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Chevrolet Cavalier vs Hyundai Elantra

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Chevrolet logo

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier

Hyundai logo

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Overview

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
Selected trimSpecial ValueSE
Body styleCoupeSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission5-speed manualcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20052026

Pricing & market

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
MSRP$10,325 (best)$22,825
Lowest listing price$9,399 (best)
Median listing price$23,934 (best)
Highest listing price$28,874 (best)
For sale now0506 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
Combined MPG26 MPG35 MPG (best)
City MPG23 MPG31 MPG (best)
Highway MPG33 MPG40 MPG (best)
Fuel tank14 gal (best)12.4 gal

Performance

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
Horsepower140 hp147 hp (best)
Torque150 lb-ft (best)132 lb-ft
Engine size2.2 L (best)2 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors24 (best)
Cargo volume13.2 cu ft14.2 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity1,000 lbs (best)
Curb weight2,617 lbs (best)2,868 lbs
Ground clearance5.3 in (best)
Wheelbase104.1 in107.1 in (best)
Length180.9 in185.4 in (best)
Width68.7 in71.9 in (best)
Height53 in55.7 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecChevrolet CavalierSpecial ValueHyundai ElantraSE
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)1

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimChevrolet CavalierHyundai Elantra
1

Special Value

$10,325 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SE

$22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Base

$14,410 MSRP

SEL Sport

$23,950 MSRP

3

Base

$14,610 MSRP

SEL Sport Plus

$24,450 MSRP

4

LS

$16,090 MSRP

SEL Sport Plus

$27,100 MSRP

5

LS

$16,290 MSRP

SEL Sport Premium

$25,275 MSRP

6

LS Sport

$17,510 MSRP

Blue

$25,450 MSRP

7

LS Sport

$17,710 MSRP

Limited

$27,375 MSRP

8

SEL Sport

$27,425 MSRP

9

N Line

$29,600 MSRP

10

Limited

$29,800 MSRP

Live inventory

Chevrolet Cavalier vs Hyundai Elantra FAQ

Which is better: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier starts lower at $10,325. Live Hyundai Elantra listings start at $9,399.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (10,325).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
Which has better horsepower: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall).