VS
At a Glance
Power
201hp @ 6000
290hp @ 5800
Torque
195lb-ft @ 1500
311lb-ft @ 1650
Fuel
32 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Engine
1.6 L/98ci
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 201hp @ 6000 while the Hyundai Sonata produces 290hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Elantra returns 32 mpg est. while the Sonata uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,400 for the Elantra and $35,900 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 ElantraN Line Sedan 2026 - From $29,400
Hyundai SonataN Line FWD 2026 - From $35,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
201hp @ 6000
290hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft @ 1500
311lb-ft @ 1650
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
32 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35mpg
32 (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)
3020lbs
3534lbs
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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ 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 (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Hyundai Sonata
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Sonata?
The Elantra gets 32 mpg est. and the Sonata gets 28 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 201hp @ 6000 and 195lb-ft @ 1500 of torque while the Sonata delivers 290hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1650 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Sonata?
The Elantra starts from $29,400 and the Sonata from $35,900. The Elantra is cheaper by $6,500 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