VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
188hp @ 6000
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
180lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
35 mpg est.
33 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 188hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Elantra returns 35 mpg est. while the Altima uses 33 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $23,750 for the Elantra and $27,580 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.
Specification
Hyundai ElantraSEL Sport Sedan 2026 - From $23,750
Nissan AltimaSV FWD 2026 - From $27,580
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
188hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
180lb-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
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
35 mpg est.
33 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
30mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
40mpg
39 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
16.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.4in
192.9in
Width (in)
71.9in
72.9in
Height (in)
55.7in
56.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2868lbs
3281lbs
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
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ 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 (35 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($23,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Altima
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (33 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elantra or Altima?
The Elantra gets 35 mpg est. and the Altima gets 33 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 188hp @ 6000 and 180lb-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 $23,750 and the Altima from $27,580. The Elantra is cheaper by $3,830 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