VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
191hp @ 6100
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
181lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
35 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Elantra delivers 147hp @ 6200 while the Hyundai Sonata produces 191hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Elantra returns 35 mpg est. while the Sonata uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,175 for the Elantra and $30,500 for the Sonata. 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.
Specification
Hyundai ElantraLimited Sedan 2026 - From $27,175
Hyundai SonataSEL Sport AWD 2026 - From $30,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
191hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
181lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
35 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
30mpg
25 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
40mpg
34 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
15.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.4in
193.3in
Width (in)
71.9in
73.2in
Height (in)
55.7in
56.9in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
111.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2868lbs
3466lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Elantra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonata
Fuel Economy
Elantra
Value
Elantra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Elantra
Better fuel economy (35 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($27,175)
Few notable weaknesses
Hyundai Sonata
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Sonata?
The Elantra gets 35 mpg est. and the Sonata gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Elantra is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Elantra or Sonata?
The Elantra produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Sonata delivers 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Sonata?
The Elantra starts from $27,175 and the Sonata from $30,500. The Elantra is cheaper by $3,325 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Elantra or the Sonata?
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