2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
Deciding between refined German luxury and aggressive Korean performance on a budget is a common hurdle for compact sedan buyers. The 2025 Audi A4 starts at a higher MSRP of $44,100, immediately placing it in a more premium bracket than the $35,100 2026 Hyundai Elantra N. While the Audi offers more power efficiency with a combined 26 MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG, the Elantra N edges out the A4 in raw output, boasting 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the A4's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. The Audi, being slightly larger at 187.5 inches long, sacrifices a bit of utility, as the Elantra N provides 14.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the A4's 12 cu ft. Furthermore, the A4's requirement for premium fuel across its AWD system contrasts with the FWD, manual-equipped Elantra N.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, delivering 32 MPG on the highway versus the Elantra N's 29 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is better suited for families needing more space, offering 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A4's 12 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Enthusiasts will favor the Elantra N for its higher output of 276 hp and the engaging experience of a 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides superior performance metrics for $9,000 less than the Audi A4, making it the clear value champion.
Choose the Audi A4 if...
- You prioritize all-wheel drive traction and prefer the smooth operation of an automated manual transmission.
- You want better fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG combined from the Audi A4.
- You value the established luxury feel associated with the $44,100 MSRP entry point of the Audi brand.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You crave maximum engagement and prefer shifting your own gears via the 6-speed manual transmission.
- You want the highest potential power, leveraging the Elantra N's 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
- You need more usable storage space, benefiting from the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft cargo area.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 185.4" |
| Width | 72.7" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 245/35R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Is the Audi A4’s all-wheel drive worth the extra cost over the Elantra N’s front-wheel drive?
If you frequently drive in inclement weather requiring superior grip, the A4’s AWD is a benefit. However, the Elantra N saves you $9,000 upfront and still offers strong performance despite being FWD.
Which car has better power—the A4 or the Elantra N?
Technically, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N has the edge with 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, slightly exceeding the 2025 Audi A4's 261 hp and 273 lb-ft.
How does the fuel requirement compare between these two performance sedans?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, which means running costs will be similar at the pump. The Audi A4 does offer slightly better efficiency overall at 26 MPG combined compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
Which sedan is better for hauling luggage?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is the winner here, providing 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is noticeably more than the Audi A4's 12 cubic feet capacity.
What is the main difference in driving experience between the two transmissions?
The A4 uses a 7-speed automated manual for quicker, hands-off shifting, while the Elantra N features a traditional 6-speed manual that requires driver input for maximum involvement.
How do the overall dimensions stack up for parking purposes?
The Elantra N is slightly more compact, measuring 185.4 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, making it marginally easier to maneuver and park than the 187.5-inch long Audi A4.
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