2016 Ford Focus vs. Hyundai Elantra

Compact cars are versatile vehicles that appeal to buyers at many different stages of ownership. Sky-high efficiency marks make compacts desirable picks for commuters, while their exceptional handling and fun-to-drive qualities suit small families seeking an errand runner or individuals after a multi-talented daily driver.

The 2016 Ford Focus and the 2016 Hyundai Elantra are two small sedan standouts that offer big capabilities when it comes to performance, comfort, and style. 

Energetic vs. Laid Back

In a segment where it's extremely difficult to stand out, the 2016 Focus and the 2016 Elantra break the mold with their distinctive personalities. The Focus blends bold lines and eye-catching elements such as dragon-eye headlamps to forge a peppy-yet-poised appearance. On the flip side, the Elantra takes on more of a fluid-like structure. Its wraparound wavy headlights and liquid lines give it a flowing shape that's subtly muscular to the eye. 

The Ford Focus' sense of energy is also apparent from its zesty color palette. Coat your sedan or hatch in a classic color or daring hue such as Tangerine Scream or Blue Candy. The Elantra stays with a more streamlined color selection. Its accent picks include Bronze, Blue, and Red.

Inner Compacts

With less space to work with, a smart design and the right feature comforts are paramount in a compact sedan. When it comes to comparing interior space, the Focus and the Elantra are within an inch of one another for head and legroom dimensions. Smartly designed dashboards and top-rate materials are strong points of both sedan models.

Shared standard technology includes a USB port and multi-speaker stereo. The biggest minus we have about the Elantra's interior is its omission of today's on-road essentials. The 2016 Focus, however, comes with the features that are rapidly becoming modern car must-haves: a rearview camera and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Horsepower and Fuel Economy

Due to their compact sizes, small sedans are often engaging to drive. No matter which of its five engine options you choose, the 2016 Ford Focus' sprightly ways have fun to drive down to a T.

The Focus' default engine is a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four cylinder that provides the acceleration needed for fast-lane travel. Its standard six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is a smooth operator that's well-matched to Ford's engine lineup. 

A 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine powers the base Elantra, producing 145 horsepower. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission; an automatic version is optional. Though the Elantra's handling is stable, it lacks the energy present in the Focus' stronger powertrain that's backed by 15 additional horses.

With less power available, the 2016 Elantra can pull off some high fuel stats at an EPA-estimated 28 city and 38 highway mpg. Though the Elantra is a sliver ahead when it comes to city efficiency, the Focus still achieves great fuel stats at 26 city and 38 highway mpg and has thrilling drive dynamics to boot!

 

Focus or Elantra?

The 2016 Ford Focus' energized demeanor will put a smile on your face, pep in your step, and money back in your wallet. That's the type of Focus we could all use in our day-to-day drives.

Richmond, Ashland, and Mechanicsville area shoppers can contact Richmond Ford Lincoln to schedule a test drive of the 2016 Ford Focus today. From the base S to the top performance RS and every trim in between, we have the Focus for you!