2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi S3 (car1) and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N (car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Audi commanding a $13,600 premium at $48,700 compared to the Hyundai’s $35,100. Performance figures show the Audi leads significantly with 328 hp versus the Elantra N's 276 hp, although torque is nearly identical at 295 lb-ft versus 289 lb-ft. Fuel economy presents a minor advantage for the S3, achieving 26 combined MPG against the Elantra N’s 24 combined MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel. Furthermore, utility differences are stark: the Elantra N offers substantially more cargo space at 14.2 cu ft compared to the S3’s compact 8.3 cu ft. Finally, drivetrain variation exists, as the Audi uses all-wheel drive, while the Hyundai exclusively utilizes front-wheel drive, affecting handling dynamics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3's all-wheel drive system offers superior all-weather predictability compared to the front-wheel drive Elantra N.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N provides 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more practical for family use than the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 delivers a 52 hp advantage (328 hp vs. 276 hp) and utilizes a quicker 7-speed automated manual transmission.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N saves buyers $13,600 in upfront costs while offering comparable torque levels.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize outright power, as the Audi S3 produces 328 hp.
- You require the security and traction benefits of an all-wheel drive system.
- You prefer the faster shifting response of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Budget is the primary constraint, evidenced by the $35,100 MSRP versus the S3's $48,700.
- You need superior hauling capability, thanks to its 14.2 cu ft cargo area.
- You prefer the tactile engagement of a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
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 Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| 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 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
What is the measurable performance gap between the Audi S3 and the Hyundai Elantra N?
The 2025 Audi S3 has a measurable edge with 328 horsepower, leading the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N’s 276 horsepower by 52 hp. However, their torque figures are close, with the Audi at 295 lb-ft and the Hyundai at 289 lb-ft.
How much extra money does the Audi S3 cost upfront compared to the Elantra N?
The 2025 Audi S3 has an MSRP of $48,700, which is $13,600 more expensive than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N priced at $35,100.
Which sedan is more practical for carrying luggage or gear?
The Hyundai Elantra N is significantly more practical, offering 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Audi S3 is considerably tighter, restricted to only 8.3 cubic feet of trunk volume.
Do both performance sedans require premium gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi S3 and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N explicitly require premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.
What is the primary difference in handling hardware?
The Audi S3 comes equipped with an all-wheel drive system for balanced traction, whereas the Hyundai Elantra N is exclusively front-wheel drive.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare between the two cars?
The Audi S3 manages slightly better overall fuel efficiency at 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway), narrowly beating the Elantra N's 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway).
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