, let's get that straight. Here in Canada it retails for roughly 39K (before freight/PDI & taxes) and when you compare it to the 46K 2021 Type R, there's some value there. The exhaust note is incredible, N mode and the ability to change all the settings is a much needed option that the Type R will surely get in the new one hopefully. The interior is impressive looking and the seats are fantastic as well.

Here's where I think if you compare the actual engines, is the biggest difference. Mind you, this was a new Elantra with 15K on it, but it just didn't pull like a Type R at all, the clutch had no give back and was super light. I don't think you can compare the manual to a Honda's as well, felt very spongey.

I owned a 2017 Type R and I'm first on the list for a 2023, if I didn't have the experience with a Type R I could very well be impressed with the Elantra N, but I don't think it hits all the marks. And another deal breaker for me is the Type R's hatch, so much more flexibility. The Elantra N has the brace behind the back seats which helps with rigidity, but limits the convenience of the folding rear seats. Overall, I think Hyundai did a great job with the Elantra N and for the money, it's a vehicle to consider.

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[zeroptzero]

Thanks for the review, I think the Hyundai falls under best bang for the buck , great value if you want it.

My co-worker is on her third engine in her Hyundai, the first two motors self-destructed and left her stranded on the side of the road on a busy highway both times. It was all under warranty. I don't want to chance it, no matter how great the vehicles seem to be.

 

[HawaiiPunch]

Thanks for the post, I’ve been interested in the POV of someone who has driven both since the Elantra N came out. Only thing is build quality, and while Honda hasn’t been perfect they’ve been much better than Hyundai. You nailed it about the usability bit too, the hatch & space of the Type R is beyond everything else in the segment.

 

[Toprarnen]

For the record, I think you can remove the structural bars with 4 bolts. And I'd be sorely tempted to get the DCT if I got an "N" vehicle.

In the US, with Type R markups, it's probably going to be a $10k differential

 

[CeeBee]

For the record, I think you can remove the structural bars with 4 bolts. And I'd be sorely tempted to get the DCT if I got an "N" vehicle.

In the US, with Type R markups, it's probably going to be a $10k differential

With as wild as markups are I wouldn't be surprised if the Elantra N is marked up like crazy because it's desirable and I imagine a somewhat limited production. That said it's amazing what the Korean brands have come up with compared to the 90's junk.

 

[RMR]

I recently inquired about an 2022 Civic Si near Chicago and the dealers want $8k to $9k over MSRP. The 2023 CTR will probably go for at least $10k over MSRP. I am interested to see if the Hyundai N cars go for over MSRP. There is a Kona N at my local Hyundai dealer that has been on the lot for 2 weeks. They are asking MSRP for it.

 

[Toprarnen]

I recently inquired about an 2022 Civic Si near Chicago and the dealers want $8k to $9k over MSRP. The 2023 CTR will probably go for at least $10k over MSRP. I am interested to see if the Hyundai N cars go for over MSRP. There is a Kona N at my local Hyundai dealer that has been on the lot for 2 weeks. They are asking MSRP for it.

? to the Si pricing; also not impressed with the car market right now.

I'm really hoping it normalizes in the next two years or so... which is when I'd be ready to buy a Type R. The GR Corolla might also make the list depending on specs and price at that point.

Wishing us all luck whenever we're ready to make the purchase!

 

[Boostlag]

You really can't beat the Elantra N for bang for buck. Manual in the US is 32k. I'm pretty sure the Type R will be over 40k. Elantra N should be a direct competitor to the GLI and the Civic Si.

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