VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
228hp @ 6500
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
258lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
35 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Elantra delivers 147hp @ 6200 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 228hp @ 6500. On fuel, the Elantra returns 35 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 31 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $25,075 for the Elantra 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 ElantraSEL Sport Premium Sedan 2026 - From $25,075
Volkswagen JettaAutobahn Manual 2026 - From $33,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
228hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
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
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
35 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
30mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
40mpg
36mpg
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)
2868lbs
3241lbs
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
✓ 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
Jetta
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
Volkswagen Jetta
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (31 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Jetta?
The Elantra gets 35 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 31 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 Jetta?
The Elantra produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Jetta delivers 228hp @ 6500 and 258lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Jetta is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elantra and Jetta?
The Elantra starts from $25,075 and the Jetta from $33,745. The Elantra is cheaper by $8,670 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Elantra 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