2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N (Car1) and the 2025 Subaru WRX (Car2) is the $3,400 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Elantra N listed at $34,350 versus the WRX's $37,750. Performance specs reveal the Elantra N leads in peak output, boasting 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the WRX's 271 hp and 258 lb-ft. Efficiency metrics favor Hyundai, as the Elantra N achieves a combined 24 MPG, exceeding the WRX's 22 MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. Furthermore, the Elantra N offers superior utility with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, against the WRX's 12.5 cubic feet. However, the WRX counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a mechanical advantage absent in the FWD Elantra N, potentially justifying its higher cost for specific buyers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2025 Elantra N is the better commuter choice due to its 2 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (24 MPG vs 22 MPG).
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N offers 1.7 cubic feet more usable storage, providing 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The standard All-Wheel Drive system of the Subaru WRX provides superior traction capabilities crucial for spirited driving compared to the Elantra N's Front-Wheel Drive.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N undercuts the Subaru WRX's MSRP by $3,400 while offering superior horsepower and torque figures.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Budget is paramount, as the $34,350 MSRP saves $3,400 over the competitor.
- Optimal fuel efficiency is desired, noted by its 24 combined MPG versus 22 MPG for Car2.
- Maximum usable trunk space is required, as 14.2 cu ft exceeds Car2's 12.5 cu ft capacity.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- Year-round all-weather capability is essential due to its standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.
- A lower peak torque figure (258 lb-ft vs 289 lb-ft) is acceptable in exchange for AWD.
- The slightly taller stance (57.8 inches vs 55.7 inches) provides a marginal perceived increase in ride height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 183.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 258 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 11.6 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 | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 49.3 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 245/40R |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2025 Subaru WRX.
Which car requires premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2025 Subaru WRX require or recommend premium unleaded fuel for peak performance. The Elantra N explicitly requires it, while the WRX recommends it to achieve its published 271 horsepower rating.
How significant is the drivetrain difference?
The difference is fundamental: the Elantra N utilizes Front-Wheel Drive, while the WRX features standard All-Wheel Drive. This gives the WRX a distinct mechanical advantage in low-traction environments, despite the Elantra N having higher overall horsepower (276 hp vs 271 hp).
Does the price gap reflect better performance in Car1?
Yes, the Hyundai Elantra N, priced $3,400 lower, actually produces slightly more power with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the WRX's 271 hp and 258 lb-ft.
Which sedan is physically larger?
The Hyundai Elantra N is slightly longer at 185.4 inches versus the WRX's 183.8 inches. However, the Subaru WRX is taller, measuring 57.8 inches high against the Elantra N's 55.7 inches.
Is the Elantra N more practical for cargo?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 1.7 cubic feet more than the 12.5 cubic feet available in the 2025 Subaru WRX sedan.
What is the transmission similarity between these two models?
Both performance sedans are strictly offered with a 6-speed manual transmission in these specific configurations, appealing to drivers who prefer direct gear control.
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