Is the 2023 Honda Civic Type R a BETTER performance car than a Hyundai Elantra N? 

Never would I have thought you could compare an Elantra to a civic type r. If you would’ve said that 5 years ago everyone would’ve called you crazy. Great leaps made by hyundai!

Joe is at his best/most interesting when he's comparing cars. Would love to hear more comparisons to other cars even when he's not driving them on the same day! Unfortunately with $5000+ ADM (or at auction) on the Type R, it's hard to make the argument that CTR is worth 50k. I mean, the Elantra N is obviously the better buy even at MSRP, but the fact that you might have a shot at getting an "N" at MSRP, vs no shot in getting a CTR at MSRP just changes the conversation completely.

What people don't know is that the 276 HP on the N is the wheel HP, the crank is around 320-330 from dynos when the car is stock. The Type R 315 HP is from the crank. That is why the N is cheaper and a little bit better value

Not a Hyundai fan but love the look and performance of the Elantra N

The brake rotors are larger on the Elantra N 14.2/12.4 / CTR 13.8 in / 12.0 in. I looked at both cars and got 2023 Elantra N 5 weeks ago. Could not find CTR for less then 44k MSPR plus 25 - 50k dealer markup and got EN for 35k OTD. No way I would spend 75k + on CTR.

Appreciate that despite the fact that he owns the Type R he gave a very fair comparison between the two vehicles without obvious bias. Great job! Both cars are pretty sick.

I thinks this Honda type R is going to hold it value more than any other competition after 5 years 👍👍👍

I have been a Honda guy my whole life and continue to be… however… I have driven the Elantra N and even the Sonata N Line as well as Veloster N, and I have to honestly say the rate at which Hyundai is progressing can not be ignored any longer, that stigma that Hyundai has attached to its badge as being cars that simply don’t measure up or are unreliable after a certain amount of miles/kilometres has ended for me… The Honda is the winner here but not by a long shot, not by leaps and bounds any more… I am the owner of a last generation Type R and I’m very proud… just give Hyundai a few more years, the N is an incredible car for its first generation

Both are great cars, but I can find multiple Elantra N's for MSRP, can't say the same for the Civic so that would influence my decision.

The fact that you can get the hyundai for under msrp while type R is going for 50k and up makes it almost a 15-20k price difference...

not a hyundai fan but with the price and performance of elentra n. I'd pick it over new SI

Hey Joe, Jose from Puerto Rico. This one was extremely entertaining. I know you own the Honda, but I'm kinda digging that Elantra N. I didn't know it came in a manual version; so I learned something new today. I don't care how old I get, I love the stick shift and if ever I get a new vehicle, It's gonna have to be a manual shifter. But in your case, I think the Honda suites you better since you're a track guy. I never go on the track, but I still enjoy driving and the Elantra would be nice for me. Thanks again Joe. Great video!

I have a elantra N of course im sold to this lilttle beast

Great stuff Joe! Comparison seems close, so if I can save 12k, then I’d go with the N. Thanks for the review.

Great comparison! It's like the Elantra N is a Miata and the Type R is S2000-like. Miata is more fun and playful at lower speeds; whereas the S2000 is more special, precise and one needs to push harder to really enjoy it.

I love how the Elantra N has the original hand brake and not the electric one

The Type-R is just a much better looking car. Elantra has far too many creases and honestly looks silly, though I realize looks are subjective

I would definitely choose the hyundai elantra N hello Joe and Lori greetings from southern Ontario Canada

I see a lot of pros the Elantra n has over the type r. First technology if anyone cares about it. Second best in class 4 banger exhaust. The type r doesn’t come close in it. Third is a big one and that’s cost. Getting a lot of bang for your buck and a lot cheaper. Good luck finding a type r at msrp paying a heavy markup for one. The one area that Honda shines against the competition is handling and driving experience. Honda has killed the fwd game for years. Type r a clear winner

I got my Elantra N for MSRP, and sadly that won’t be the case for the type R. So really we’re talking a 15-20 difference in price. Save your money and get the N

one you can pretty easily buy for 35k, the other is "rare" and costs 60k after the dealer is done with you

Prefer the Elantra. Better daily. More comfortable. Especially the Aussie version we get

I chose the N from your original review and love it. I can definitely say "youtube made me buy it" lol. But that type r looks pretty sick! Congrats

The Hyundai 's integrated dash and interior is spectacular !

