2025 Audi S3 vs 2025 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 explodes onto the scene with 328 hp delivered efficiently through its Quattro AWD and lightning-fast 7-speed automated manual, aiming squarely at German precision despite its smaller 8.3 cu ft trunk. Contrast this sophisticated missile with the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N, a raw, unfiltered driver’s machine boasting a pure 6-speed manual transmission and a colossal 14.2 cu ft of cargo space. While the Audi boasts a substantial 52 horsepower advantage, the Elantra N counters by offering incredible accessibility at $34,350, undercutting the S3’s $48,700 MSRP by a massive $14,350. Both demand premium fuel, but the S3 squeezes out slightly better efficiency with 26 combined MPG compared to the Elantra N’s 24 combined MPG, illustrating a battle between accessible, visceral engagement and higher-tier, nuanced performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 wins due to its superior 26 combined MPG rating, offering slightly better fuel economy for daily driving.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is the clear family choice, providing significantly more utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 takes the enthusiast crown with a higher output of 328 hp and the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N offers significantly better bang for the buck, priced $14,350 less than the Audi S3 while still delivering 276 horsepower.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize superior straight-line performance, benefiting from 328 hp versus the competition's 276 hp.
- You demand the superior traction and stability provided by standard all-wheel drive.
- You prefer the rapid-fire shifting of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Your budget is firm, as the Elantra N saves you $14,350 with an MSRP of $34,350.
- You require maximum usable space, as the 14.2 cu ft cargo area dwarfs the S3’s 8.3 cu ft.
- You prefer the pure mechanical connection of a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.5" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 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) | 23/31 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | — | Bose |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| 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 Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 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 Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/35R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2025 Hyundai Elantra N.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Audi S3 compared to the Elantra N?
The 2025 Audi S3 generates a notable 328 horsepower, which is 52 hp more than the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N’s 276 horsepower rating. This power difference translates directly into quicker acceleration times in the Audi.
Which sedan offers better practicality for hauling groceries or luggage?
The Hyundai Elantra N is the undisputed utility champion, boasting a spacious 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Audi S3 is notably constrained with only 8.3 cu ft of trunk space, making it less ideal for extensive hauling.
Why is the Audi S3 significantly more expensive than the Elantra N?
The Audi S3 commands a $48,700 MSRP compared to the Elantra N’s $34,350, a $14,350 difference that covers its higher output, standard Quattro all-wheel drive, and perceived luxury segment positioning.
Do both performance sedans require premium gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated horsepower figures and maintain engine health.
Which car provides a better fuel economy rating for city driving?
For the daily commute, the Audi S3 offers a slight edge, achieving an EPA rating of 23 MPG in the city compared to the Elantra N’s 21 MPG city rating, despite both using required premium fuel.
What is the primary difference in the driving dynamics regarding the drivetrain?
The Audi S3 utilizes an advanced all-wheel drive system paired with a 7-speed automated manual for maximum grip and speed, whereas the Elantra N channels its 276 hp exclusively through the front wheels via a row-it-yourself 6-speed manual.
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