VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque
195lb-ft @ 1500
146lb-ft @ 4400
Engine
1.6 L/98cc
2.0 L/122cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Elantra delivers 201hp @ 6000 while the Nissan Sentra produces 149hp @ 6400. Pricing starts at $29,400 for the Elantra and $23,370 for the Sentra. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 6000
149hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft @ 1500
146lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98cc
2.0 L/122cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35mpg
38 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.4in
183in
Width (in)
71.9in
71.5in
Height (in)
55.7in
57.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
106.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3020lbs
3097lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Sentra
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sentra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Elantra
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Nissan Sentra
Lower starting price ($23,370)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Elantra or Sentra?
The Elantra produces 201hp @ 6000 and 195lb-ft @ 1500 of torque while the Sentra delivers 149hp @ 6400 and 146lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Sentra?
The Elantra starts from $29,400 and the Sentra from $23,370. The Sentra is cheaper by $6,030 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Elantra or the Sentra?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider