2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Comparison Overview
Picking between raw performance fun and refined luxury often boils down to budget, and that’s exactly where the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N ($34,350) clashes with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($48,450). If your dilemma is balancing thrills against prestige, the $14,100 price gap is substantial. The Elantra N screams excitement with 276 hp from its front-wheel-drive setup and a standard 6-speed manual, targeting driving purity. However, the C-Class offers a more mature package, boasting a better 29 MPG combined versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined, despite needing only premium fuel for both. Although the Elantra N makes 21 more horsepower, the Mercedes counters with 6 more lb-ft of torque (295 vs. 289) and a more efficient 9-speed automatic. The Elantra is also slightly smaller overall, measuring 185.4 inches long compared to the C-Class’s 187.0 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N offers slightly more usable space, boasting 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the C-Class's 11.6 cubic feet.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N satisfies the pure enthusiast with 276 hp delivered exclusively through a 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N offers a significantly lower entry price point at $34,350, undercutting the C-Class by $14,100.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You prioritize maximum fun-to-drive engagement with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
- Your budget is strictly under $35,000, as the MSRP is $34,350.
- You need slightly more storage capacity, benefiting from 14.2 cu ft of trunk space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if...
- Long-term running costs are important, given the C-Class’s 29 MPG combined fuel rating.
- You prefer smoother, automatic driving, utilizing the 9-speed shiftable transmission.
- You desire a more prestigious brand image associated with the $48,450 entry price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 187.0" |
| Width | 71.9" | 74.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 25/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 435.0/609.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | 5 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 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 | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 245/40R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How much more power does the Elantra N have over the C-Class?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N produces 276 horsepower, which is 21 hp more than the 255 hp generated by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Is the Mercedes C-Class significantly less fuel-efficient since it’s rear-wheel drive?
No, surprisingly the C-Class is quite efficient for its class, achieving 29 MPG combined with its RWD and 9-speed automatic, beating the FWD Elantra N's 24 MPG combined.
Which sedan has better straight-line acceleration potential?
While the Elantra N has more peak horsepower (276 hp), the C-Class has slightly higher peak torque at 295 lb-ft, and its 9-speed automatic might launch better than the Elantra's manual gearbox.
What is the cost difference between these two luxury/sport sedans?
There is a significant $14,100 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP); the Elantra N starts at $34,350 while the C-Class begins at $48,450.
Does one car offer more practical cargo room for daily errands?
Yes, the Hyundai Elantra N offers better utility for cargo, providing 14.2 cubic feet of space compared to the C-Class's smaller 11.6 cubic feet.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class require the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
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