Compact Car

2020 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2020 Cadillac CT4 Comparison

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra and the 2020 Cadillac CT4 might be in two different tax brackets, but they have more in common than not. Here’s how they compare:

2020 Hyundai Elantra
2020 Hyundai Elantra

2020 Hyundai Elantra Starting Price: $18,950 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Great overall value; standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; tons of advanced safety features; industry-best warranty.

Below Average: Could make the driver feel more connected while on the road.

Consensus: In the 2020 Elantra, Hyundai makes a nice-looking midsize sedan that offers good fuel economy, advanced tech, and good value.

2020 Cadillac CT4
2020 Cadillac CT4

2020 Cadillac CT4 Starting Price: $33,990 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Excellent options for the category; classic, understated styling; rear-wheel drive comes standard; AWD is optional.

Below Average: The CT4 replaces the outgoing ATS and loses some power for the luxury segment in the process.

Consensus: The 2020 Cadillac CT4 while doesn’t live up to the ATS still offers a solid affordably luxury compact choice. It’s optional features make it outstanding, but less affordable.

Elantra vs. Cadillac CT4: When worlds collide

Hyundai Elantra

At its base, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is comfortable and controlled. It gets plenty of punch from the 147-horsepower engine, and the interior is refined and technology-centered (offering one of our favorite features near the top of the line, Qi wireless charging) with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra, got a significant makeover in 2019, and the improvements are quite substantial and impressive. For those of you looking for something a bit sportier, the Elantra comes in a hot hatchback equivalent, the Elantra GT N Line. Want something more efficient? Go for the Eco line. The Elantra also comes with a wide array of standard safety and driver assistance features like collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring. Overall the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is an excellent bet.

2020 Cadillac CT4

Cadillac’s CT4 is longer and wider than the Elantra, however, it has less interior room for passengers. The base engine in the CT4 proves a strong one. We appreciate its acceleration and sound. When it comes to handling, the CT4 doesn’t disappoint. While not as sharp as some other luxury competitors, it feels fun and playful on the road. Its design language suits for a luxury badge that stands for understated elegance. One of the things we are excited about is the optional addition of Cadillac Super Cruise to the new CT4. Cadillac’s adaptive cruise control system is one of the best in the business, and being able to use it on the CT4 will be a huge benefit.

Similarities

Both offer attractive styling; great safety and tech options.

Hyundai Elantra Advantages

Better fuel economy; lower price; smaller outside, bigger inside.

Cadillac CT4 Advantages

More powerful base engine; available AWD; optional Super Cruise semi-autonomous tech.

Final Recommendation

At first blush, comparing the Hyundai Elantra compact to the Cadillac CT4 seems crazy. The point here is that there are two cars that offer roughly the same footprint and generally the same technology, so the question here is whether you want a luxury experience or money in your pocket. The Cadillac CT4 has plenty going for it including its better handling, rear- or all-wheel drive, and even SuperCruise semi-autonomous tech. To the Elantra’s credit, things like adaptive cruise control, a full suite of standard safety and driver assists, a long warranty and three years maintenance can compensate for the lack of upscale bells and whistles.

2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020 Cadillac CT4
Popular Powertrains
Engine 2.0-liter I4 2.0-liter turbo I4
Horsepower 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm 237 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm 258 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission Continuously variable 8-spd automatic
Fuel Economy 35 mpg (31 city/41 hwy) 23 mpg (20 city/28 hwy)
Also Available 1.4L turbo I4; 2.0L I4; 1.6L turbo I4 2.0-liter turbo I4
Specs
Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating 4 Stars 5 stars
Max Seating Capacity 5 5
Wheelbase 106.3 inches 109.3 inches
Overall Length 181.9 inches 187.2 inches
Width 70.9 inches 71.5 inches
Height 56.5 inches 56.0 inches
Turning Diameter 34.8 feet 37.1 feet
Headroom, Front 40.3 inches 38.3 inches
Headroom, Rear 37.3 inches 36.5 inches
Legroom, Front 42.2 inches 42.4 inches
Legroom, Rear 35.7 inches 33.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Front 56.2 inches 55.2 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear 55.3 inches 53.9 inches
EPA Passenger Volume 95.8 cu. ft. n/a
EPA Cargo Volume 14.4 cu. ft. 10.7 cu. ft.