Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Elantra and Puma are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Puma
+1 pts
Efficiency
Puma
+9 pts
Safety
Puma
+2 pts
Practicality
Puma
+1 pts
Ownership
Elantra
+8 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Elantra
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
20/20
Pros & Cons
Elantra
Pros
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Elantra
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Puma
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Length
4680
4186
Width
1825
1805
Height
1415
1531
Wheelbase
2720
2594
Ground Clearance
130
170
Kerb Weight
1355
1325
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
473
456
Gross Vehicle Weight
-
1775
Towing Capacity
-
1200
Front Track Width
-
1541
Rear Track Width
-
1534
Turning Radius
-
5.4
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Engine
1.5 MPI CVVD
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement
1497
999
Cylinders
4
3
Power
85
92
Torque
143
170
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Single Turbo
Top Speed
180
185
0-100 km/h
11.2
10.5
Power @ RPM
@ 6300 rpm
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
@ 4500 rpm
2000-4500 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Transmission
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Claimed Mileage
17.5
16.4
City Mileage
14.0
12
Highway Mileage
21.0
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
42
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Airbags
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
8
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Ambient Sport Lighting
Ventilated Seats
-
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Navigation System
Yes
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Puma
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
19-inch Sport Alloy
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Sport Rear Spoiler
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
225/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Tyre Repair Kit
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Optional
Approx Service Cost
-
Approx R5,000
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Puma
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Elantra
Puma
CO2 Emissions
126
118
Start Stop System
-
Standard
Hybrid System Type
-
Mild Hybrid
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Ford Puma
wins with 61 pts
vs 56 pts for Elantra
In structured scoring, Puma emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Elantra may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.