What up Joe? COMPARISON TIME LET'S GO!!! I look forward for more content like this Joe! Great work!

Both amazing, but I'd go Elantra N all day.

Well now. This is a lil different from our usual content. I LIKE IT!!

Thanks for the awesome comparison review of these two great sports sedans!

I'm not sure if anyone has said this, but it has been a hell of a long time since you've done a 2-for-1 since you were just getting started with RU-vid in your early days. Nice to see you bring a video like this back.

Thanks you for that video. I bought myself a Hyundai i30 Fastback N with DCT which is close to the Elantra N. I really like the car, the sounds it makes and how the driving feels. Just as I expected. I will testdrive a new FL5 this year and compare each other. For me the i30 has already won, because of the price. 17k € less than a CTR is a world. I paid 39.000 € for my N and the CTRs MSRP in Germany is 56.000 €. Crazy. It can't be that much better for 17k more.

I would definitely get the N Much better looking, sounds better, and I prefer the interior design as well Love how you can change the exhaust, transmission and differential settings from the IP You said it. Better ride, better personality, and it's going to be significantly less expensive

I love you video and how you’re trying not be biased. You do miss a few points like how the manual elantra is lighter than the civic type R, 0-60 on the CTR is at 5 unless your very very skilled, you also forgot that the elantra is severely underrated performance from factory.

I know this might not be related, but I believe the Elantra N with the DCT (which I have) is an actual rocket. I’m not saying it’s quicker than some of the more high end cars out there, but dang is it quick. It surprises me too sometimes cause from a roll, the slight anti-lag (I’m quite sure the car has a the system as I can feel the boost actually does stay after shifting) helps rocket the car faster than you’d expect. It’s just from a dig that the FWD hinders it’s true performance

When comparing value to product and price, I would have to go with the DCT Elantra. The N just has a better overall value when it comes to PRICE and what you get with it. I like the interior of the type R but it’s just not their for exterior wise.

The huge price differential would clearly be the deciding factor for most folks. Considering how close they are in all the important specs, there's no reason whatsoever to pay an extra $12K for the Honda.

I do like the interesting design on the wheels 🛞 on the Elantra N.

More like $20-30k gap with the markups these days 😅

The CTR might do 0-60 in 4.7 if it was going downhill in a hurricane, otherwise no.

Both great vehicles. The type R is more polished, but the Elantra is fantastic and a great deal.

I'm obsessed with the FL5, I think it has an almost Super Car look, the worlds 1st FWD Super Car. Looking to buy 1 soon

Both cars have pros and cons. Honda is shutting out buyers by not offering an automatic and no doubt would make it a quicker car. Plus, they use a dreadful CVT like in the regular Civic. The DCT and manual options offered in the N gives an advantage. As far as pricing…Honda dealers are charging a big premium for the Type R. Can’t see spending a 5-15k MSRP premium. Elantra is priced very good in this class…10k less than the Type R. With the markup it could be up to 20k. That’s a lot of money for insurance, gas, and tires.

I'd get the Type R if I could find one at or around MSRP.

Even though I like the Type R a little better simply for the cleaner look, it's going for double the price of the N. I don't believe it's double the car personally.

Hey Raiti's Rides Can You Make A 2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Comparison

I prefer the Civic's design but the Elantra offers a lot for the money.

The N sounds So much meaner! Love it.

EN Popcorn sound is magical.

Thumbs up to both cars…with the nod going to the Honda 👍🏻great review

If only Honda could remember what the civic was all about. Affordability. Thats why the Elantra wins. 10k over MSRP is a joke.

Im going Hyundai Elantra N. Im just hoping they make the horsepower rise up to 315 like the Type R or at least 300 flat.

Type-R crushes the N in my op, but the fact that a Hyundai is even being talked about is progress to me. Hats off to them for going for it 👏🏻 Never even knew the N existed, love the vids, keep ‘em coming 🎉

Can someone tell me about the reliability of the Elantra N, because I always hear people say "Dont buy Hyundais because they will break down in the first 10k miles" or something like that, But I really like this car and I'm looking into getting one. I just want a little more information, it would be appreciated.

