2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The primary differentiator between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is the substantial MSRP gap, with the Elantra N positioned $10,850 cheaper at $35,100 versus the BMW's $45,950. Performance metrics show the Elantra N leads slightly in peak output, boasting 276 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp, although the 3 Series provides marginally more torque at 295 lb-ft versus 289 lb-ft. Fuel economy reveals a significant split: the BMW achieves a 31 MPG combined rating, substantially outperforming the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined figure. Dimensions are nearly identical, with the BMW being marginally longer at 185.9 inches versus 185.4 inches. Cargo space favors the 3 Series at 16.9 cu ft compared to the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft, indicating different priorities between these rear-wheel-drive (BMW) and front-wheel-drive (Hyundai) competitors.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The 2025 BMW 3 Series offers superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series provides greater practicality with a larger 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N provides a higher horsepower rating of 276 hp and features a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N offers superior power relative to its lower MSRP of $35,100, undercutting the BMW by $10,850.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the 7 MPG combined advantage (31 MPG vs. 24 MPG).
- Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred for driving characteristics.
- A slightly larger 16.9 cu ft trunk space is necessary for utility.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Maximizing initial affordability is key, with an MSRP of $35,100.
- The driver desires control via a 6-speed manual transmission.
- A higher peak output of 276 hp is prioritized over sustained efficiency.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 3 Series | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.9" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.8" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 436.8/546.0 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.7 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 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 | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/35R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | 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 BMW 3 Series and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience based on transmission?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for direct driver engagement. Conversely, the 2025 BMW 3 Series utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
What is the measurable difference in ownership cost related to fuel?
The BMW 3 Series delivers significantly better fuel economy at 31 MPG combined, whereas the Elantra N manages only 24 MPG combined, creating a measurable difference in long-term fuel expenses.
How does the base price impact the overall specification comparison?
The Hyundai Elantra N undercuts the BMW 3 Series by $10,850 in MSRP. Despite this, the Elantra N produces 21 more horsepower (276 hp vs. 255 hp) for the lower price point.
Is the power delivery different between the two sedans?
Yes, the BMW 3 Series outputs 295 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, while the front-wheel-drive Elantra N produces 289 lb-ft of torque but achieves a higher peak horsepower figure of 276 hp.
How do the interior volumes compare?
The BMW 3 Series offers 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing more usable storage volume than the 14.2 cu ft offered in the Hyundai Elantra N.
Are both vehicles similar in exterior footprint?
The overall dimensions are very close; the BMW 3 Series is slightly longer at 185.9 inches compared to the Elantra N's 185.4 inches, while both share the exact same width of 71.9 inches.
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