2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs 2025 Nissan Sentra
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (car1) and the 2025 Nissan Sentra (car2) is fuel economy, with the Elantra Hybrid achieving a superior combined 54 MPG compared to the Sentra's 34 MPG, translating to a 20 MPG advantage. This efficiency comes at a cost, as the Elantra Hybrid has an MSRP of $25,450, which is $3,860 more than the Sentra's $21,590 base price. Performance specs show the Sentra yields marginally higher power with 149 horsepower versus the Elantra Hybrid's 139 hp, though the Elantra Hybrid counters with significantly more torque at 195 lb-ft compared to the Sentra's 146 lb-ft. In terms of footprint, the Elantra Hybrid is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, while cargo capacities are nearly identical at 14.2 cu ft (car1) and 14.3 cu ft (car2). The transmission difference favors the Sentra for perceived smoothness with its CVT versus the Elantra's 6-speed automated manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Elantra Hybrid's dominant 51/58 MPG city/highway rating offers substantially lower operational costs for daily travel.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Sentra offers a lower initial purchase price of $21,590 and marginally better headroom due to its 56.9-inch height, making it the slightly more budget-friendly baseline family transport.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Despite lower horsepower, the Elantra Hybrid's 195 lb-ft of torque provides a measurable advantage in pulling power over the Sentra's 146 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
While the initial cost is higher, the 20 MPG combined efficiency premium suggests greater long-term value through fuel savings.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid if...
- Fuel savings are paramount, indicated by the 54 MPG combined rating versus 34 MPG for car2.
- Superior low-end responsiveness is desired due to the 195 lb-ft of torque output.
- The driver prioritizes the highest possible highway efficiency, reaching 58 MPG on the highway.
Choose the Nissan Sentra if...
- Minimizing initial outlay is the top priority, as the MSRP is $3,860 lower at $21,590.
- Slightly more maximum power is preferred, as the Sentra outputs 149 hp compared to car1's 139 hp.
- A continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) is preferred over an automated manual.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 182.7" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 106.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Drum Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 51/58 MPG | 30/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 54 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 561.0/638.0 mi. | 372.0/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.0 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.5 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 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | P205/60R H |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and 2025 Nissan Sentra.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid to buy initially?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $25,450, making it $3,860 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Sentra, which has a base price of $21,590.
Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs based on fuel efficiency?
The Elantra Hybrid is superior for long-term running costs, achieving a combined 54 MPG. The Sentra only manages 34 MPG combined, resulting in a significant 20 MPG difference favoring the Hyundai.
Does the Sentra offer more performance power than the Elantra Hybrid?
The Nissan Sentra produces 149 horsepower, slightly edging out the Elantra Hybrid's 139 hp. However, the Elantra Hybrid compensates with considerably higher torque at 195 lb-ft versus the Sentra's 146 lb-ft.
Are there significant differences in physical size or interior space?
The dimensions are close; the Elantra Hybrid is marginally longer (185.4 inches vs. 182.7 inches) and offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, almost identical to the Sentra's 14.3 cu ft.
What type of transmissions do these two sedans use?
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid utilizes a 6-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the Nissan Sentra is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Which car utilizes regular unleaded gasoline?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and the 2025 Nissan Sentra are specified to use regular unleaded fuel.
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