Ford Escort vs Hyundai Elantra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Hyundai Elantra
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ZX2 | SE |
| Body style | Coupe | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,205 (best) | $22,825 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $9,399 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $23,934 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $28,874 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 493 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 35 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG | 40 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal (best) | 12.4 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 147 hp (best) |
| Torque | 135 lb-ft (best) | 132 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 11.8 cu ft | 14.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,464 lbs (best) | 2,868 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in | 107.1 in (best) |
| Length | 175.2 in | 185.4 in (best) |
| Width | 67.4 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 52.3 in | 55.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Hyundai ElantraSE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 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.
| Trim | Ford Escort | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) | SE $22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP | SEL Sport $23,950 MSRP |
| 3 | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP | SEL Sport Plus $24,450 MSRP |
| 4 | — | SEL Sport Plus $27,100 MSRP |
| 5 | — | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Blue $25,450 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Limited $27,375 MSRP |
| 8 | — | SEL Sport $27,425 MSRP |
| 9 | — | N Line $29,600 MSRP |
| 10 | — | Limited $29,800 MSRP |
Live inventory
Hyundai Elantra493 for sale
See all
Certified2026 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sport Premium
Silver•Black660 mi$21,727Kendall Hyundai
Miami, FL
Certified2026 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sport
Gray•Black1,181 mi$21,700Kendall Hyundai
Miami, FL
Certified2026 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sport Premium
Blue•Black2,019 mi$21,657Kendall Hyundai
Miami, FL
Certified2026 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sport
Gray•Gray910 mi$21,713Kendall Hyundai
Miami, FL
Used2022 Hyundai Elantra
SEL
Electric Shadow•Medium Gray3 mi$16,325Group 1 Kia Tomball
Tomball, TX
Used2017 Hyundai Elantra
SE
Electric Blue Metallic•Gray78,019 mi$13,699McCarthy Hyundai of Topeka
Topeka, KS
Ford Escort vs Hyundai Elantra FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Escort 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: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Escort starts lower at $13,205. Live Hyundai Elantra listings start at $9,399.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,205).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Ford Escort vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall).