2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2025 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Get ready for a clash of front-wheel-drive fury versus rear-wheel-drive heritage! The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N explodes onto the scene with 276 hp, offering serious point-to-point thrills at a sharp $34,350 MSRP. Its 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels delivers immediate, visceral engagement for the masses. Conversely, the 2025 Nissan Z enters as a pure sports car icon, boasting a commanding 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque from its RWD platform, commanding a $42,970 price tag. While the Z flexes superior raw power, the Elantra N is the efficiency champion, achieving a combined 24 MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG, a significant 4 MPG difference for daily pounding. The Elantra N’s compact 185.4-inch length combined with its substantial $8,620 lower starting price makes it incredibly accessible, while the Z delivers a larger power surplus for those chasing ultimate track potential.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N wins for commuters due to its superior combined 24 MPG fuel economy compared to the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
As the only sedan option with a practical 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, the Elantra N better serves family needs than the two-seat Z coupe.
2025 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z takes the enthusiast crown by offering a higher output of 400 hp and a classic Rear Wheel Drive layout.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides an excellent performance bargain, costing $8,620 less than the Nissan Z while still delivering 276 hp.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You need to minimize fuel stops, as the Elantra N achieves 29 MPG on the highway versus the Z's 24 MPG.
- Your budget is strictly under $35,000, given the Elantra N's $34,350 MSRP.
- You prefer the direct engagement of a FWD setup paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- You demand the maximum output, as the Nissan Z delivers 400 hp, a significant 124 hp more than the Elantra N.
- You value the purist driving dynamics of a Rear Wheel Drive coupe layout.
- You are willing to pay the higher $42,970 MSRP for 350 lb-ft of torque and a classic two-door sports car body.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 172.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 55.7" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 100.4" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| 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 manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 245/45R |
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. |
| 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 N and 2025 Nissan Z.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Nissan Z than the 2025 Elantra N?
The Nissan Z is significantly more potent, offering 400 horsepower compared to the Elantra N's 276 horsepower. This results in a 124 hp advantage for the Z, translating to superior acceleration potential.
Which car is cheaper to run daily regarding fuel?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N is the more economical choice for daily driving, achieving a combined 24 MPG. This is notably better than the Nissan Z's combined 20 MPG rating.
What is the significant MSRP difference between these two performance machines?
The 2025 Nissan Z starts at $42,970, making it $8,620 more expensive than the front-wheel-drive Elantra N, which begins at $34,350.
Do both cars offer the same manual transmission experience?
Both vehicles feature a 6-speed manual transmission, but the Elantra N sends power via FWD while the Z utilizes a classic RWD setup, offering different levels of driver feedback and handling characteristics.
Is the 2025 Nissan Z small enough to be more nimble than the Elantra N?
Surprisingly, the Nissan Z is physically shorter at 172.4 inches compared to the Elantra N’s 185.4 inches, though the Z is slightly wider at 72.6 inches versus the Elantra N’s 71.9 inches.
Which car requires premium fuel and how does that impact ownership?
Both cars mandate premium unleaded fuel, but the Elantra N requires it while the Z recommends it. This is important considering the Elantra N needs better fuel economy to offset its requirement, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the Z’s 24 MPG highway.
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