Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Cerato: Which Should You Buy in Bahrain?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Hyundai Elantra⁩ VS ⁦Kia Cerato⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Bahrain.

⁦Hyundai Elantra⁩ VS ⁦Kia Cerato⁩: the verdict

The Hyundai Elantra edges out the Kia Cerato, primarily appealing to buyers seeking a more dynamic driving experience and superior fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid option. However, the Kia Cerato stands as a strong contender for those prioritizing a lower entry price and straightforward petrol-only ownership.
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Price Comparison
Starting at6,499 – 8,008 BHD6,295 – 7,000 BHD
Engine & Power
Engine1,580 – 1,999 cc · 4 cyl1,600 cc · 4 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)139 – 150 hp128 hp
Torque (Nm)192 – 264 Nm154 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)9 – 9.5 s11 s
Top Speed (Km/h)205 – 209 km/h190 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)4.7 – 7.4 L/100km6.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity42 – 50 L53 L
Gears66
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeHybrid / PetrolPetrol
Battery Size1.3 kWh—
Measurements
L×W×H4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m4.6 m × 1.8 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.7 / 2.7 m2.7 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,275 – 1,345 kg1,287 – 1,633 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)402 – 408 L427 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDVD PlayerElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFront BrakesFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHalogen HeadlampsHDMIHeated Cooled SeatsHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoof SpoilerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSecurity SystemSemi-LED TaillightsSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTouchscreen SizeTraction ControlTrip ComputerTyre Defect IndicatorUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood TrimXenon Headlamps
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCollision DetectionCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless Headphones

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The Hyundai Elantra wins here, thanks to its available hybrid powertrain which can achieve an impressive 4.7 L/100km, significantly outperforming the Cerato's 6.7 L/100km.

2

Best for Performance

For drivers who value power and acceleration, the Hyundai Elantra is the clear choice. It offers up to 150 hp and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 9 seconds, compared to the Cerato's 128 hp and 11-second acceleration.

3

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

The Kia Cerato offers a more accessible entry point with a starting price of 6,295 BHD, making it the better option for shoppers looking for a reliable sedan at a lower initial cost.

4

Best for Cargo Space

The Kia Cerato provides a slightly larger trunk capacity of 427 liters, giving it a minor advantage over the Hyundai Elantra's 402 liters for those needing maximum boot space.

Pros & cons

Hyundai Elantra

Pros

  • Available hybrid powertrain for exceptional fuel economy
  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 150 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 9 seconds)
  • Higher top speed (up to 209 km/h)
  • Broader range of engine displacement options

Cons

  • Higher starting price point
  • Smaller fuel tank capacity
  • Slightly less trunk space
  • More complex hybrid system on certain trims

Kia Cerato

Pros

  • Lower starting price (from 6,295 BHD)
  • Slightly larger trunk capacity (427 L)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (53 L)
  • Simpler petrol-only powertrain

Cons

  • Lower power output (128 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (11 seconds)
  • Less fuel-efficient overall (6.7 L/100km)
  • No hybrid engine option

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Elantra or Kia Cerato?

The Hyundai Elantra offers superior fuel efficiency, especially with its available hybrid powertrain, achieving as low as 4.7 L/100km. The Kia Cerato, with its petrol-only engine, has a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100km. For maximum fuel savings, the Elantra's hybrid variant is the clear winner.

Is the Hyundai Elantra or Kia Cerato more powerful?

The Hyundai Elantra is more powerful, offering engine options that produce up to 150 hp and 264 Nm of torque, allowing for faster acceleration in 9 seconds. The Kia Cerato comes with a 128 hp engine and 154 Nm of torque, accelerating in 11 seconds. If performance is a priority, the Elantra is the better choice.

Which car offers better value for money, the Elantra or Cerato?

The Kia Cerato generally offers better value for money with a lower starting price of 6,295 BHD, compared to the Elantra's starting price of 6,499 BHD. While the Elantra offers more advanced features and powertrain options at its higher trims, the Cerato is a more budget-friendly entry point for basic trims.

Which car has more trunk space, the Hyundai Elantra or Kia Cerato?

The Kia Cerato offers slightly more trunk space with a capacity of 427 liters, while the Hyundai Elantra provides 402-408 liters depending on the trim. If cargo capacity is a primary concern for daily use or travel, the Cerato has a minor advantage.