2025 Ford Mustang vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity is the $3,180 MSRP gap, with the 2025 Ford Mustang starting at $31,920 versus the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N at $35,100. Power delivery favors the Mustang significantly, generating 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the Elantra N's 276 hp and 289 lb-ft. However, the Elantra N offers greater practicality with a slightly larger 14.2 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft. Fuel economy is marginal, with the Mustang achieving 26 combined MPG while the Elantra N achieves 24 combined MPG. The Mustang's RWD architecture and standard 10-speed automatic contrast with the Elantra N's FWD and standard 6-speed manual transmission, defining their distinct driving dynamics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang offers superior fuel efficiency at 26 combined MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG, making daily driving slightly less costly.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Although both are coupe/sedan designs, the Elantra N provides marginally better utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang delivers a 39 hp advantage, producing 315 hp and superior torque at 350 lb-ft, which enthusiasts prioritizing raw output will favor.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang provides 39 more horsepower and slightly better fuel economy for a $3,180 lower entry price point.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You require the higher output of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the traditional RWD layout combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- You prioritize the lower starting MSRP of $31,920 over the Elantra N's pricing.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- A standard 6-speed manual transmission is essential for your driving experience.
- You prioritize the FWD configuration for specific traction characteristics.
- You need the marginally greater cargo volume of 14.2 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 75.4" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.0" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.0" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/33 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/528.0 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.3 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Satellite Radio | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.9 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/50R18 | 245/35R |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which vehicle is inherently faster based on power figures?
The 2025 Ford Mustang is rated at 315 hp, giving it a significant 39 hp advantage over the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N's 276 hp. This power difference suggests the Mustang will deliver superior straight-line acceleration.
How does the mandatory transmission choice affect the driving experience?
The Mustang comes standard with a 10-speed shiftable automatic, catering to ease of use, whereas the Elantra N mandates a 6-speed manual, which appeals directly to drivers seeking maximum mechanical engagement.
Is there a substantial difference in running costs regarding fuel economy?
The Mustang is slightly more economical, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 combined MPG, though both require premium unleaded fuel.
Which car offers better practicality for hauling items?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N offers a slightly larger usable space with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Ford Mustang's 13.5 cu ft.
How significant is the price difference between these two performance models?
The Mustang commands a lower entry price by $3,180, starting at $31,920, while the Elantra N begins at $35,100.
Do the drive types (RWD vs FWD) significantly separate these cars?
Yes, the Mustang utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) setup, traditional for a muscle car, whereas the Elantra N employs Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which heavily influences handling characteristics.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool