What To Know
- The Sentra features a minimalist dashboard design with a user-friendly infotainment system, while the Elantra boasts a more modern and upscale interior with soft-touch materials and a larger touchscreen display.
- The Hyundai Elantra offers slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Sentra, with ratings of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway compared to the Sentra’s 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
- The Hyundai Elantra has a slightly better infotainment system than the Nissan Sentra, with a larger touchscreen display and more advanced features, such as a wireless charging pad and a surround-view camera system.
The compact sedan segment is a fiercely competitive one, with automakers vying for customers’ attention with a wide range of offerings. Two of the most popular contenders in this class are the Nissan Sentra and the Hyundai Elantra. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and style, but which one is the better choice for discerning buyers? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put the Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra head-to-head in a comprehensive comparison.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Nissan Sentra offers two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder producing 124 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 149 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Sentra with the 1.8-liter engine achieves up to 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine offers slightly lower fuel economy, with ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Elantra, meanwhile, provides slightly better fuel economy across the board, with ratings of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra both offer a comfortable and refined ride, with well-tuned suspensions that absorb bumps and imperfections in the road. However, the Elantra has a slight edge in handling, thanks to its more responsive steering and sportier suspension setup.
Interior Design and Features
Inside, the Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. The Sentra features a minimalist dashboard design with a user-friendly infotainment system, while the Elantra boasts a more modern and upscale interior with soft-touch materials and a larger touchscreen display.
In terms of features, both vehicles offer a generous array of amenities, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a variety of driver-assistance systems. However, the Elantra offers a few more advanced features, such as a wireless charging pad and a surround-view camera system.
Safety
Both the Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Sentra earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, while the Elantra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS.
Price and Value
The Nissan Sentra has a starting price of $19,990, while the Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850. However, the Elantra offers a more generous array of features and a slightly better overall value proposition.
Which One is Right for You?
The Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra are both excellent choices in the compact sedan segment. The Sentra offers a lower starting price and a more spacious interior, while the Elantra boasts better fuel economy, more advanced features, and a sportier handling experience. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering the Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Elantra, you may also want to check out these alternatives:
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
- Mazda3
- Kia Forte
- Subaru Impreza
Answers to Your Questions
1. Which car has better fuel economy, the Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra offers slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Sentra, with ratings of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway compared to the Sentra’s 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
2. Which car has a more spacious interior, the Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Elantra?
The Nissan Sentra offers a more spacious interior than the Hyundai Elantra, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
3. Which car has a better infotainment system, the Nissan Sentra or Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra has a slightly better infotainment system than the Nissan Sentra, with a larger touchscreen display and more advanced features, such as a wireless charging pad and a surround-view camera system.