Here in Australia CTR is at $72,600 no discount or wiggle room while EN starts from $55,876 - $58,000 and you can haggle and wiggle room on price.

thanks Joe! you heard me, more of this comparison please!

Nooooo Joe you forgot how many Twinkies can we fit? 😂 thank you again for letting us know. About these two cars. Very interesting.

Type R for the looks and performance. Elantra N for the sound and price.

I will like to know where do you think the Toyota GR stands compared to the Elantra N and Type R?

Joe bringing the content that people actually want to see - great comparison. I love the Type R, but the markup (at least in Canada) is absolutely insane. I can walk into a Hyundai dealership and get an Elantra N for MSRP right now.... the Type R would run me more than $65K CAD. At that price point, I would just get the Genesis G70 or TLX Type S. Value for dollar, the Elantra N is hard to beat.... too bad it's so fugly looking. Hyundai should just make a Sonata Type R and get rid of the catfish headlights. Now that car would be a winner.

If would be same price I would by Type R for heritage besides that reason would be Elentra N , price , pkg , engine , technology, exhaust noise, all around car and price .

I had to crank my volume to hear the stock CTR exhaust noise. CTR is a better car, better performing, better built, etc. but the difference in price (even considering without markup, which is a big conditional) is too much to justify it for me over the Elantra N. Maybe if it were like a 5k delta, I could justify the CTR but 10-11k is a bit too much to stomach on a 30-40k car.

I would go with Honda !

It seems that the Type R is more nice looking then the Elantra N. Probably because of the wide fenders. I'm still going with the Honda.

The type r has smaller brake rotors at 350mm vs the elantra N at 14.2 inches (360 mm). Not that it really matters that much, both are massive and the braking will be determined by the tires, as both brakes are more than strong enough to lock the wheels.

The Elantra N has a wait time of 6 month. The Type R has a wait time of a full year. That would be the biggest difference. Honda only gets 1 to 2 cars per year of the Type R veriant per dealership. And that doesn't mean you'll get the color you want either. And the honda is also 11k more expensive.

In Puerto Rico, Elantra N is $44,995, the Type R $65.995, $21k more than the Elantra. I Buy the Elantra N manual, great Performance, technology, exaust sound 🔥🔥 and $21k less.

Great review Joe. Both are amazing cars. I believe the N is easier to find at a reasonable price (MSRP?) compared to the Type R, right?. Hope these cars stay for longer.

I clicked on this so fast, because I love the Elantra N lol. Great video again Raitis fam and team 💯💯 thank you!

Nice Hyundai Elantra N & the Honda Civic Type R I feel like both are a dandy but neither cars are perfect.

Hi, Joe, this is a fantastic review about these both cars and a long review I enjoyed a lot I will say these both cars have unique functions there are something changes in the R-type Honda Civic seats little comfortable for long cruises but I don't like a combination r type Honda civic seats front is red and back seats are black looks little odd what do you think 🤔 but Hyundai Elantra has n normal bucket seats look great even though there's no sophisticated but it's ok Hyundai added little plastic inside the car but who cares price is less than civic r and they gave enjoy driving experience furthermore Honda has no DCT and Elantra has DCt both of these cars have a lot different prices 10 thousand dollars gap this is a huge amount of money elantra cargo 14 cubic and Honda hatchback and allow the more versatility to cargo space one thing I like Hyundai Elantra exhaust sound that sounds reminiscing chevy corvette even though Hyundai Elantra less hp and torque but it's ok we don't need go to the track race and nurburging neither both these have a spare tires price wise Honda should have given spare tires both these cars nice infotainment and Android charge overall both these cars great but opinion Honda seats isn't match to each other thanks.

cant afford a Type-R and cant justify in buying it even if i tried..sooo Elantra N for me then (or 130N where im coming from)

Now this is 🔥! Type-R for me all day everyday! Keep it coming brother Joe!

Loved this review Joe! I’m sure someone else has said it already, but I’ll reiterate the DCT version of the Elantra N is actually the better car, but I understand the apples to apples comparison between the manuals. The DCT is a quicker and more capable car though. And just a fun fact, the pops aren’t because of extra fuel being dumped on heavy throttle, it’s actually the anti-lag feature that keeps boost through the gears. So when paired with the DCT it feels very, very quick. Such a fun car! But back to the comparison of the CTR to the EN, great job taking a neutral approach despite being a CTR owner. They’re both fantastic cars for sure, but with very different personalities.

