VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
149hp @ 6400
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
146lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
35 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
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 147hp @ 6200 while the Nissan Sentra produces 149hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Elantra returns 35 mpg est. while the Sentra uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $25,075 for the Elantra and $27,990 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.
Specification
Hyundai ElantraSEL Sport Premium Sedan 2026 - From $25,075
Nissan SentraSL Sedan 2026 - From $27,990
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
149hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
146lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
35 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
30mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
40mpg
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)
2868lbs
3177lbs
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
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Elantra
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sentra
Fuel Economy
Elantra
Value
Elantra
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Elantra
Better fuel economy (35 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($25,075)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Sentra
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (34 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Sentra?
The Elantra gets 35 mpg est. and the Sentra gets 34 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 Sentra?
The Elantra produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Sentra delivers 149hp @ 6400 and 146lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Sentra?
The Elantra starts from $25,075 and the Sentra from $27,990. The Elantra is cheaper by $2,915 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