2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2025 Lexus IS
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2025 Lexus IS lies in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Elantra N priced at $34,350 versus the Lexus IS at $40,535—a $6,185 savings. Performance favors the Elantra N, delivering 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the IS's 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Despite the power advantage, the Lexus IS achieves a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG, though both mandate premium fuel. Furthermore, the Elantra N offers superior utility with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the IS's 10.8 cu ft. Their exterior footprints are virtually identical in length at 185.4 inches, but the IS is marginally wider (72.4 inches vs. 71.9 inches).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS achieves a slightly better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG, which benefits daily travel efficiency over the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N provides 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly larger than the Lexus IS’s 10.8 cu ft for practical utility.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N is superior for performance driving enthusiasts due to its higher output of 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, alongside a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N delivers 35 more horsepower and substantially more cargo space for $6,185 less than the Lexus IS.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Maximum straight-line power is the primary concern, as it boasts 276 horsepower.
- A lower purchase price of $34,350 is required for entry into the segment.
- The driver prefers full manual control with the inclusion of a 6-speed manual transmission.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred over the Elantra N's front-wheel drive setup.
- A marginal increase in fuel efficiency, achieving 31 Highway MPG, is prioritized.
- A slightly wider body dimension (72.4 inches) and slightly taller stance (56.5 inches) is desirable.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 110.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 21/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 365.4/539.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 44.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 32.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 235/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2025 Lexus IS.
Is the power difference between the 2025 Elantra N and IS significant for performance driving?
Yes, the Elantra N offers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, a substantial 35 hp advantage over the IS's 241 hp. This extra output, combined with the standard manual transmission, positions the Elantra N as the sharper performance machine on paper.
How do the fuel economy and fuel requirements compare for these two sedans?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, but the Lexus IS nudges ahead slightly with a combined rating of 25 MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG. Highway efficiency is also slightly better in the IS at 31 MPG compared to 29 MPG for the Elantra N.
Which vehicle offers better real-world utility for carrying cargo?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N is clearly better equipped for utility, offering 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Lexus IS is significantly more constrained with only 10.8 cubic feet of storage space.
Why is the Lexus IS substantially more expensive than the Elantra N?
The Lexus IS commands an MSRP of $40,535, which is $6,185 more than the Elantra N's $34,350 base price. This difference often reflects brand positioning, standard luxury appointments, and the choice of a rear-wheel-drive platform versus the Elantra N's FWD setup.
How do the transmission options affect the driving experience?
The Elantra N comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to drivers who want direct clutch engagement. Conversely, the IS utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, prioritizing automated performance shifts.
Are there noticeable physical size differences between the two sedans?
Dimensionally, the vehicles are nearly identical in length (185.4 inches). However, the Lexus IS is marginally wider by 0.5 inches (72.4 inches vs. 71.9 inches) and taller by 0.8 inches (56.5 inches vs. 55.7 inches).
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