VS
At a Glance
Power
276hp @ 5500
228hp @ 6500
Torque
289lb-ft @ 2100
258lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
25 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra N and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Elantra N delivers 276hp @ 5500 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 228hp @ 6500. On fuel, the Elantra N returns 25 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,300 for the Elantra N and $33,745 for the Jetta. 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 Elantra NManual 2026 - From $35,300
Volkswagen JettaAutobahn DSG 2026 - From $33,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
276hp @ 5500
228hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
289lb-ft @ 2100
258lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Manual
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.4in
186.9in
Width (in)
71.9in
70.8in
Height (in)
55.7in
57.3in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3186lbs
3311lbs
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
Volkswagen Jetta
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Elantra N
Fuel Economy
Jetta
Value
Jetta
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Elantra N
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Jetta
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,745)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra N or Jetta?
The Elantra N gets 25 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Jetta 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 N or Jetta?
The Elantra N produces 276hp @ 5500 and 289lb-ft @ 2100 of torque while the Jetta delivers 228hp @ 6500 and 258lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Elantra N is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elantra N and Jetta?
The Elantra N starts from $35,300 and the Jetta from $33,745. The Jetta is cheaper by $1,555 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Elantra N or the Jetta?
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