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) | $22,625 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
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 | None reported |
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 $22,625 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP | SEL Sport $23,750 MSRP |
| 3 | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP | SEL Sport Premium $25,075 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Blue $25,450 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $27,175 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SEL Sport $27,425 MSRP |
| 7 | — | N Line $29,400 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Limited $29,800 MSRP |