VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
182hp @ 6000
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
36 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Altima is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Elantra delivers 147hp @ 6200 while the Nissan Altima produces 182hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Elantra returns 36 mpg est. while the Altima uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $22,625 for the Elantra and $30,480 for the Altima. 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)
147hp @ 6200
182hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
31mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
40mpg
37 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
16gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.4in
192.9in
Width (in)
71.9in
72.9in
Height (in)
55.7in
57.4in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2868lbs
3440lbs
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Elantra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Altima
Fuel Economy
Elantra
Value
Elantra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Elantra
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($22,625)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Altima
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Altima?
The Elantra gets 36 mpg est. and the Altima gets 32 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 Altima?
The Elantra produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Altima delivers 182hp @ 6000 and 178lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. The Altima is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Altima?
The Elantra starts from $22,625 and the Altima from $30,480. The Elantra is cheaper by $7,855 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Elantra or the Altima?
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