2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Cadillac CT4 kicks off the excitement with its elegant RWD architecture and a respectable 237 hp, aiming for premium composure right from its $34,995 starting point. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N brings pure track-day ferocity, boasting 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque paired exclusively with a thrilling 6-speed manual transmission. While the CT4 offers a slightly better combined fuel economy at 26 MPG, the Elantra N demands premium fuel (required vs. recommended for the Cadillac) and delivers 39 more horsepower for spirited driving. Furthermore, the Elantra N provides substantially more utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Cadillac's meager 10.7 cu ft, showcasing a potent blend of performance and practicality that challenges the luxury newcomer's traditional appeal.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 wins for commuting due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is the better choice for families as it offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N dominates the enthusiast segment with its substantial 276 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 offers a compelling luxury proposition for $105 less, starting at $34,995 compared to the Elantra N's $35,100 MSRP.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- You prioritize RWD dynamics and a smoother 8-speed automatic for daily cruising.
- You need the slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the classic, tailored feel of Cadillac styling starting under $35,000.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Your driving priority is raw power, evidenced by its 276 hp output.
- You demand the visceral engagement of a standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
- You need greater utility, benefiting from the 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT4 | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.0" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/32 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 374.0/544.0 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.9 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | P225/45R17 | 245/35R |
| Tire Type | ✓ | Performance |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
How significant is the performance difference between the CT4 and the Elantra N?
The Elantra N holds a clear advantage with 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, which is 39 more horsepower than the CT4's 237 hp. This power discrepancy, combined with the Elantra N's FWD layout, means it will likely outperform the RWD CT4 in straight-line acceleration.
Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for long commutes?
The 2025 Cadillac CT4 is the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 26 MPG (22/32 City/Highway) compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined rating. Additionally, the CT4 recommends premium fuel, whereas the Elantra N requires it.
Does the difference in drive type affect daily driving feel?
Yes, the CT4 utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform, often favored for balanced handling, while the Elantra N is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which can provide better traction control in slick conditions for some drivers.
Is the Cadillac CT4 significantly smaller than the Elantra N?
They are very close in size, but the Elantra N is slightly shorter in length (185.4 inches vs. 187.2 inches) and lower in height (55.7 inches vs. 56.0 inches). However, the Cadillac is marginally narrower at 71.4 inches.
Which car offers better overall utility for hauling items?
The Elantra N offers significantly more utility for cargo. It boasts 14.2 cubic feet of storage capacity, which is substantially larger than the Cadillac CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.
Which vehicle targets the enthusiast driver more directly?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is the dedicated enthusiast model, evidenced by its higher power output and standard 6-speed manual transmission, contrasting with the CT4's focus on a luxury-oriented automatic setup.
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