I would go for the Type R, but you have to give it to Hyundai for bringing such fierce competition to Honda in a segment Honda had decades to perfect.

I think its an infair comparison. I can go into a dealer tomorrow and walk out with an elantra N for 34k. The ctr would be 60+ with markups.

I wouldn't trade my 8 speed for nothing and Hyundai will surpass the Honda next model update. I also like the cockpit layout and design of the Elantra and I don't like the red seats in the Honda. I would say for three years for Hyundai its only going to get better faster. Look out Honda Hyundai is coming for you fast and for three quarters the price. Also i don't have many miles on my Hyundai but the seats seem to be more comfortable every time i drive it. As for breaking no one has said anything but good things to say for the the Hyundai. The guys racing them say there is no fade and they are comparable to the brembo except a lot cheaper to maintain

You certainly were smiling and laughing more on throttle in the N. I have a black N - cheap thrills for sure.

For the money, I'd take the Elantra N. The type R doesn't seem $12k better than the Elantra N. Plus you're gonna need a lot of luck to even get the type R at msrp. I feel like it'd be much easier to get the Elantra N at msrp.

In Canada, the elantra is 40,000, while the type R is 52,000. Our dollar and interest rates drive up price and payments.

Here in Southern Ontario most Hondas mainly the civic and accord are at the top of the list for theft hahaha I wouldn't want that worrying about it

Even for the same price I would still choose the Elantra N for what it offers

I do like both here but I think Honda has the better option for sure and that could also just be liking what they put out better.

The styling of the Type-R is just so much better than the Elantra. The Hyundai is too angular and not in a good way. The Civic looks like a smaller CT5 and I love the CT5. Thanks for sharing as always Joe and I can’t wait for you to see my new car around Tampa soon. I’ve got a few last things to do to her before she steps out. Cheers buddy

The N is just another sport car, whereas the R is not, it is one of the heritage badge in the car history and among enthusiast, the R is a long term value. You cannot compare them on their MSPR nor the performance to the N.

Hi Joe Raiti, It’s fair to say the type r is overall the better car but it’s also fair to say the type R is overpriced relative to the Elantra N. For the buck the Elantra N is the better buy. Elantra N is 95% performance but 70% cost

I was at the Milwaukee Auto Show and I will say most of the Subaru, Honda, and Toyota seats actually feel nicer to sit in than the luxury brand seats.

2:00 so your videos are great and you bring a ton of knowledge and credibility etc. but the answer is Honda. period.

they need to change that exhaust sound on the R for real

Gonna have to zonk you...the Hyundai Elantra N rotors are bigger (front and rear) than the FL5. Hyundai also could have matched the hp and tq of the FL5 by matching the boost levels, but they have a much longer warranty so they had to turn it down a bit.

Sorry Joe... Hyundai N looks way sportier and better front facia...and rear

damn that Type R exhaust lol. just need to swap it and everything is good to go

I can't believe how the type 5 is not loud at all with those 3 exhaust tips. It's literally hummy down the road. That will definitely be the first mode people will do.

Connecting to the road through the car is my absolute #1 "Raison D'acheter", or reason to buy. So my first pick would be the type R of these two. But my heart still loves the Miata.❤️

Great video Joe. I like how you do these comparison reviews. I remember when you compared the Edge and Explorer STs. That was cool. Keep it up Joe Raiti. You da man 💯 How's Big Bertha by the way Joe? Haven't heard about her lately

Unless I'm shopping for a Ferrari, I'm just looking for a compact, fun car to throw to my everyday driving. At $10,000-$20,000 cheaper price tag, Elantra N easily wins for me. Hyundai came a long way. We are moving to EVs now. I'll be bold to say any traditional cars at this time of age, are at its peak when it comes to mechanical engineering and durability.

Hyundai looks sexier

the Type-R for aftermarket support

Type R for me. The Elantra is impressive for sure. I just prefer the Type R!

Both cars 🚙 seem identical but I think the Civic type R is the better sedan 🚘.

Type R should be around the Elantra n's price, so I say Elantra n. Why would I pay 50kplus for a FWD car 😂😂😂

Can you do Si vs N-line next? ❤