Chery Arrizo 8 vs Hyundai Elantra: Plug-In Tech or Korean Polish, Which Sedan Wins Around AED 80,000?

Dubai: Two very different sedans now sit at almost the same price in the UAE. The Chery Arrizo 8 starts at AED 79,900 and brings a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a screen-heavy cabin. The Hyundai Elantra starts from AED 81,900 and offers a proven petrol engin with sharp styling and practical comfort. 

Below, we compare them on price, engine, design, cabin, technology and safety, using Elantra Smart and Comfort as the two main trims. To understand Chery's drivetrain first, read our Arrizo 8 PHEV powertrain explainer.

Quick read:

• The Arrizo 8 makes 154 hp from a PHEV system. The Elantra makes 128 PS from a 1.6-litre petrol.
• The Arrizo 8 has an 18-function ADAS suite and a 24.6-inch screen.
• The Elantra's Comfort trim adds a sunroof, LED rear lamps and a 10.25-inch display.
• Both are five-seat sedans, but the Chery is larger.

Plug-In Power or Petrol Simplicity

The Arrizo 8 pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor through a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. It has five drive modes, including EV. The Elantra keeps things simple with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic. Both Elantra trims share the same powertrain.

Category	Chery Arrizo 8	Hyundai Elantra (Smart / Comfort)
Powertrain	1.5T PHEV	1.6L MPI petrol
Power	154 hp	128 PS
Torque	310 Nm (motor)	154 Nm
Transmission	DHT	6-speed automatic
Drive	2WD	Front-wheel drive
Drive modes	Normal, ECO, Sport, HEV, EV	Not specified
0–100 km/h	Not listed	11.4 sec
Top speed	Not listed	195 km/h

Executive Presence or Parametric Edge

The Arrizo 8 is the bigger car and looks more formal, with dual-lens LED lights, dynamic welcome lights and smart turn signals. The Elantra has a low, sharp look that Hyundai calls "Parametric Dynamics". Both cars come in several colours. 

Compare them in our Arrizo 8 colour guide, while Hyundai's brochure lists nine Elantra shades, from Atlas White to Ultimate Red Metallic.

Exterior	Chery Arrizo 8	Elantra Smart	Elantra Comfort
Length/width	4,757 / 1,832 mm	4,710 / 1,825 mm	4,710 / 1,825 mm
Wheelbase	2,770 mm	2,720 mm	2,720 mm
Wheels	18"	15" alloy	17" alloy
Headlights	Dual-lens LED	Full LED (MFR)	Full LED (MFR)
Rear lamps / DRL	LED, dynamic indicators	Bulb	LED
Extras	Welcome lights	No sunroof	Sunroof, chrome grille

Cabin Comfort: Yacht-Style Luxury vs Practical Polish

Chery goes for drama, with a wave-like cabin, six-way electric driver's seat, ambient lighting, opposite-opening armrest and a yacht-style gear lever. Hyundai focuses on everyday usefulness, with a 474-litre boot, rear occupant alert and a power driver's seat with lumbar support on Comfort. Interiors come in black, medium gray or cashmere beige.

Cabin Feature	Chery Arrizo 8	Elantra Smart	Elantra Comfort
Seating	5	5	5
Driver seat	6-way electric	Manual	8-way power, lumbar
Climate	Automatic AC	AC with rear duct	AC with rear duct
Start	Not specified	Keyless entry	Smart key, push button
Steering / shifter	Yacht-style gear lever	Standard	Leather-wrapped
Boot	Not specified	474 L	474 L

Big-Screen Drama or Smart Everyday Tech?

The Arizo 8's 24.6-inch duplex surrounding screen is the biggest display in this comparison. It also adds a 540-degree camera and 50W wireless charging. The Elantra Smart has an 8-inch screen, while Comfort steps up to a 10.25-inch display and a 10.25-inch digital cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Technology	Chery Arrizo 8	Elantra Smart	Elantra Comfort
Main display	24.6" duplex screen	8"	10.25"
Driver display	Part of duplex screen	4.2"	10.25" colour LCD
Smartphone link	Not specified	CarPlay, Android Auto	Wireless CarPlay, Android Auto
Charging	50W wireless	Check with dealer	Check with dealer
Speakers	Not specified	6	6
Camera	540° panoramic	Rear camera	Rear camera

Safety: 18 ADAS Functions vs Core Essentials

This is the Arrizo 8's strongest area, since Chery lists 18 ADAS functions. The Elantra covers the basics well, with ABS, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX anchors, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and front and rear parking sensors. Hyundai's brochure does not list advanced driver-assist features for these trims.

Safety	Chery Arrizo 8	Hyundai Elantra
ADAS	18 functions	Not listed
Airbags	Check UAE specification	2 (per brochure)
ABS / stability control	Yes	Yes
Tyre pressure monitor	Yes	Yes
Parking aids	540° camera	Rear camera, front and rear sensors
Child seats	Not specified	ISOFIX, rear seat alert

Price Check: How Far Apart Are They

Model	UAE Price
Chery Arrizo 8	AED 79,900
Hyundai Elantra Smart	AED 81,900
Hyundai Elantra Comfort	AED 94,395

Our Take: Which Sedan Is Right for You

Choose the Arrizo 8 if you want hybrid technology, a larger car, huge screens and advanced driver aids for the lowest price here. Choose the Elantra Smart if you prefer a simple, proven petrol sedan with Hyundai's styling and a lower-risk ownership story. 

Step up to Comfort if you want a sunroof, bigger displays and a power driver's seat. Still comparing? See five alternatives to the Arrizo 8 at AED 79,900.

Also Read: Beyond The Hyundai Creta: 5 SUVs UAE Buyers Should Consider Instead